PennDOT Crews Tackle Pothole Problem in Pittsburgh Area

Road crews work to fill dangerous potholes before spring weather arrives.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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PennDOT crews have hit the roads in the Pittsburgh area to try and fill some of the larger potholes that have opened up due to the recent freeze-thaw cycles. Experts warn that the worst is yet to come as the spring weather approaches, with potholes posing a serious threat to vehicles and drivers. PennDOT is urging residents to report problematic potholes through their customer care center or by calling 1-800-FIX-ROAD.

Why it matters

Potholes can cause significant damage to vehicles, leading to expensive repairs and posing a safety risk to drivers. As the weather transitions from winter to spring, the freeze-thaw cycle exacerbates the pothole problem, making it a pressing issue for transportation authorities and residents alike.

The details

PennDOT crews have been working to fill some of the larger potholes that have opened up on roads like Route 65 and Bigelow Boulevard in the Pittsburgh area. The crews are facing challenges, as the wet ground makes it difficult for the cold patch material to stick. Domenic Luciano, a local auto repair shop owner, has seen an influx of customers dealing with pothole-related damage, including bent parts and broken components.

  • On Monday, PennDOT crews began the process of filling potholes in the Pittsburgh area.
  • The freeze-thaw cycle is expected to continue for several more weeks before the consistent warmth of spring arrives.

The players

PennDOT

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, responsible for maintaining and repairing state roads and highways.

Domenic Luciano

The owner of Lifetime Autoworks, a local auto repair shop that has seen an increase in business due to pothole-related vehicle damage.

Ben DeVore

The Allegheny County maintenance manager for PennDOT, overseeing the pothole repair efforts in the Pittsburgh area.

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What they’re saying

“The potholes are bigger than they've been in years.”

— Domenic Luciano, Owner, Lifetime Autoworks (CBS News Pittsburgh)

“The biggest challenge to patching potholes is that the ground is still wet. Any cold patch we put in is going to still be subject to that freeze-thaw cycle. It's going to be a challenge to get that stuff to stick. We just got to keep after it.”

— Ben DeVore, Allegheny County Maintenance Manager, PennDOT (CBS News Pittsburgh)

What’s next

PennDOT crews will continue to work on filling potholes in the Pittsburgh area over the next several weeks as the weather transitions to spring.

The takeaway

The pothole problem in the Pittsburgh area highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining roads and highways during the freeze-thaw cycle. While PennDOT is working to address the issue, residents are encouraged to report problematic potholes to help prioritize repair efforts and ensure the safety of drivers.