PennDOT Urges Residents To Reports Potholes

The rollercoaster swings in temperature the area has experienced in recent days have not only made choosing appropriate clothing a challenge, but also buckled roads and made existing potholes more pronounced.

Although most potholes are found on local roads, those that have appeared on state roads can be reported directly to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) by calling 1-800-FIX ROAD (1-800-349-7623) the state agency recently announced.

When calling to report a pothole, motorists should be as specific as possible in identifying its location, PennDOT advises.

"For state routes, callers must identify the county, municipality, street name, or preferably the state route (SR) number found on small, black-and-white signs posted along state roadways," a Feb. 7 press release issued by PennDOT's Ron Young said. "Callers should also offer a description of any familiar landmarks that will help PennDOT find the problem area."

State roads in the Saucon Valley area include Main Street (Route 412) and Easton Road in Hellertown, and Route 378 in Lower Saucon Township.

In addition to pothole problems, the hotline can also be used to report other road-related issues, such as dead deer or signage concerns.

Potholes form when water seeps underneath pavement and through small cracks. When the water freezes and thaws repeatedly, a hole may develop beneath the pavement's surface, leading to larger cracks and causing the pavement to crumble.

PennDOT will address pothole-related concerns weather permitting. "However, winter services remain the primary focus of maintenance crews at this time of year," the news release issued by Young said. 

Potholes on local roads should be reported to local municipal officials.