US Cities Launch Pothole Repair Efforts Following Severe Winter Weather in 2026

Winter storms in early 2026 brought heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures to the East Coast and Midwest, resulting in tens of thousands of potholes on roads and highways. The prolonged cold prevented snow from melting, leaving ice intact for weeks and exacerbating pavement damage.

Road salt, used to combat icy conditions, contributed to the problem by lowering the freezing point of water, allowing it to seep into cracks and form potholes.

In Baltimore, Maryland, Mayor Brandon Scott described the winter as involving below-freezing temperatures for about a month, with chunks of ice persisting. The city filled 134,000 potholes in 2025 and plans to address 25,000 in the next 90 days as part of an overhauled resurfacing program.

This includes a new public data dashboard and changes to city contracting; Scott has joined road crews to break up ice blocks resembling concrete.

New York City reported a 119 percent increase in pothole complaints to its 311 system in late March 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, marking the largest year-over-year rise, according to a New York Post analysis. The city's Department of Transportation has filled more than 66,000 potholes since January 2026.

Officials in Nashua, New Hampshire, noted that a wet winter with low temperatures and fluctuating highs created conditions favorable for pothole formation.

Connecticut saw more potholes reported on state roads in the first two weeks of March 2026 than in all of March 2025. In Manchester, New Hampshire, resident Chris Leo reported losing a tire to a large pothole, describing it as a deep void comparable to the Mariana Trench. Such incidents highlight risks to drivers, including vehicle damage and safety hazards from impassable sections.

Sumpter Township in the Detroit metropolitan area declared a public safety emergency in February 2026 due to the condition of its gravel roads, which became severely rutted, potholed, and flooded from drainage failures. Township supervisor Timothy Bowman stated that significant road segments were nearly impassable.

In contrast, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, public works director John Samuelson reported no notable increase in potholes, with the city typically addressing reports within 24 hours.

Cities like New York and Baltimore have initiated 'pothole blitzes' to prioritize repairs and raise awareness. These programs involve coordinated operations to fill potholes quickly, sometimes using specialized equipment for efficiency. Affected residents and commuters face ongoing disruptions, with potential costs for vehicle repairs and delays in daily travel until repairs are completed.