Report potholes to PennDOT

A sure sign that spring is on the way: Potholes that could swallow small cars are appearing everywhere.

Spring doesn't officially begin until March 20, but we are turning the clocks ahead this weekend, so winter is almost over.

And guess what crossed my desk the other day. The annual call from PennDOT asking motorists to report potholes.

Here's how to report those potholes before they destroy you tires and/or alignment:

Motorists can play an important role in that process by reporting potholes through PennDOT's toll-free Roadway Maintenance Hotline, 1-800-FIX ROAD (1-800-349-7623).

Potholes are formed from the expansion and contraction of water after it enters the pavement subsurface through cracks in the surface. When this water freezes, it expands, causing the pavement to bend, crack and weaken. After the ice melts, gaps are left in the subsurface under the pavement. As trucks and cars go over these weak spots, parts of the road are broken and displaced.

Callers should try to be as specific as possible in describing the location of a pothole. Helpful information includes the State Route and section number (found on small, white signs along roadways), the direction of travel (eastbound or westbound lane, etc.) and any other useful location information.

Motorists are also encouraged to report highway maintenance concerns other than potholes to PennDOT by using the 1-800-FIX-ROAD hotline.

The 1-800-FIX-ROAD number should not be used to report traffic crashes, disabled vehicles or other emergencies. Motorists should continue to call 911 to report those types of emergencies.