Crews begin repairing potholes across Philadelphia region after harsh winter

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Crews have begun repairing potholes on more than 35 highways across the Philadelphia region, according to PennDOT, following a winter that officials say created worsening road conditions and challenges for drivers.

"Philadelphia traffic is bad enough because it's the wild west of driving, but add to that the potholes and you've got a nightmare situation," said Nancy Green of Manayunk.

On the Green Lane Bridge in Manayunk, drivers were seen carefully maneuvering around damaged pavement.

Green described the experience as tedious and frustrating.

"You have to proceed inch by inch on the bridge, like fall gently into a pothole, then pull yourself out, then fall gently into the pothole and pull yourself out," she said.

Greg Wall of New York said repairs often take too long after winter weather.

"They don't get repaired. It takes forever to repair them after the winter," Wall said. "I'm worried about damage to my vehicle."

Helen Reinbrecht, community relations coordinator for PennDOT, said warmer weather will help crews address the problem more effectively.

"There's been limitations to what our crews can do to repair potholes in the extreme cold weather. As temperatures increase, it does get easier to repair potholes," Reinbrecht said.

The city of Philadelphia says its crews have filled nearly 7,000 potholes so far this season.

PennDOT reports receiving more than 2,000 customer concerns and using 660 tons of asphalt across the region.

At Fountain Street Auto Service in Roxborough, owner Brian Bishara showed his lot filled with tires and rims he says were damaged by potholes.

"This customer kept driving after they hit a pothole," Bishara said.

He said his shop has seen more damage.