Potholes. Those dreaded road craters are a staple in every New Jersey county. We all have our tales of dodging them (or having to change a tire or two). And let’s not forget about those deceptive manhole covers that seem to conspire with potholes to wreak havoc on unsuspecting motorists. But that’s a conversation for another day.
Last week marked the commencement of what the state Department of Transportation (DOT) affectionately aptly named pothole season. It’s that time of year when DOT crews trade in their snow plows for shovels and hot asphalt (early spring after all).
But just how many potholes are we dealing with? According to a spokesperson for the DOT, in 2023 , approximately 135,000 potholes were repaired at a staggering cost of $1.8 million (although it may not seem like it). While this number marked a decrease from the 170,000 holes filled the year before, the battle against potholes rages on. The fiscal year 2024 which kicked off on July 1, has already seen around 93,500 potholes patched up, with the busiest pothole repair season still ahead. Much of this construction is said to take place during daytime hours starting at 9 a.m. – which may have an impact on traffic with lanes being closed or worse.
New Jersey’s pothole problem doesn’t just exist in the minds of frustrated drivers; it’s backed by data. New Jersey continues to rank among the top 10 worst states for potholes in America. Landing squarely at no. 8 on this dubious list, it’s clear that navigating New Jersey’s roads is not for the faint of heart. As we brace ourselves for the bumpy road ahead, let’s remember that awareness and community engagement can serve as valuable tools in the ongoing battle against potholes. Together, we can navigate through this challenging season and emerge on the other side with our vehicles (and nerves) intact.
How Are Potholes Created?
For the most part, potholes can be created when water infiltrates small crevices in the road, often due to rain or melting snow, it finds its way into the underlying layers of the asphalt. During colder weather, this trapped water undergoes a remarkable transformation. As temperatures drop, the water freezes, causing it to expand and exert immense pressure on the surrounding asphalt. Sounds like New Jersey.
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
1 comment
Quite honestly, in the past two weeks and everyday in my car and on the road – I have YET to see one truck with people filling in the holes. I drive Central NJ daily plus some !