How to Report Those Potholes on Tienken and Other Rochester-Area Roads
January thaw leads to pothole problems around town.
The Road Commission for Oakland County calls potholes a "never-ending problem."
Rochester Patch readers would agree.
More than 60 people posted comments on the Rochester Patch Facebook page Tuesday night when we asked about the worst potholes in the Rochester area.
Tienken Road received the most votes.
"I live on Tienken by Adams," posted Patch reader CJ Campbell. "I have been hearing tires popping all night."
UPDATE: On Wednesday morning, crews were working to fill in potholes on Tienken Road.
Other pothole-filled areas, as reported by Patch readers:
- South Boulevard between Adams and Coolidge.
- Letica north of the Older Persons' Commission building.
- East Gunn Road.
- University near the Village of Rochester Hills.
- Dequindre and Hamlin roads.
Reporting a pothole
County roads: If you see a pothole on a county road (which include Adams, Avon, Crooks, South, Tienken, Walton, Dutton and others ) you can report them to the Road Commission.
- For large potholes with sharp edges — the ones that can damage vehicles — call the Road Commission at (877) 858-4804.
- For other potholes, fill out a form online here to make a report.
Rochester Hills roads: For potholes on roads maintained by the city of Rochester Hills (which include Hamlin, Brewster, John R and others) make a report here online.
Rochester roads: Call the city's Department of Public Works at (248) 651-5165.
Michigan roads: For Rochester Road and other state-maintained roads, eport potholes online here.
Why all the potholes?
The January thaw is the biggest cause of the holes in the roads.
Potholes form when water flows into cracks, then freezes, expands, and pushes away the roadbed under the concrete or asphalt, according to information on the Road Commission website.
When temperatures rise, the ice melts, leaving an unsupported gap that becomes a pothole whenever cars, and especially trucks, pass over.
"Although potholes become plentiful when warm spells interrupt a long period of cold weather, such as the 'January thaw,' the largest number of potholes normally crops up in the spring as frost comes out of the ground," according to the Road Commission.
Have you been affected by a pothole this week?
mac
11:06 am on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
This morning on Tienken between Rochester and Livernois there were 5 cars I could count on the side of the road with flat tires and then in the sub on the north side of the road just east of Livernois there were two cars that pulled off of Tienken with flat tires!
J.R.
11:32 am on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Yep - I was one of those unlucky ones this morning. There were at least 5 other people by me who pulled off in Hollywood's lot. Not a fun start to the day.
brian t. dogge
1:07 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
I am sure all of the excessive road salt aids in the deterioriation of our roads and concrete curbs. The Road Commission needs to quit salting for a 1/4" of snow.
Frank D.
10:58 pm on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
How pathetic is this to call different number and/or connect to website links.. Why do we have to report this.. Can these government systems not find it for themselves.. Don't they come out of their comfortable offices..
May be I am dreaming.. All right .. why not ONE central 800 number and let them sort out who's responsibility it is..County Rd, Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills RD, MI RD..This allows for tracking and feedback to the tax payers..
May be this is way too simple or will suffer from the NIH syndrome..
Linda Lachowski
8:10 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2013
The main thing is that Tienken Road has become dangerous! It has been in need of resurfacing for a long time, and it was never done. Now that the road is beginning to crumble and large pot holes have appeared, this road needs attention ASAP to prevent any accidents!
Daniel L.
12:45 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
I hit a pothole on Wednesday night on Tienken and blew a tire as well! I've heard there is a process to get reimbursed from the State for the damages. Does anyone know if that is true and what the process is to file such a claim.