Pothole Patrol: The Cost of Fixing Them

The combination of ice and snow with fluctuating temperatures from above and below freezing usually means potholes for Long Island roadways. These big craters are on the roads causing a danger to motorists and destroying their cars.  

The vast accumulation of snow totals left over from January's storms has actually delayed pothole repair work in North Hempstead because “highway crews have had to concentrate on keeping the roads clear,” said a spokesperson from the Town of North Hempstead. 

The attributes the large number of potholes on local roadways to the frequent storms this winter. A spokesperson from the Town of North Hempstead said that in January 2010, the town was able to fill close to 100 potholes while this past January the town was only able to fill 20 because of the record-breaking snowfall amounts across the Island.

There is no specific amount of money set aside for pothole repair, rather a percent subtracted from the budget based on the necessary work, according to the Town of North Hempstead. In terms of the 2011 budget, the town has proposed $402,291 for the Highway Department. It will be voted on at a later date.

One local resident, Jerry Yellen, compared the roads to Queens.

"Around here they aren't as bad, you just have to be very careful," he said.

The Town of North Hempstead is encouraging residents to call 3-1-1 to report the potholes in their area. “North Hempstead will respond to potholes within two business days,” a Town spokesperson said.

To help with pothole repairs:

North Hempstead Communications Director Collin Nash said the cost of asphalt can cost roughly $90 a ton. On a day when ground and maintenance crews are sent to multiple locations, this becomes very costly. 

The Town of North Hempstead recently purchased a new machine for pothole repair.

"The machine costs about $170,000 but will soon pay for itself because during the spring when we are rebuilding roads around town, we save that material and recycle [it] to fill potholes," he said.

As for the potholes in the Village of New Hyde Park, Department of Public Works Superintendent Tom Gannon said that crews are out regularly repairing any potholes on their roads. Jericho Turnpike is considered a state road, he added.

List of Potholes in New Hyde Park:

1. Jericho Turnpike and Lakeville Road
2. Northern State Parkway Ramp at 26S
3. Marcus Avenue and New Hyde Park Road
4. Aberdeen Road and New Hyde Park Road
5. Long Island Expressway Service road
6. Northern State Parkway Ramp 26N
7. Park Circle West and Birchwood Drive
8. Union Turnpike and New Hyde Park Road
9. Third Avenue and Covert Avenue

With reporting by Alexandra Zendrian.