Pothole Problems Persist Throughout Tri-State Area
TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Along with the warmer weather comes a plethora of potholes, forcing municipalities to double up on pothole repair crews.
As CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff reported, it's an all out war against potholes in the Town of Hempstead on Long Island.
"It has been such an extremely cold winter, that really resulted in larger than usual potholes," said Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray.
The town has now tripled its road crews, sending out supervisors to locate pothole problems.
And it's not just in Town of Hempstead. Deep ruts are popping up everywhere due to winter's deep freeze.
"People are complaining left and right about potholes. Where ever you look there's huge potholes, some are like craters," said Ray Permiceo, regional manager of Mavis Discount Tire.
The average cost to repair a flat, damaged rims and alignment can be more than $500.
Gelinda Valladares had to pay the price after trying to dodge a doozy.
"I just couldn't avoid it," she said.
More: Report Pothole In NJ | NJ Pothole Contacts By County
Why so many potholes? Officials said it's the same asphalt for decades, so what's different?
"The last two years with severe winters, with constant freezing and thawing, freezing and thawing throughout the winter season is what's causing all these potholes," Tom Toscano said.
Add in increased wear and tear, and four times more cars and trucks on the roads than 1960s.
"It's overuse; it's lack of maintenance; it's bad weather; it's the need of construction, repairs. It comes down to money," said Robert Sinclair, with AAA New York.
More: Report Pothole In NYC | NYC Pothole Complaint Form
New York Department of Transportation crews are also busy filling pockmarked parkways.
Concrete, DOT said, lasts longer but takes much longer to pave, is more prone to buckling and costs more.
DOT said roads are in better shape this year than last year after millions in resurfacing.
But crews will also have to back track. Cracks and craters are already popping up on newly paved roads, Gusoff reported.
If you see a pothole, report it to the municipality's Public Works Department. New York DOT has a pothole hotline: 1-800-Pot-Hole.
