Potholes vs. Street Failure: Understanding the Difference

Published on November 10, 2026

Street failure versus a pot hole comparison

By Amberley Shelby, Public Works Communications

In Public Works, street failure and potholes are related, but they are not the same thing. A pothole is one type of pavement distress, while street failure is a broader term describing significant deterioration or loss of pavement performance.

Street Failure

Street failure occurs when the pavement deteriorates to the point that it can no longer adequately support traffic or maintain its intended condition.

Common signs:

  • Alligator cracking (interconnected cracks resembling scales)
  • Severe rutting or depressions
  • Widespread pavement breakup
  • Base or subgrade failure
  • Extensive cracking and settlement

Common causes: water infiltration, weak soil, inadequate drainage, heavy traffic, aging pavement, and structural deficiencies.

Potholes

A pothole is a localized hole or depression in the pavement that forms when asphalt breaks apart and material is removed from the roadway surface.

Common signs:

  • A visible hole in the pavement
  • Broken or crumbling edges
  • Loose asphalt and exposed underlying material
  • Localized pavement deterioration

Common causes: water entering cracks, repeated traffic loading, weakened pavement, and weather-related deterioration.

Soil Conditions in North Texas

In Arlington and the surrounding North Texas area, expansive clay soils can swell when wet and shrink when dry. These movements can contribute to pavement cracking, settlement, and structural deterioration. Water entering the cracks can further weaken the pavement and contribute to pothole formation.

The progression may look like this:

  • Cracking and pavement deterioration
  • Water infiltration and weakening
  • Potholes or structural pavement failure

This is one possible progression, not a universal sequence. Potholes can form without full street failure, and structural failure can occur without potholes.

The key takeaway for Public Works: Pothole repair addresses a specific pavement defect. Street failure may require a more comprehensive assessment to determine whether the roadway needs surface treatment, structural repairs, or complete reconstruction.


Request Street Maintenance

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. Other roadway conditions, such as street failures, can also be reported.

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.

 

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