January 14, 2010 - King of Prussia, PA.
PennDOT today reminded motorists that potholes and other roadway concerns on state roads can be reported to the department by calling 1-800 FIX ROAD.
With the frigid temperatures and consistent precipitation that have occurred across the region in recent weeks, potholes are forming more rapidly than usual on many area roadways.
Potholes develop when water seeps below the road through small cracks in the pavement surface. As the water repeatedly freezes and thaws, a cavity below the road is formed and larger cracks develop, which destroy the strength of the pavement.
Callers to the Maintenance First Hotline are asked to be as specific as possible when providing pothole locations or other maintenance concerns. For state routes, callers must 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 that will help PennDOT locate the problem area.
The 1-800-FIX-ROAD number should not be used to report traffic accidents, disabled vehicles, or other emergencies. Motorists should continue to call 911 to report those types of incidents.
Customers can use the hotline number to report any state roadway maintenance concern such as potholes, deer removal or signage issues. Once notified, PennDOT will work expeditiously to address pothole and roadway concerns when weather permits; however, winter services remain the primary focus of maintenance crews this time of year.
PennDOT reminds motorists that they can log on to www.511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major roadways before traveling.