Potholes can damage tires, wheels, suspension systems, and other vehicle components, especially after winter weather and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Reporting roadway damage promptly helps Pennsylvania transportation officials identify repairs and prioritize hazardous locations.
The correct reporting process depends on who maintains the road. PennDOT generally handles state-numbered routes, while boroughs, cities, townships, counties, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, and private property owners may be responsible for other roads.
Residents in the 187th Legislative District can also stay informed about transportation and state government matters through Representative Gary W. Day’s latest audio updates, along with district news and constituent services.
A route marked with a Pennsylvania state route shield or a state route number is commonly maintained by PennDOT. Interstate highways and many major highways also fall under state responsibility, although the Pennsylvania Turnpike has its own maintenance and reporting system.
Local roads may have names rather than state route numbers and are usually maintained by the municipality. If the pothole is on a city street, township road, or borough street, contact the appropriate public works department or municipal office instead of PennDOT.
When the responsible agency is unclear, note the road name, nearby intersections, route signs, and municipality. Those details can help officials redirect the report if it reaches the wrong department.
PennDOT accepts roadway condition reports through its customer service system and by calling 1-800-FIX-ROAD, or 1-800-349-7623. Use the agency’s road-condition reporting options for potholes, damaged pavement, debris, missing signs, and similar maintenance concerns.
A report should identify the precise location rather than simply naming a long road. Include the direction of travel, the nearest intersection or mile marker, the lane involved, and a nearby landmark. If the issue affects one direction only, state that clearly.
For immediate danger, such as a large hole in an active travel lane, exposed roadway damage, or a crash caused by the condition, call 911 when emergency assistance is needed. Do not stop in traffic to photograph or inspect the pothole.
PennDOT can respond more efficiently when a report explains the size and position of the defect. Describe whether the pothole is shallow or deep, whether several holes are grouped together, and whether it is near a bridge, ramp, railroad crossing, or intersection.
Include the date and approximate time you observed it. A safe photograph may help, but drivers should never use a phone while operating a vehicle or stand on a shoulder without a safe place to do so.
| Information to include | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Route number or road name | Identifies the roadway |
| Municipality and county | Narrows the maintenance location |
| Direction of travel | Tells crews which side of the road is affected |
| Nearest intersection or mile marker | Helps locate the defect precisely |
| Lane, shoulder, or ramp | Indicates the specific roadway area |
| Description of damage | Helps assess urgency and equipment needs |
| Safe contact information | Allows follow-up when necessary |
A submitted complaint is generally reviewed and routed to the appropriate maintenance team. Crews may inspect the location before deciding whether a temporary patch, permanent repair, warning sign, or additional engineering work is appropriate.
Repair timing can vary according to traffic volume, weather, severity, available crews, and other safety priorities. A report does not guarantee an immediate repair, but repeated or detailed reports can help establish a pattern and draw attention to a deteriorating section of road.
Keep any confirmation number or submission record. If the condition becomes substantially worse, report the change and refer to the earlier complaint when possible.
The agency responsible for a roadway determines where a complaint should go. This distinction prevents delays and helps residents reach the crews with authority to inspect and repair the pavement.
Pennsylvania’s 511PA system is useful for checking traffic, incidents, construction, and travel conditions, but it should not replace a direct maintenance complaint when a pothole needs attention. For a municipal road, use the municipality’s website, public works number, or non-emergency service channel.
Representative Day’s office can help constituents locate state services and understand which government office handles a concern. The office also shares legislative updates, including a budget proposal response, through its official news resources.
Use these practices when submitting a pavement complaint:
Accurate location details are more useful than a general statement that a road is in poor condition. If a vehicle is damaged, document the date, location, photographs taken safely, and repair records, while recognizing that reporting a pothole does not automatically establish responsibility for vehicle damage.
Use PennDOT’s reporting channel for state-maintained routes, contact local public works departments for municipal streets, and call 911 for immediate emergencies. Timely, specific reports give Pennsylvania transportation officials the information they need to evaluate hazards and protect travelers.