by Maria Q.
This map illustrates data that have been collected by The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) regarding potholes on the streets of Chicago. I intend to connect the idea of the bicycle as a sense-able device, that helps to validate the received information through the 311 call center with the already existing procedures of the CDOT for identifying, categorizing, and repairing the different types of pavement problems.
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) receives reports of potholes through the 311 call center and uses this information to create a mapping and tracking system to identify pothole locations and schedule crews most efficiently. Repairs are generally completed within 3 -6 days from the first report of a pothole to 311. But weather conditions and the location of the pothole may influence how long a repair takes.
Potholes are categorized by status. If the pothole has been already patched it is considered “completed” and if it hasn’t been patched it is considered “open”. When a report of a pothole is given in an exact location of a former report it receives a duplicate status. Both “completed” and “open” status can have duplicates.
Actions taken by the crew can vary depending on the situation encountered at each location. CDOT has a categorization for different types of pavement problems, potholes, cave-ins and failed utility cuts. Potholes are the only type of pavement problem that CDOT is responsible for repairing. If a cave-in or a failed utility cut is found, the responsibility of repairing is transferred to the respective utility company or contractor. Frequently, the crew arrives at the specified location and is not able to find the pothole that was reported. Both “transferred” and “not found” potholes are marked with a “completed” status.