The Virginia Department of Transportation says crews are actively working to find and repair potholes across the state following a winter season of freezing temperatures, heavy snow and rain — conditions that accelerate pavement deterioration.

Potholes form when moisture seeps into pavement, freezes and expands, then thaws. The repeated cycle weakens the road surface, and traffic gradually loosens and breaks apart the pavement. VDOT says residents should expect more potholes than usual given the weather Virginia has experienced this winter.

“We know you see them and don’t like them, and we don’t like them either,” said Kevin Gregg, VDOT’s Chief of Maintenance and Operations. “Motorists can help ensure that potholes are identified and repaired as quickly as possible by reporting them through our Customer Service Center.”

When a pothole is reported, VDOT communicates it to local crews, who then inspect the damage and schedule repairs based on location, traffic volume and severity. During winter months, crews use cold-patch materials as a temporary fix. Permanent repairs require warmer temperatures.

VDOT is also asking drivers to slow down and move over when passing repair crews working on the roadway.

Residents can report potholes and other road problems through VDOT’s online form at my.vdot.virginia.gov or by calling 800-367-7623 (800-FOR-ROAD), available 24 hours a day.

VDOT handles repairs on state-maintained roads, including interstate highways and most primary and secondary roads. Potholes on city streets are the responsibility of local governments. Residents of Arlington and Henrico counties should also contact their local government for pothole repairs, as those jurisdictions maintain their own roads.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.