Port Chester officials raise concerns over conditions of state roads; NYSDOT discusses new plan for repaving
Leaders in Port Chester are calling for the state to "step up" in regard to the conditions of several roads that some drivers call deplorable. It comes as new plans are announced by the state for repaving projects.
Leaders in Port Chester are calling for the state to "step up" in regard to the conditions of several roads that some drivers call deplorable. It comes as new plans are announced by the state for repaving projects.
"The roads just like sink right in, it's just really bad," said Trevaughni Smith, whom News 12 spoke to in Port Chester on Monday.
Drivers around the Hudson Valley tell News 12 that things are bumpy on the roads right now. They say that's especially the case on Westchester Avenue between South Main Street and Waterfront Place in Port Chester. That portion of the road is owned by the state, according to the village manager.
He tells News 12 that they've been trying to get it, along with several other state-owned roads, fixed by the state.
"We've sent multiple letters, we've put postings on social media, we've even done walking tours with the New York State DOT," said Port Chester village manager Stuart Rabin.
Rabin says these roads are critical corridors. He says they are advocating for full curb-to-curb resurfacing, safer road conditions for drivers and pedestrians, a fair partnership and investment from New York State and establishing a task force of local officials, NYSDOT and state representatives.
Rabin says this cold winter only made things worse.
"We've certainly have gotten a large amount of complaints this year from people suffering from popped tires or damaged vehicles," Rabin explained to News 12.
However, some relief is in the works.
"As Gov. [Kathy] Hochul announced today, the New York State Department of Transportation has begun an unprecedented effort to fill potholes and repave roads across New York State, including the Hudson Valley Region. NYSDOT’s paving agenda, which is the most ambitious in the Department’s history, includes more than $8 million to repave vital roads in and around the Village of Port Chester before the end of the construction season," said a spokesperson with NYSDOT.
Officials with NYSDOT say those millions of dollars will go towards resurfacing nearly two miles of U.S. Route 1 and one mile of Putnam Avenue.
Until then, frequent drivers told News 12, they're hoping their tires and wheels are safe from the bumps.
