Town of Hempstead fights potholes

Significant temperature swings and winter snowstorms have formed potholes across Long Island. In response, Town of Hempstead workers are out in force filling them, most recently at a news conference at Bayview Avenue and Elm Place in Merrick, attended by Supervisor Anthony Santino.

The town is using “hot boxes,” which transport hot asphalt to pothole sites. Workers “cut and patch” larger sections of damaged roads with paving equipment.

The town is employing a multi-department response to the potholes, which includes not only the highway department but also the parks and sanitation departments. “By adding crews and equipment to fortify the work of town highway crews, we will be able to fill more potholes in a shorter period of time,” Santino said.

The town has also increased the number of trucks dedicated to pothole repair from 18 to 30 in recent years.

Santino encouraged residents to report potholes to the town at (516) 812-3471, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. To report potholes on Nassau County roads, call (516) 571-6900. To report them on New York state roads, call 1-800-POTHOLE. Residents of incorporated villages should contact their local officials.