SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — With snow and winter weather hopefully in the rearview mirror, road crews throughout the South Jersey region are transitioning into pothole season — and it’s already busier than the year before.
New Jersey Department of Transportation spokesperson Steve Schapiro said constantly fluctuating between above and below freezing temps really did a number on state highways this year. Through the end of February, NJDOT had already repaired 93,500 potholes, including on Routes 42, 55 and 295.
By the same time last year, crews fixed less than 80,000. Statewide, NJDOT typically repairs more than 160,000 a year.
“Crews will be walking behind it, typically. They’ll patch those potholes as they’re moving down the lane. It’s a moving operation, so therefore it doesn’t impact traffic too much,” Schapiro said of repairs. “We just like to remind motorists to slow down and move over if possible if you see our crews working and give them space to do their job safely.”
If a particular pothole has been grinding your gears, Schapiro said they can be reported by calling 1-800-POTHOLE. County and municipal potholes should be reported to the appropriate local office of public works.