Durham County Council has moved all available repair teams to focus on the worst road defects after the number of potholes in Durham, County Durham, roughly doubled in early 2026. Recent heavy rainfall followed by a series of freezing and thawing cycles has caused significant damage to the road surfaces throughout the area.
According to Durham County Council, workers are now being directed to the most hazardous spots to carry out quick and safe repairs. Drivers, bus passengers, and cyclists are being warned to expect damaged surfaces and potential short-term lane closures while these emergency works are completed.
The county is set to receive a share of 22 million pounds from the North East Combined Authority to help pay for road fixes between 2026 and 2027. This funding follows a recent assessment from the Department for Transport, which gave the local roads an amber rating for their general condition but a green rating for how the council manages its maintenance budget.
Alongside the emergency repairs, a preventative programme has been launched to seal road surfaces before new holes can fully form. Local residents are encouraged to report any dangerous potholes to the council and should allow extra time for their journeys while repair crews work in their neighbourhoods on February 24, 2026.
