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Email: legclerk@co.rockland.ny.us

Legislator Yeger Gets Update: Repair Work On Area Roads 
Proceeds As Wet Weather Impacts Continue

Hot Asphalt Plants To Reopen For Season, Providing Better Materials For Repairs

New City, NY (March 13, 2024) – 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 said. “Depending on the road you’re on, it can be a rough ride. Some people have experienced blown tires or worse.”

Legislator Yeger, who is 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 as to why so many roads seem to be 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, he said.

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 the 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.”

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