ALBANY, N.Y. — Following one of the harshest winters in recent memory, Kathy Hochul announced a sweeping statewide initiative to repair roads and fill potholes, marking what officials describe as one of the most ambitious infrastructure maintenance efforts in state history.
The initiative will deploy 215 crews from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to repair an estimated 175,000 potholes across state highways in April alone. Crews are expected to place more than 8,000 tons of asphalt during the initial phase, with plans to address hundreds of thousands more potholes as weather conditions improve.
“I know where each and every pothole is hiding on the state highway system, and I have bad news for these public nuisances: Your days are numbered,” Hochul said. “We’ve had an unforgiving winter this year in New York, and the frigid cold and heavy snowfall can take a toll on our roads. That’s why we are stepping up with an unprecedented state effort to repave hundreds of miles of roadway and fill hundreds of thousands of potholes in the next few weeks alone. Our outstanding DOT and Thruway crews will not rest until every pothole in this state has been repaired.”
The pothole repair push coincides with the official start of New York’s paving season and a broader infrastructure investment strategy backed by record funding. NYSDOT is planning more than $600 million in paving projects across over 180 sites during the 2026 construction season, covering nearly 2,150 lane miles.
Combined with ongoing core programs, the total resurfacing effort is expected to exceed 4,000 lane miles statewide — the largest annual pavement renewal program ever undertaken by the agency.
“Our crews have worked tirelessly this winter keeping our roads clear for New Yorkers during a brutally cold, snow and ice-filled winter,” said NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. “Now, as the weather transitions, we are moving from fighting snow and ice to carrying out one of the most robust construction programs in recent memory.”
Major projects are already underway or scheduled to begin across regions including Long Island, Western New York, the Hudson Valley and the Capital Region. Notable investments include $58.8 million in paving improvements on Long Island and a $5.1 million roadway enhancement project in West Seneca.
State officials emphasized that the initiative is part of a long-term strategy to improve roadway safety, reliability and economic mobility across New York.
The New York State Thruway Authority alone plans to invest more than $600 million in capital projects in 2026, supported by a five-year, $2.8 billion capital plan. The plan includes resurfacing approximately 60% of the Thruway system and repairing or replacing 150 bridges.
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“The Thruway Authority is committed to investing in critical infrastructure projects across our 570-mile system, ensuring we keep our vital network modernized and reliable,” said Executive Director Frank G. Hoare.
Lawmakers also praised the effort, noting the connection between infrastructure investment and economic growth.
“Investing in pavement rehabilitation of our roadways ensures that they remain safe and sustainable for all users,” said Assemblymember William Magnarelli. “Roads and infrastructure that are maintained and strengthened help encourage statewide commerce and travel.”
The aggressive repair schedule follows extensive winter damage caused by repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which weaken pavement and accelerate pothole formation. Officials noted that heavy traffic further exacerbates the problem, making timely repairs essential.
Motorists are encouraged to report potholes via the state hotline or local authorities, as crews continue to prioritize high-traffic corridors and critical routes.
Originally reported by Governor New York Government.
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