Published on October 22, 2026
By Susan Schrock, Office of Communication
The Public Works Department successfully repaired 3,874 potholes across Arlington during the recently completed Fiscal Year 2026 as part of the City’s commitment to maintaining safe, reliable roadways for residents, visitors and local businesses.
Spanning 99 square miles, Arlington’s roadway system includes approximately 3,010 lane miles—a vast network requiring continuous upkeep and prompt attention. Pothole repairs is just one type of maintenance
Repairing a pothole involves much more than filling a hole with asphalt. Public Works follows a thorough seven-step repair process to ensure every fix provides a high-quality, long-lasting surface that holds up under heavy traffic and changing weather conditions.
How is Street Maintenance Funded?
These continuous roadway improvements are funded directly by the voter-approved street maintenance sales tax, demonstrating how community investment directly translates into visible infrastructure enhancements across all Arlington neighborhoods.
The quarter-cent street maintenance sales tax, first approved by Arlington voters in 2002, is the primary funding sources for day-to-day roadway maintenance operations.
Examples of work done under the City’s Street Maintenance Program include concrete panel replacement, asphalt reclamation, crack seal, pothole repairs, mill and overlay, sidewalk replacement and installation of ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps.
Currently, this dedicated sales tax generates about $25 million to $30 million annually, which typically accounts for 90% of Arlington’s annual street maintenance budget. Only about 10% of the street maintenance budget is supported by the General Fund.
How Residents Can Help
Community engagement is key to maintaining Arlington’s roads. Residents who spot a pothole are encouraged to report it so crews can inspect and address the issue promptly within a 48-hour response window.
Contact the Public Works front desk at 817-459-6550 or Submit a Street Maintenance Request through the Public Work webpage or Ask Arlington app.
