Road crews have patched more than 43,000 potholes in a pothole "blitz" across the state this month, state officials say.
Virginia Department of Transportation Spokesman Jeffrey Caldwell called this year's slew of potholes "above average" but not necessarily historic.
In 2003, for instance, then-Gov. Mark R. Warner ordered a blitz that resulted in 95,000 potholes fixed in two weeks, according to a VDOT official.
Gov. Bob McDonnell directed VDOT to stop non-emergency maintenance such as trash pickup and focus on potholes full-time during the March blitz. He called potholes "roadway hazards."
"VDOT has made great strides in addressing this year's bumper crop of potholes, but there is still work to be done," he said in a statement.
Crews have worked day and night shifts to patch potholes on interstates, primary and secondary roads, Caldwell said.
VDOT has budgeted $45.8 million for asphalt and concrete patching for the year ending June 30. This is on par with previous years.
VDOT is responsible for state-maintained roads, including interstates and most primary and secondary roads, except in Henrico County and Arlington. Cities are responsible for their own streets. Richmond has filled more than 3,000 in its own "blitz" since Feb. 16.
Henrico County has filled 430 potholes from March 1 to March 14, said Chris Winstead, Department of Public Works Assistant Director.
To report potholes in VDOT's jurisdiction, call (800) 367-ROAD (7623) or go to www.VirginiaDOT.org.
Contact Chris I.Young at (804) 649-6754 or cyoung@timesdispatch.com.
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