The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has appointed a new leader for its District 4, based in Dunmore. Jonathan A. Eboli, a native of Lackawanna County with a robust background in transportation engineering, will assume his new role on February 14.
Eboli, aged 39, began his journey with District 4 in 2010 as a civil engineer trainee. His career path has included various roles leading up to his appointment as Pennsylvania’s chief executive for highway administration in March 2025. Raised just a few blocks from the district office, Eboli acknowledges the personal significance of his new position, saying, “It brings me to seven minutes from my homestead.”
He takes over from Richard N. Roman, the former District 4 executive who passed away in November. Eboli expressed his admiration for Roman, noting, “Rich and I had talked a lot about the district executive role and how much he enjoyed it.” Roman had mentored Eboli, encouraging him to gain broader experiences within PennDOT, including a stint in Harrisburg.
Educational and Professional Background
Eboli, a 2005 graduate of Dunmore High School, holds dual bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering and architectural engineering from Drexel University. His tenure at PennDOT includes positions such as civil engineer for bridges, senior civil engineer supervisor, and acting senior civil engineer manager. Previously, he also served as acting district executive in District 6, King of Prussia, and acting chief executive in Central Office. In 2020, he became District 4’s assistant district executive for maintenance.
Eboli resides in Dunmore with his family, consisting of his wife, Jessica, and their three children: Gracie, Nathan, and Nico.
The Scope of District 4
Covering Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, District 4 encompasses 4,000 miles of roads and 2,100 bridges, employing over 800 staff members. Eboli described it as “a very large district” and expressed his appreciation for managing large districts, a skill he honed during his time in the Philadelphia region’s District 6.
District 4 completed $892 million worth of work in 2025, with projects including the reopening of the Interstate 84 “twin bridges” and the Green Ridge Street Bridge in Lackawanna County. Other efforts included the Fort Jenkins Bridge project in Luzerne County and bridge replacements on Route 115 and Route 2041.
Continuing projects are set to proceed in 2026 and beyond, such as concrete slab work on Interstate 81 in Dunmore. The design phase of the “Ashley to the arena” project on Interstate 81 is another major initiative planned for Luzerne County.
Priorities and Engagement
Eboli emphasizes public safety and engagement as top priorities. “My priorities really are about safety for the traveling public, both in the summer and in the winter, and then also making sure that we’re engaging the public with our transportation projects,” he stated.
Eboli has been proactive in public engagement, having led initiatives like Operation Yellow Jacket, a statewide program promoting work zone safety. He noted an incident where a vehicle was caught traveling at 93 mph in a work zone, emphasizing the need for vigilance. “Our message to the public is drive through every work zone like a member of your family is working there,” Eboli explained.
Reflecting on a Recent Snowstorm
Recently, Eboli highlighted the department’s adept handling of a snowstorm that hit the region, dropping up to 20 inches in some areas. Eboli praised the collaborative efforts of state officials, including Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll, who advised residents to stay home during the storm. “Credit to our maintenance personnel and the maintenance division,” Eboli remarked, noting the smooth operation due to public compliance and timely warnings.
Honoring Roman’s Contributions
With Eboli stepping into his new role, he pays tribute to his predecessor, Richard N. Roman, whose contributions to PennDOT are well-regarded. Roman’s career began in 1997 as a transportation construction inspector and evolved to become the director of PennDOT’s Bureau of Maintenance and Operations in 2014. “We’re going to be doing a memorial award in honor of Rich in the springtime,” Eboli announced, ensuring Roman’s legacy will be remembered through an annual award highlighting his attributes.
