Local Officials Respond to Widespread Potholes Problem Across Rockland County

By Y.M. Lowy

Drivers across Rockland County have likely noticed it already: this winter has taken a serious toll on local roads, leaving many streets across Ramapo filled with potholes.

The combination of snow, rain, ice, and repeated freezing and thawing over the past several weeks has caused roads to break apart faster than usual, creating rough conditions for drivers throughout the county.

RocklandDaily spoke with Town of Ramapo Highway Superintendent Fred Brinn, who said this year’s pothole situation is worse than what many highway departments have seen in years.

“It’s no secret that this winter has been a brutal one, and the same holds true for our streets, which are now showing the effects of it. The weather we’ve experienced—rain, snow, ice, and brutal temperatures repeated over weeks—has caused our roads to become littered with potholes.

In discussions with other Superintendents of Highways in the county, it has been unanimous that this is probably the worst they have seen potholes in many, many years.

Here in the Town of Ramapo Highway Department, our crews are out on a daily basis. We currently have anywhere between four and five different trucks making temporary repairs to the roads.

During the winter months, the hot asphalt plants are closed, and we’re only able to use what’s called cold patch. Cold patch is applied as a temporary measure, and it typically helps seal potholes until permanent repairs can be made.

Our crews were even authorized to work this past Saturday in different locations in order to minimize inconvenience to residents during the busy days of travel.

As most of you know, the Town of Ramapo is comprised of roads under different jurisdictions. Some roads are handled and maintained solely by the Rockland County Highway Department. Others are maintained solely by the State Department of Transportation.

The Town of Ramapo Highway Department is responsible for roads under its jurisdiction, such as those in unincorporated Ramapo, as well as several villages in Ramapo where we have maintenance contracts and provide service.

I have been in close contact with both the County Superintendent of Highways, Skip Vizzetti, as well as the State DOT to inform them of various areas in need of immediate repair.”

Schenley Vital, Mayor Village of Spring Valley said they are dealing with these challenges too. Village crews have been making repairs but say winter conditions limit how permanent those fixes can be.

“The Village used cold patches to repair potholes, which is the norm for pothole repair during the winter season. Due to the recent rain and consistent heavy traffic, the cold patches have been washing away more easily.

Starting Monday morning, the Village switched to hot asphalt because the warmer weather permitted. We started to fill potholes and will continue for the remainder of the week.

Both Route 59 and Route 45- Main Street are state roads and the Village is not permitted to make repairs. We have contacted our state partners at the NYS Department of Transportation concerning dangerous potholes in the Village. The DOT is aware and has assured us that they will make repairs throughout the county, including both of these crucial roads.”

Rockland County officials say the timing of the winter season also limits what repairs can be done immediately.

“Unfortunately, asphalt plants don’t open until April, so permanent paving and repairs can’t be done yet. In the meantime, crews are out every day making temporary fixes.

This winter was especially severe, which has led to a larger number of potholes and deteriorating road conditions than usual.”

More permanent repairs will begin once asphalt plants reopen and warmer weather allows for full road work to take place across the county.