Community Corner

Potholes and Cracks and Bumps... Oh, My!

PennDOT is encouraging motorists to report potholes and roadway concerns to road workers.

It's freeze-thaw season, which means it's pothole time.

 officials are encouraging motorists to report potholes or other road problems on state-owned roads.

“We want our roadway system to be the best it can be, but with a network of 2,568 miles, we can’t be everywhere at once when sudden problems arise,” District 11 Executive Dan Cessna said. “Motorists can help us keep state roads in good shape by reporting any problems they encounter, especially if it involves a safety concern.” 

Find out what's happening in Robinson-Moonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

With the frigid temperatures and consistent precipitation that has occurred throughout the region in recent weeks, potholes, cracking and other roadway deficiencies can occur more rapidly than usual on many area roadways.

Callers are asked to be as specific as possible when providing locations for maintenance concerns. For state routes, callers should report the county, municipality, street name and route number or the state route (SR) number that can be found on small black‑and‑white signs posted along state roadways. Callers should also provide a description of any familiar landmarks or any other useful information that will help PennDOT locate the problem area.

Find out what's happening in Robinson-Moonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The 1-800-FIX-ROAD number (1-800-349-7623) should not be used to report traffic accidents, disabled vehicles or other immediate emergencies. Motorists should call 911 to report those types of incidents.

During the winter months, PennDOT’s customer hotline number is staffed seven days a week 24 hours a day to provide easy customer access to county maintenance offices. The toll-free hotline connects callers directly to their respective county maintenance office (if using a land line).

Radio operators in PennDOT’s Allegheny, Beaver and Lawrence county offices are staffing the phones around-the-clock to address customer concerns and alert crews. Customers may use the hotline number for any reason including:

  • Pothole repairs
  • Shoulder drop-offs
  • Roadway conditions (snow and ice)
  • Animal carcass removal
  • Brush, debris and tree removal
  • Drainage concerns
  • Sign issues
  • Other maintenance needs

Cell phone users can call the District 11 county maintenance offices directly at these numbers:

  • Allegheny: 412-781-3260
  • Beaver: 724-774-6610
  • Lawrence: 724-656-3104 

Once notified, PennDOT will work expeditiously to address roadway concerns when weather permits; however, winter services remain the primary focus of maintenance crews this time of year.


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