NJDOT annual statewide pothole repair campaign begins

Moving operations and daytime lane closures can be expected

(Trenton) - New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti today announced the beginning of the annual statewide campaign to repair potholes across New Jersey.

This winter has seen temperatures continually fluctuating above and below freezing, along with a mix of snow, ice storms and heavy rain resulting in a large number of potholes on state highways, which pose a risk for motorists.  

“The frequent storms combining snow, sleet, and freezing rain this winter, along with severe swings in temperature, have been particularly harsh on our roads this year,” Commissioner Gutierrez-Scaccetti said. “Today, we are launching the Department’s annual pothole campaign. NJDOT crews work year-round to repair potholes and keep our highways in good condition, but following the winter it is our primary focus.”

To deal with potholes in the most aggressive and efficient manner, the Department will be allowing crews throughout the state to close travel lanes where necessary during daytime hours, including during peak travel times for priority repairs.

It is important to slow down in work zones so NJDOT crews can safely make repairs. New Jersey’s Move Over law requires motorists to move over if it is safe to do so when they approach an emergency or service vehicle stopped on the side of the road.

Where possible, crews will limit their daytime work hours to 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., per standard protocol, and will try to avoid working in travel lanes carrying traffic in the peak direction during peak times. However, motorists might encounter maintenance crews making priority repairs any time of the day or night during this campaign.

As the weather warms up and asphalt plants reopen, our crews will start to perform permanent patch operations on particularly problematic sections of roadway. This is more extensive work that includes milling and paving a small area of the road, and generally will be done overnight. In the past five fiscal years (FY14 – FY18), NJDOT has repaired on average 231,200 potholes per year. So far in FY19 (July 1, 2018 – March 1, 2019), NJDOT has repaired about 125,000 potholes, with the busiest pothole repair season just starting. 

NJDOT will be using Variable Message Signs to alert motorists of the campaign and, to the extent possible, of lane closures that could result in temporary travel delays. Detailed current repair locations will be posted on a continual basis on website www.511nj.org

In addition to our crews monitoring and reporting potholes that need repair on state highways, we encourage motorists to report potholes as well.  Motorists may call 1-800-POTHOLE or go online at www.nj.gov/transportation to a convenient form on our website to report potholes on state roads. To report potholes on county roads, contact the appropriate jurisdiction.  The Department responds quickly, especially to reports of potholes that create safety concerns based on their size and location.