PITTSBURGH — A driver whose car was damaged by a large pothole on the Highland Park Bridge on-ramp two weeks ago says he’s getting nowhere with PennDOT.
Our crews were there just after several cars suffered popped tires and more around 5 a.m. on Nov. 26.
“Massive slam. Took out two of my rims and two tires exploded,” Sean Clark told Channel 11. He says the incident has already cost him about a $1,000 and repairs aren’t finished.
>> Massive pothole on ramp to Highland Park Bridge causes several popped tires during morning commute
“[The rim] is no longer round. It kind of looks more like a stop sign. [The tires are] not holding air, so I’ve got to fill up almost every day,” Clark said.
Clark followed PennDOT’s advice and filed a claim through the Bureau of Finance and Risk Management. So far, he’s been denied.
Channel 11 reached out to PennDOT and were directed to a section dealing with potholes on the “claims” webpage.
There, it says claims regarding potholes created by natural elements would be denied.
Clark disagrees. He says the number of vehicles damaged should make this a special case.
“I understand lots of people have pothole issues and you’re not responsible for all the potholes out there, but sometimes it’s more than a pothole. I think they should own up to it,” he said. “I think it’s time they pay up.”
PennDOT did tell Channel 11 that part of the bridge will be addressed as part of a $65 million project. It’s not set to begin until 2027.
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