Portland Residents Face Rising Costs from Damaging Potholes
Timothy Taylor, a Portland, Oregon, resident, can hear the telltale clunk of cars hitting the massive pothole outside his home. Having already experienced the damage firsthand, he knows to steer clear. However, a similar road hazard recently cost him $1,000 to repair the suspension of his car.
“It’s just frustrating,” Taylor said. “You try to avoid them, but you can’t always see them.”
City officials have reported a rise in pothole-related damage claims, with the bureau receiving 693 in the last year.
While the city is implementing repair efforts, drivers like Taylor continue to face the consequences of deteriorating road conditions. The issue has become a significant concern for many.
“We know how important it is to address the damage quickly and get it fixed as soon as possible and get the streets back in place,” said Portland resident, Richard Donahue, Director of the Transportation Bureau.
The increased damage from potholes comes as a result of freezing and unfreezing of water and damage to the asphalt according to the Department of Transportation.
Like Timothy Taylor, vehicle suspension repair costs are the main reason for the dramatic increase in pothole-related claims.
In addition, city officials are focusing on identifying and repairing roadways in the city.
In an effort to manage these issues, Portland is working to keep vehicle maintenance repair costs low amid these challenges.
“We’ve done everything we can to fix the problems that are on the streets, but its not always an easy solution,” says the director of the Transportation Bureau about road maintenance.
Portland residents are also dealing with the challenges of road maintenance due to budget constraints, according to the study.
