New Yorkers enjoying a smooth ride on the city’s streets can thank an intense multi-year effort by Department of Transportation to pave over potholes. On Friday, Mayor de Blasio announced that since 2014, the number of the city’s potholes has been slashed in half.
“They are making it easier for people to get around,” de Blasio said in a speech Friday, applauding the department. “They are saving motorists a lot of money from all those times that there are accidents or problems because a car hits a pothole. These guys are making people’s lives better. And it may not be the work that gets a lot of attention but it’s actually is one of the most important things the city government does.”
DOT has paved almost a staggering 25 percent of the city’s lane-miles, a measurement of pavement space traveled. Making the work possible is a hefty $1.6 billion investment to mend roads throughout all five boroughs. Repairs will continue in the coming months at the same speed, de Blasio and DOT said.
“This fall, our crews will continue to work – literally day and night — to provide even smoother rides,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “We ask that if drivers encounter a paving crew, they please give them the necessary space and maintain a safe speed as we try to pave as many streets as possible before winter weather sets in.”
