Contact: Colleen Roche/Jennifer Chait (212) 788-2958
"The 11-week pothole repair blitz overseen by the Department of Transportation, not only met its goal of filling 25,000 potholes before winter sets in, but surpassed that number by more than 2,000," said Mayor Giuliani. "The streets of New York City, throughout all five boroughs, are in the best shape we've seen in many years as a result of initiatives like these. As we continue to make our City's streets and subways safer and our parks and playgrounds cleaner, we are also making our City's roads safer and more driveable. I want to thank the Commissioner and the Department of Transportation for designing and successfully implementing this important quality of life initiative."
The blitz, which began in late September, utilized a 35-person DOT Field Task Force eight hours a day, five days a week at no additional cost to the City. Neighborhoods were targeted for "Operation Pothole Blitz" based on feedback from DOT inspection, community boards, residents and elected officials.
DOT Commissioner Wilbur L. Chapman said, "We redeployed and focused our highway repair personnel so that we can remove as many of these nuisances as possible from our urban landscape. Today, with 27,535 fewer potholes, our streets are not only smoother, but safer for all drivers."
During the 11-week blitz, more than 1,400 individuals phoned the DOT hotline (212/718 CALL-DOT) to report needed pothole repair. Since January 1998, 77,635 potholes have been repaired Citywide.
Although the blitz is now officially over, DOT's winter field crews will continue to repair potholes and perform other needed street maintenance work.
To report any problems with streets, traffic signals, light poles or any DOT issue, please phone 212/718 225-5368 or 212/718 CALL-DOT.