Potholes are a Problem at Holcomb Bridge Road Exit

Regular drivers of GA. 400 can report a host of reasons why the interstate frazzles their nerves. Those reasons range from the traffic jams to endless road projects. But now a new complaint has been added to the list–potholes the size of craters lining the left side of the Holcomb Bridge Road exit ramp.

The potholes are visible on the side of the ramp as you exit GA. 400 heading southbound.

There are several of them and they have been there for at least six months. Over that time, they have gotten wider and deeper. They range in size, but one of the larger ones measures about three feet wide and at least a foot deep.

While the potholes are not on the road, they can pose a hazard to drivers who inadvertently leave the road. Because of their size, the damage to a vehicle could be extensive.

Roswell resident Shirley Foxworthy, who travels on the exit daily, said she noticed the potholes about three months ago.

“I thought they would have been fixed by now,” Foxworthy said.

Foxworthy said she has not hit one, but that she worries if they get any wider they are going to get closer to the road. “If you just happen to go off the road there, you’ll be in trouble.”

Potholes are typically more pervasive following freezing weather. Roswell was among many other metro Atlanta cities that endured several weeks of freezing weather over the past winter. The ice that covered roads eventually thawed only to freeze up again. Experts say the constant freezing and thawing of the ice causes cement to eventually crumble, leading to the potholes.

If you hit a pothole, you could incur damage to your vehicle. This includes minor damage to your tires and wheels, as well as more severe results which include throwing your suspension out of whack and damaging your fender. There have even been cases of vehicle undercarriages being so damaged that the vehicle was deemed totaled. The costs for repairs can range easily exceed $300.

Roswell transportation Chief Steven Acenbrak said his office would look into repairing the potholes along GA. 400. A priority is determining if the Georgia Department of Transportation would be required to cover the costs of the repairs.

Acenbrak said he encouraged people who see them anywhere to notify the city and be sure they give the exact location of the pothole.

If you see one, call 770-594-6420 fill out a Citizen Action Request form that can be found on the city’s Web site. The complaint or request is entered into the transportation department's Task System to be inspected or addressed. Emergency situations, such as sinkholes, are given top priority.