City and state crews ramp up repairs amid surge in pothole reports

ByElizabeth Worthington WPVI logo

Monday, March 30, 2026

City and state crews ramp up repairs amid surge in pothole reports

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Drivers across the region say navigating city streets has become increasingly difficult as potholes multiply faster than crews can fill them.

The city's Streets Department reports that repair teams are working daily, while PennDOT says it has deployed workers to more than 30 state highways this week.

For many residents, driving around this time of year can feel like navigating an obstacle course.

"It's dangerous. You might try to swerve out of one and hit another one," said Hassan Fletcher of Southwest Philadelphia.

John Williams, who also lives in Southwest Philadelphia, said the problem has become so familiar that drivers adjust instinctively.

"And you know it's bad because you kinda memorize where all the bad ones and you start to drive around them instinctually," he said.

Action News found trouble spots at the intersection of Baltimore and University avenues in University City, along Girard Avenue in West Philadelphia, and the area near 49th Street and Saybrook Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia.

Neighbors say potholes in that area have lingered despite repeated attempts to patch it.

"This pothole's been here for a while. They've definitely tried to patch it a couple times, but it only holds for like a couple weeks usually probably because of the tracks," he said. "A lot of people drive fast down this road so they'll blow out a tire or they have to swerve around it."

After a harsh winter, residents say the damage has only intensified.

"Especially after all the snow, they've gotten really quite terrible and have definitely impacted my car. I've had to go to the mechanic more than once," said Mary Carty of Nockamixon.

City officials say they have repaired nearly 24,000 potholes so far this year. PennDOT reports that customer complaints in the Delaware Valley have risen sharply, from 3,628 at this time last year to 6,025 so far this year.

"There's some potholes that could be swimming pools they're so big," Carty said.

PennDOT says crews will continue working across highways throughout the region this week, which may cause delays and temporary road closures.

Below is a list of locations. PennDOT reminds travelers that potholes can be reported to PennDOT's Customer Care Center by visiting www.customercare.penndot.pa.gov or by calling1-800-FIX-ROAD.

Bucks County