Massive Potholes On Route 22 Damaging Vehicles
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MONROEVILLE (KDKA) -- PennDOT crews worked Thursday morning to patch the potholes that were causing serious problems for drivers on Route 22.
At least three drivers said they hit the same pothole on Route 22 east on Wednesday night.
"I was driving up 22 and hit a pothole, and it blew out my rim. This is the third time that I've had a tire blown out within six months on the same road," said driver Carissa.
The drivers pulled over at a nearby gas station to change their flat tires or wait for a tow truck.
"I hit the pothole," said driver Ed Przybyla, of Penn Township. "I was only going about 10 mph, and boom it went."
"We all hit the same pothole and every one of us has a flat tire," said driver Wendi Dowler. "We could hear the air coming out of the tires, so we just pulled off here."
So, on Thursday morning, blocking one lane of traffic, PennDOT crews worked quickly to find the problem areas and fix them.
PennDOT encourages drivers to call 1-800-FIX-ROAD when they spot a pothole, and drivers can file a claim if their car is damaged.
However, Pennsylvania does not reimburse for damages caused by potholes, sinkholes or any conditions created by natural elements.
The Commonwealth's Bureau of Risk and Insurance Management says it does not pay for property damages on state-owned and state-maintained roads.
"I know there's not a lot that can be done as far as reimbursement for the damage. But it would be nice if the potholes were kept up with, especially the larger ones on a major highway," said Dowler.
PennDOT crews will continue to patch the holes, and drivers will need to keep reporting them.
