Pothole Patrol in Mineola

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,” a spokesperson from the Town of North Hempstead said last week. 

The Town attributes the large number of potholes on local roadways to the frequent storms that we have had this winter. According to figures, in January 2010, the town was able to fill close to 100 potholes while they was only able to fill 20 in the same month this year due to record-breaking snowfall amounts across the island.

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

One local resident, Jerry Yellen, compared the roads to Queens, saying that "around here they aren't as bad, you just have to be very careful."  

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,” said Nash.

To help with pothole repairs:

North Hempstead Communications Director Collin Nash said that the cost of asphalt can cost roughly $90 per ton, becoming even more expensive when repair nce crews are sent to multiple locations. The town recently purchased a new $170,000 machine dedicated specifically for pothole repair.

“The machine… will soon pay for itself,” Nash said, “because during the spring when we are rebuilding roads around town, we save that material and recycle [it] to fill potholes.”

The largest potholes in Mineola:

1. South on the corner of Hillside Avenue and Mineola Boulevard.
2. Corner of Webridge Road and Old Country Road
3. Corner of Hudson Street and East Second Street
4. South on Jericho Turnpike and Willis Avenue
5. 450-454 Old Country Road
6. Old Country Road and Cherry Valley Avenue
7. 460-466  Old Country Road
8. Westbury Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard
9. Corner of First Street and Wardwell Road
10. Second Street and Third Avenue