Report Potholes & Track Repairs - New South Memphis Municipal Guide

Transportation Tennessee 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

New South Memphis, Tennessee residents rely on municipal reporting to fix potholes on local streets and to know who is responsible for state routes. This guide explains how to report a pothole, what departments handle repairs, how to track expected repair timelines, and what enforcement or appeal options exist under city and state processes.

How to report a pothole

Report local-street potholes to City of Memphis 311 via the online portal or phone; include exact location, lane, size, and photos when possible. City of Memphis 311[1]

Reporting with a photo and exact nearest address speeds response.
  • When on a state route or highway, contact the Tennessee Department of Transportation to report roadway defects or dangerous potholes.
  • For urgent hazards that present immediate danger, call emergency services and the city non-emergency number as directed by local guidance.
  • Keep a record of the 311 request number, photos, and timestamps to track progress or support a later claim.

Repair timelines and tracking

Public Works typically triages pothole reports by severity (emergency, urgent, routine). For local-street repairs, the City of Memphis Public Works explains priority categories and typical response goals on its service pages. Memphis Public Works[2]

  • Emergency repairs (hazards that cause immediate danger) are prioritized and may be patched same day or within 24–72 hours depending on crew availability.
  • Routine potholes are scheduled based on priority and available resources; exact days to repair vary by season and workload.
  • Use your 311 request number to check status updates or reopen a ticket if conditions worsen.

Penalties & Enforcement

Pothole repair activities themselves are maintenance actions rather than regulatory offences; the official pages consulted do not list fines for unreported potholes or specific monetary penalties for delayed repairs. See the cited public works and state maintenance pages for responsibility statements. Tennessee DOT report page[3]

  • Fines/penalties: not specified on the cited pages.
  • Escalation: the city triage process prioritizes emergency work first; repeat or continuing defects may be escalated by reopening or following up on 311 tickets.
  • Non-monetary actions: orders to private contractors, emergency repair work orders, and referral to legal or claims divisions for damage claims.
  • Enforcer: Memphis Public Works handles city streets; TDOT handles state routes. Contact links are in Help and Support / Resources below.
  • Appeals/review: the official pages do not list a formal administrative appeal process or statutory time limits for repair disputes; for claims against the city, consult the city law or claims division (not specified on the cited pages).
If your vehicle is damaged, document everything and keep the 311 ticket number before filing any claim.

Applications & Forms

No special permit is required to request repair; reporting is done through 311 or the relevant agency pages. If you seek compensation for vehicle or property damage, contact the City Law or Claims Division for the official claim form; the general maintenance pages do not publish a damage-claim form directly.

How-To

  1. Document the pothole: take photos from multiple angles, note nearest address, lane, and size.
  2. Submit a report to City 311 (online or phone) for local streets, or to TDOT for state routes; include photos and exact location.
  3. Save the 311 request number and check status; follow up after the posted expected repair timeframe if unresolved.
  4. If damage occurred, preserve evidence and contact the city claims or law division to request the official claim form and instructions.

FAQ

Who fixes potholes in New South Memphis?
The City of Memphis Public Works fixes potholes on city streets; TDOT is responsible for state routes and highways.
How do I report a pothole?
Report via City of Memphis 311 for local streets or TDOT reporting for state routes; include photos and exact location.
Can I get reimbursed for vehicle damage?
File a claim with the City Law or Claims Division; keep your 311 ticket number and evidence—specific claim forms and deadlines are provided by the city claims office.

Key Takeaways

  • Use 311 with photos and exact locations to speed city repairs.
  • TDOT handles state routes; check which agency is responsible before filing a claim.

Help and Support / Resources


  1. [1] City of Memphis 311 reporting page
  2. [2] Memphis Public Works department page
  3. [3] Tennessee Department of Transportation report a road or highway issue