Township's Pothole Hotline Open

The following was provided to Patch by Lower Merion Township:

After an especially icy winter, area roadways are once again ragged and pocked with many potholes. Lower Merion Township is reminding residents to report potholes to the “Pothole Hotline” established in 2010. The number is (610) 645-4782. During normal business hours, citizens should call the general Public Works number to report potholes and other road issues, at (610) 645-6150.

Residents can also fill out a Public Works Service Request form.

Potholes are created when moisture seeps into the pavement, freezes, expands and then thaws. This weakens the pavement; traffic loosens it even more, and it eventually crumbles and pops out.

“A very cold winter with plenty of icy road conditions, punctuated with a big snow storm last week and warmer weather just after, is resulting in another big pothole season,” said Don Cannon, Director of Public Works.

With this week’s thaw, Lower Merion Police and Public Works crews have been marking particularly large or dangerous potholes throughout the Township with safety cones or barricades. The public’s help through use of the Pothole Hotline will expedite this process, Cannon said.

In addition, Pa. State Rep. Tim Briggs has established a link on his website enabling citizens to report potholes on State roads, such as Route 23 (Conshohocken State Road) and E. Wynnewood Road, by visiting http://www.pahouse.com/Briggs/Form/?id=1079. “My office will take these reports and notify PennDOT of the needed repairs,” said Briggs.

Potholes will be filled by priority of roads (primary or main roads first, for example) and severity and size of any given pothole. Rain will suspend pothole maintenance.