Suwon City, 'Reduced Complaint Processing Time and Increased Maintenance Cases' After Activating Pothole Task Force

The city of Suwon in Gyeonggi Province reported that after operating the ‘Pothole 25-Hour Rapid Response Team’ last year, the complaint processing time was shortened, and the number of repairs significantly increased.

During the operation periods of the Pothole 25-Hour Rapid Response Team last year (February to March, June to July), Suwon City repaired 2,043 potholes, a 92.5% increase compared to the same period the previous year (1,061 cases). Additionally, pothole-related complaint processing time was drastically reduced from the previous 3 to 7 days to within 24 hours, the city announced on the 19th.

Potholes, often called “landmines on the road,” refer to depressions or holes caused by road damage. When vehicles pass over potholes at high speed, the steering wheel can be misaligned or tires damaged, potentially leading to accidents. The number of potholes in Suwon has steadily increased, with 3,167 cases in 2021, 3,738 in 2022, and 6,391 in 2023.

Suwon City's 'Pothole 25-Hour Rapid Response Team' is filling in sunken potholes.

Since February last year, Suwon City introduced the Pothole 25-Hour Rapid Response Team, which patrols roads and immediately takes safety measures upon discovering potholes. When pothole complaints arise, repairs are completed within 24 hours. The rapid response team consists of five squads with a total of 107 members, including public officials and maintenance company staff. The repair target covers 951 km of Suwon city roads (total length).

The Pothole 25-Hour Rapid Response Team operates in groups of three. One member controls traffic to ensure safety, another applies an emergency repair material called ‘Lockhard’ (bagged asphalt) to the damaged road area, and the third worker uses a ‘compactor’ to flatten and finish the repair.

Last year, the rapid response team operated during the thaw period (February to March) and the rainy season (June to July). This year, the operation period has been extended by two months to run from February to April and July to September. During these periods, road patrols are intensified, and a 24-hour response system is activated, including establishing an emergency contact network.

Suwon City’s operation of the Pothole 24-Hour Rapid Response Team was recognized when it was selected as the top institution in the Gyeonggi Province Road Maintenance Evaluation in November last year. Furthermore, in February, it ranked first among 243 metropolitan and local governments nationwide in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s ‘2023 Central Joint Evaluation in Road Maintenance’ in the city, county, and province category.

Recently, Suwon City produced a card news titled ‘Landmines on the Road: How to Deal with Potholes,’ which provides information on pothole response methods and Suwon’s pothole policies, actively promoting these to citizens.

When a pothole is discovered, drivers should first reduce their speed and drive safely, then report the location to the city hall or the relevant district office. If vehicle damage such as tire damage occurs due to a pothole, a claim for compensation for public facilities (營造物) can be filed with the relevant district office.

Meanwhile, from March to June, Suwon City plans to invest 11.7 billion KRW to repave 245 road sections.

Additionally, the city will establish a real-time road hazard information system that uses AI (artificial intelligence) technology to detect potholes in real time and promptly take action before accidents occur.

A Suwon City official stated, "We will use artificial intelligence technology to detect potholes and quickly repair them before accidents happen. We will do our best to protect citizens’ lives and property from potholes."