That annual bone-rattling, suspension breaking, rim-bending season is back.

PennDOT District 12 and the Westmoreland County Public Works Department report they have broken out the cold patch and are likely headed to a pothole near you.

“Pothole patching this time of year is weather dependent, but we’ve certainly been getting to pothole patching whenever we can,” said Valerie Petersen, PennDOT district spokeswoman. “But from what I’ve noticed it seems we’ve had a normal amount of reports … about the same number of pothole complaints as this time last year.”

Vaughn Neill, the county engineer with the public works road and bridge department, said last week’s weather kept workers on snow and ice removal duty and “definitely” impacted the amount of time workers spend filling the potholes.

“I know the guys wanted to patch, but if the materials are too cold you just can’t do it,” Neill said.

But Neill anticipates “full patching mode” to occur on the county’s 52 miles of roads and 43 bridges soon, as temperatures are expected to warm.

“The hot mix doesn’t start until around April 1. But if weather conditions open up, we’ll do it earlier,” he said.

To date, Neill said the county office has not received as many pothole complaints, “but I know they are out there and they will be coming in.”

In Westmoreland County, PennDOT maintains Interstate 70, 25 state routes and 111 secondary routes.

Petersen noted motorists can report potholes and other highway maintenance concerns on state routes by calling PennDOT’s hot line at 1-800-FIX-ROAD (1-800-349-7623.)

“But when the description of the location is given, it’s best to be very specific as possible,” Petersen said.

Motorists should report the county, municipality, street name and state route number, which can be found on small black and white signs posted along state highways. In addition, a description of any familiar landmarks would be helpful for PennDOT to locate the problem area.

Information about potholes on county roads can be reported on the county’s Public Works website or by calling 724-830-3965.

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