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3/3/2015 Rep. Costantino proposes bill to create pothole hotline
STATE HOUSE – As a particularly harsh winter plays havoc with Rhode Island’s roads, one state representative has submitted legislation that would encourage motorists to report potholes quickly and easily.

Rep. Gregory J. Costantino (D-Dist. 44, Lincoln, Smithfield, Johnston) has submitted a bill (2015-H 5534) that would direct the Department of Transportation to set up a toll-free pothole report telephone line.

“Not only are these potholes damaging automobiles,” said Representative Costantino, “they are a safety issue as well. As motorists swerve to avoid them, they further risk collisions with vehicles and pedestrians. Quick and easy reporting of potholes would also save the state money by helping to avoid the large number of claims we see every year from drivers whose vehicles are damaged.”

The legislation would establish a toll-free hotline (1-800-POTHOLE or 1-888-POTHOLE, if available) that anyone could call to report a pothole. If the Department of Transportation determines that a pothole is not on a state highway, but one belonging to a city or town, the information would be made available to the responsible municipality.

The bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Kenneth A. Marshall (D-Dist. 68, Bristol, Warren), Charlene Lima (D-Dist. 14, Cranston, Providence), Thomas Winfield (D-Dist. 53, Smithfield, Glocester) and Raymond A. Hull (D-Dist. 6, Providence, North Providence). It has been referred to the House Finance Committee.


For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922