Rockland's Chairman of the Planning and Public Works Committee, Legislator Yeger, Reports That Repairs on Area Roads Are Proceeding

Like other elected officials, Rockland County legislators have heard from constituents concerned about the state of roadways around Rockland.

“Anyone driving around the county has experienced the conditions of local roads, not only county-designated roads, but state, town and village roads,” Legislator Itamar Yeger says. “Depending on the road you’re on, it can be a rough ride. Some people have experienced blown tires or worse.”

Legislator Yeger, Chairman of the Planning & Public Works Committee, asked Rockland Superintendent of Highways Charles “Skip” Vezzetti, who has decades of experience in the field, to offer an overview of why so many roads are plagued by potholes this winter.

The superintendent said that while the snow total is lower than average this winter, there has been significant rain – sometimes coming down for days at a time. In some cases, the water doesn’t immediately drain because the local water table, normally a high level, is now even higher. Water remaining on roadways freezes when the temperature falls, with the resulting freezing and thawing contributing to negative roadway conditions.

He said county work crews are responding to reports about potholes daily and that other municipalities are doing the same. Crews use a cold fill during winter months to temporarily repair the potholes. The good news is that hot asphalt plants will soon be reopening around the region, including Tilcon in Rockland. Hot asphalt fills potholes and stays in place much better than cold fill.

Asphalt plants close in winter because it’s too difficult to maintain the extremely high temperatures necessary to form the mixture needed for roadway repairs. Also, significant road projects do not occur in winter months.

The hot asphalt plants are expected to be operating again by the end of the month, the superintendent said, adding that, until then, work crews will continue to address potholes using the cold fill as many times as necessary to keep the streets operating.

“I want to thank the superintendent for his overview and for explaining what the solution is and that it is soon to be implemented once the plants reopen,” Legislator Yeger said. “I and all county residents look forward to driving on better roads soon.”