Indiana, Pa. - As the season transitions from winter to spring, so does the work of PennDOT's maintenance crews. While the most notable spring work conducted by PennDOT's crews may be pothole patching, crews are also busy clearing roadside drainage inlets to stave off flooding and pavement deterioration.
During the winter, debris can gather around the inlets, blocking water’s ability to flow into roadside drainage systems. When water accumulates on roads, it freezes into ice in colder temperatures, breaking pavement apart during the thaw. Although crews clear inlets throughout the winter as weather permits, the work continues into the next season in preparation for spring rains, which can cause flooding if roadside drainage inlets are blocked.
Motorists can report any road-related drainage concern, including clogged inlets, by calling 1-800-FIX ROAD. The hotline can also be used to report potholes, the need for animal carcass removal and brush and tree removal.
Inlet and other concerns can also be reported using PennDOT's online Customer Care Center. Along with information on roadway construction and maintenance operations, the Customer Care Center can be accessed at PennDOT Engineering District 10's website at www.dot.state.pa.us/district10. |