Analysts: Pothole problems persist on Long Island despite state investments
Gov. Kathy Hochul addressed the issue last week during her speech at the Long Island Association's State of the Region.
Pothole season has come early on Long Island, and it shows no signs of letting up.
"We've already had a long, hard winter and it's mid-January. So, it might get worse," AAA spokesperson Robert Sinclair said.
"You've got sub-freezing temperatures, you've got moisture, we had snow, we had rain, and then more sub-freezing temperatures. The freeze-thaw cycle is the formula for the creation of potholes."
Gov. Kathy Hochul addressed the issue last week during her speech at the Long Island Association's State of the Region. She touted significant investments in combating potholes that she says have improved road conditions, including on her trip to Long Island.
"Very nice ride, didn't have as many potholes as it used to have. How [does] $1 billion in fixing potholes on Long Island feel?" Hochul asked.
Some Long Islanders claim they've seen road improvements, while others say potholes still plague their time behind the wheel.
"From my experience, sure, yeah, it’s not as many," West Babylon resident Tom Steigler said.
"There's actually one off my exit, Exit 30, that is ruining cars," said Denise McManamon of North Massapequa.
Sinclair said recent studies and data analysis show potholes are costing drivers more than ever.
"There's an organization called the Road Improvement Program out of Washington, D.C., that says that the average driver in our area might spend as much as $1,200 a year fixing their vehicles," he said.
