FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 23, 2021
MEDIA CONTACTS: Gordon Tepper, Rebecca Cheng, Matthew Leonenko and Michael Anderson | (516) 869-7794

North Hempstead, NY – With spring on the horizon, Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the Town Board are reminding residents that they can call 311 to report potholes. Potholes can be dangerous for motorists, so the Town encourages residents to proactively report them. “Our Highway department is hard at work repairing potholes on Town roadways,” said Supervisor Bosworth. “It is simple and easy to report a pothole, just pick up the phone and dial 311 or fill out a service request online.”

Potholes appear, typically in the winter and spring months, following periods of cold temperatures and rain or snow. Over time, water that gets under the pavement, through cracks or from the side of the road, can cause the material under the pavement to erode. This causes the pavement to sink down and break. The water under the pavement freezes then thaws (contracting and expanding) which makes the pavement crack and ultimately deteriorate under the weight of traffic, making streets seem to break out in potholes overnight.

The Town’s Highway Department uses hot asphalt to fill potholes. The asphalt is stored in “hot boxes” which accompany Highway trucks as they fan out across the Town to fulfill repair requests. These boxes serve as ovens and keep the asphalt at approximately 300 degrees. Highway crews diligently work to prepare the road by removing loose debris and adding hot asphalt. For larger potholes, a one-ton steam roller is then used to help complete the process.

To report potholes and other service requests, please call 311 or 516-869-6311 or visit: www.northhempsteadny.gov/311online

For more information, please call 311 or 516-869-6311.