How to Report Those Potholes on Tienken and Other Rochester-Area Roads

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?