A long-awaited road overhaul is finally underway on Howard Drive in Westbury — and residents say persistent coverage from News 12 helped make it happen.

Neighbors along the block have been pushing for repairs for years, frustrated by potholes, cracking pavement and what they describe as decades without a full repaving. This week, they finally saw construction crews pouring cement and resurfacing the roadway.

“We are happy that we called News 12 because I feel like you got the ball rolling,” said Marisa Morgillo, noting the excitement shared across the block.

News 12 first visited Howard Drive 11 months ago, documenting the deteriorating conditions and alerting the Town of Hempstead. A second visit in January followed as the problems persisted. Residents say that attention helped push the project forward.

“I thank everybody for making this happen for us — truly, from the bottom of our hearts,” said Carmela Roma.

Town of Hempstead officials say the repaving is part of their ongoing commitment to resurface 100 miles of roadway each year. They note that every street is evaluated and rated by an independent contractor, and those ratings help determine which roads are prioritized.

Howard Drive isn’t the only street in the neighborhood getting attention. Edgewood Drive, Bernard Drive, and Sheldon Drive are also being repaved. New curbs and gutter improvements are being installed as part of the broader project.

Town officials say the bulk of the work is scheduled to ramp up in the coming weeks.