Pothole Problems Worsen Across Massachusetts

Freeze-thaw cycle leads to surge in potholes, costly damage for drivers

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Drivers across Massachusetts are facing an increasing number of potholes due to the recent freeze-thaw weather pattern, leading to blown tires, bent rims, and costly repairs. Cities and towns are working to patch the craters, but the constant cycle of thawing and refreezing is making it difficult to keep up.

Why it matters

Potholes pose a significant hazard to drivers, causing damage to vehicles and potentially leading to accidents. The issue is especially problematic in the Northeast, where the freeze-thaw cycle is common during the winter and early spring months. Addressing the pothole problem is an ongoing challenge for local governments tasked with maintaining road infrastructure.

The details

The freeze-thaw cycle breaks apart pavement, leaving behind craters and potholes that can wreak havoc on vehicles. Drivers in the Boston area and across Massachusetts are reporting more pothole-related issues, including blown tires and bent rims. Auto repair shops are seeing a surge in alignment and other pothole-related service appointments. Cities and towns are deploying patch crews when weather allows, but the constant cycle of thawing and refreezing makes it difficult to keep up with the problem.

  • The recent freeze-thaw weather pattern has exacerbated the pothole problem across Massachusetts.
  • Potholes typically worsen during the winter and early spring months when the freeze-thaw cycle is most common.

The players

Robert Ross

A Brighton resident who described potholes as "a scourge".

Vincent Madden

A Revere resident who said he has lost several tires due to potholes.

Isaac Moris

The alignment supervisor at Sullivan Tire in Newton, who said the shop is seeing a surge in pothole-related service appointments.

Bernie McDonald

The deputy commissioner of public works in Newton, who said crews are working to keep up with the pothole problem but the constant weather changes make it challenging.

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What they’re saying

“They're a scourge.”

— Robert Ross, Brighton resident (NBC10 Boston)

“I've lost a few tires.”

— Vincent Madden, Revere resident (NBC10 Boston)

“We're probably getting like 15, 16 appointments a day. Getting your alignment checked is really good. If you are hitting potholes, it's going to keep throwing it out.”

— Isaac Moris, Alignment supervisor, Sullivan Tire (NBC10 Boston)

“We have two crews right now working on potholes, but with this warm weather to cold weather, rain, snow melting, they just keep coming.”

— Bernie McDonald, Deputy commissioner of public works, Newton (NBC10 Boston)

What’s next

City and town officials say they will continue pothole patching operations as weather conditions allow, but the constant freeze-thaw cycle makes it an ongoing challenge to keep up with the problem.

The takeaway

The pothole problem in Massachusetts highlights the need for increased investment in road infrastructure and maintenance, as well as the challenges local governments face in addressing this issue during the winter and early spring months when the freeze-thaw cycle is most prevalent.