Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the City sealcoat streets and alleys?
Sealcoating prevents water from seeping into roadway base. Moisture makes the supporting structure under the pavement soft and traffic loads will break up the asphalt pavement and can lead to costly repairs and create inconveniences and safety hazards.

Why does the City sealcoat streets that are in good condition?
Street sealcoating is a preventive maintenance activity for streets that are in “good” condition so they will remain in good condition and not deteriorate to a lesser quality that would require a more expense maintenance activity at a later date. A typical sealcoating maintenance cycle for an asphalt-paved street is between 8 to 10 years due to asphalt “oxidation” (similar to the way metal will rust and break down). The City of Amarillo’s program attempts to sealcoat all residential streets at least once every ten (10) years. The section on “Life Cycle of a Paved Street” will explain the economics of preventive maintenance.

When will the excess rock be swept up after sealcoating?
To ensure the rock is securely embedded in the liquid asphalt and that the liquid asphalt has properly hardened, the rock is not swept up for approximately 3-4 weeks after the street has been sealcoated.

How often is my street swept?
Residential areas are swept Quarterly. Downtown streets are swept daily.
Major thoroughfares are swept weekly or twice weekly (depending on traffic volume).

Who do I contact to repair a pothole in my street or alley?
The City of Amarillo, Street Department at 378-6815.

Why doesn’t the City make repairs to streets and alleys in new subdivisions?
When a developer builds a new subdivision, they construct the streets and alleys and must warrant them to the City for one year. If the street should fail within the warranty period then the developer, not the City, is responsible for the repair. Contact the City’s Street Department to report problems. If the street is under warranty then the Street Department will transfer you to the Engineering Department for all warranty issues.

Why does the City plow snow into the middle of the street?

To prevent the storm drains, driveways, sidewalks and gutters from becoming blocked with snow and ice. This also provides for better access and parking to businesses that front on the streets in the retail districts of the City.

Can you help me find a street?
This link will help you locate streets in Amarillo. MAPQUEST
You may also call the Street Department at 378-6815 if you need additional assistance.

Why is concrete placed in the excavation/cuts in a paved street?

To repair the pavement excavation that is usually made to repair or install a utility line, the City requires the Utility Companies to place a 6-inch thick concrete layer (or cap) below the pavement. The concrete cap must cure for 4 to 7 days before the final asphalt surface can be installed.