Birmingham Pothole Repair - Request Process & Timelines

Transportation Alabama 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Alabama

In Birmingham, Alabama, reporting potholes starts with the City of Birmingham Public Works request process. Use the city service page or phone to submit the exact location, photos, and any safety risk; the city reviews reports and schedules repairs through Public Works. Report a pothole[1] and provide intersection names or GPS coordinates when possible.

How reporting works

When you report a pothole, Public Works triages requests by severity and location. City streets are maintained by the city; state routes and interstates are the responsibility of the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). Provide a photo, the nearest address or intersection, lane location, and whether the pothole presents an immediate hazard.

  • Initial acknowledgment and triage times - not specified on the cited page.
  • Repair scheduling depends on severity and crew availability.
  • If the road is state-maintained, the report will be routed to ALDOT for action.
  • Emergency hazardous potholes should be reported by phone if immediate danger exists.
Use a clear photo and exact location to speed up repair scheduling.

What roads are covered

City-maintained local and collector streets are handled by Birmingham Public Works. State routes, U.S. highways, and interstates are managed by ALDOT; report those to the state agency or use the city portal if it forwards state issues.

Penalties & Enforcement

Official City of Birmingham repair programs focus on maintenance rather than civil penalties for potholes themselves. Specific fine amounts or administrative penalties for failing to repair a public street are not specified on the cited page.[1]

  • Fines - not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation - first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions may include repair orders or court action if an adjoining private party damages a public right-of-way; specific remedies are not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: City of Birmingham Public Works handles repairs and triage; code enforcement or legal offices may pursue violations when authorized.
  • Inspection and complaint pathway - file a report via the city service page or contact Public Works directly.
The city page does not publish fine amounts or statutory penalties for potholes.

Applications & Forms

No special application or permit is required to request a pothole repair; the city uses an online service request form or phone intake. The report page is the official submission method.[1]

Action steps to report and follow up

  • Locate the exact address or GPS coordinates and note lane and direction.
  • Take one or more clear photos showing scale and hazard.
  • Submit via the City of Birmingham Public Works pothole report page or call Public Works.
  • Record the request number and follow up if the repair is not scheduled or completed within a reasonable time.

FAQ

How do I report a pothole in Birmingham?
File a report on the City of Birmingham Public Works pothole reporting page or call the department with the exact location, photos, and hazard description.[1]
How long until a pothole is fixed?
Response and repair times vary by priority and crew availability; specific timelines are not specified on the cited page.[1]
Who is responsible for damage caused by a pothole?
Liability depends on whether the road is city or state-maintained and on specific circumstances; the city page does not specify claims procedures or compensation amounts.[1]

How-To

  1. Identify the exact location and take clear photos of the pothole.
  2. Go to the City of Birmingham Public Works report page and complete the online form or call the department.
  3. Save the request number and check for updates; if the road is a state route, expect routing to ALDOT.
  4. If the city does not act, inquire about appeals or escalate to city council or legal channels as appropriate.

Key Takeaways

  • Report promptly with location and photos to speed repairs.
  • City handles city streets; ALDOT handles state routes and interstates.
  • Keep your request number and follow up if repairs are delayed.

Help and Support / Resources


  1. [1] City of Birmingham Public Works - Report a Pothole