Our Blog

The Worst Roads for Potholes in Ohio and How to Stay Safe

Posted in Accident & Injury, Automobile, Car Accident, Community Outreach, In the news, Motorcycle Accident, Truck Accident on March 20, 2025

Ohio potholes

As winter officially ends and spring arrives, drivers in Ohio encounter a challenging reality: pothole season. From Cleveland to Cincinnati, the condition of the state’s roads has become a serious concern. Notably, the Cleveland/Akron area faces the worst road quality and significant infrastructure problems.

Potholes can lead to flat tires and suspension damage, which can be costly and dangerous. Also, poor road conditions force vehicles to work harder, increasing fuel consumption and faster wear on tires.

The State of Ohio’s Roads

A recent report by TRIP, a national transportation nonprofit, indicates that the Cleveland/Akron area has the worst roads and bridges among major cities in Ohio. Key statistics from the report include:

  • 35% of major roads are rated as “poor,” and 22% as “mediocre.”
  • Only 29% of roads are considered “good,” compared to the state average of 55%.
  • Cleveland/Akron drivers face an additional $763 in annual costs due to vehicle damage, increased fuel use, and accelerated depreciation caused by rough roads.
  • The area also has the highest rate of “structurally deficient” bridges (7%) and the lowest rate of bridges in “good” condition (49%).

High-Complaint Areas in Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati

Cleveland

  • West 117th Street and Lorain Avenue top the list, having received 37 repair requests since 2017.
    • Heavily affected intersections on West 117th include Madison Avenue, Carbon Road, and Berea Road.
  • Other areas with pothole complaints are:
    • Clifton Blvd and Lake Ave
    • Highway entrance ramp at Carnegie and Ontario
    • Cedar Avenue between East 79th and East 93rd
    • Terrace Road in East Cleveland

Reporting Potholes: Contact the City of Cleveland Citizen Support Specialists at 3-1-1 or 216-664-2000 or submit a request online at clevelandohio.gov/311.

Cincinnati

  • In the last six weeks, the number of complaints about potholes in Cincinnati has jumped by 46% compared to the same time last year, according to an analysis by the Enquirer. This means there have been 672 more reports about potholes this year compared to the first month and a half of last year.
  • 311Cincy has received 1,197 requests from people needing pothole repairs. Fortunately, their team has already completed 608 of those requests and filled in a remarkable 6,324 potholes.
  • The streets with the highest number of pothole complaints are River Road, Madison Road, and Montana Avenue.
  • Oakley, West Price Hill, and Sayler Park are the neighborhoods reporting the most potholes.

Reporting Potholes: Drivers can report potholes to the city by visiting 311Cincy.com or calling 311.

Columbus

Reporting Potholes: Residents can use the city’s 311 system by calling (614) 645-3111 or visiting the City of Columbus’ 311.

Safety Tips for Pothole Season

  1. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure: Properly inflated tires are better at handling bumps and holes in the road.
  2. Keep a Safe Following Distance: This helps you notice potholes early so you can slow down safely instead of having to brake suddenly.
  3. Reduce Speed in High-Risk Areas: Taking it easy while driving helps reduce the jolt you feel if you go over a pothole.
  4. Avoid Puddles When Possible: Potholes can be hard to see when they are covered by water.

Report Potholes to ODOT

If you experience vehicle damage due to a pothole on a state roadway, report the pothole and file a claim with the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Contact Elk + Elk

If you’ve experienced vehicle damage due to potholes, know your rights. Our Ohio car accident lawyers are here for you. Call 1-800-ELK-OHIO to request your free consultation today.