Rhode Island Launches Pothole Repair Hotline and Dashboard

New tools aim to streamline reporting and tracking of road repairs on state highways

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:20pm

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An extreme macro photograph of a cracked, pitted asphalt road surface in shades of gray, brown, and black, conveying the worn and damaged texture of Rhode Island's deteriorating infrastructure.A new state program aims to streamline the reporting and repair of potholes on Rhode Island's notoriously poor road network.Providence Today

The state of Rhode Island has launched a new 24/7 hotline and online dashboard that will allow motorists to report and track pothole repairs on state roads. This comes after one of the harshest winters on record, which has left Rhode Island's highway system consistently ranked among the worst in the nation for overall condition and cost-effectiveness.

Why it matters

Rhode Island's roads have long been a source of frustration for drivers, with the state ranking near the bottom nationally for pavement quality on both urban and rural highways. This new reporting system is an effort by state officials to be more responsive to pothole issues and improve the condition of state roads.

The details

The new 511 hotline and online dashboard will allow Rhode Island motorists to directly report potholes on state roads. The information will be immediately entered into the state Department of Transportation's work order system, and crews will be dispatched to fill the reported potholes. So far this year, around 630 potholes have been reported to RIDOT, with nearly 600 already filled using 500 tons of asphalt.

  • The new hotline and dashboard launched on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Last month, Rhode Island's highway system was ranked 43rd in the nation for overall cost-effectiveness and condition.

The players

Daniel J. McKee

The Governor of Rhode Island, who announced the launch of the new pothole reporting tools.

Bob Rocchio

The Interim Director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, who stated the department is pleased to provide these tools to the public.

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What they’re saying

“'After one of the harshest winters Rhode Island has ever seen, our RIDOT crews are out in full force filling potholes and repairing roads. These new tools will streamline the process, making it easier and quicker for Rhode Islanders to report potholes on state roads. It's simple: see it, report it, and we'll handle the rest.'”

— Daniel J. McKee, Governor of Rhode Island

“'We are pleased to provide these tools for the public to make it easier for them to let us know about potholes they see on our roads so we can get them fixed right away. In the meantime, all our maintenance districts have been proactively patrolling the roads to identify and fill potholes.'”

— Bob Rocchio, Interim Director, Rhode Island Department of Transportation

What’s next

State officials said the hotline is only to report potholes on state roads, and residents should report any potholes on town or city roads to their respective municipal public works departments.

The takeaway

This new reporting system is a proactive step by Rhode Island to address the longstanding issue of poor road conditions, which have consistently ranked the state among the worst in the nation. By making it easier for drivers to report potholes, the state hopes to improve the responsiveness and effectiveness of its road repair efforts.