Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release #06-75

Contact: Kay Sarlin (212) 442-7033
Ted Timbers

DOT Repairs Cobblestones on Wooster Street

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the rehabilitation of the cobblestone surface on Wooster Street in SoHo. DOT crews began ripping out the existing cobblestones in mid-November and the work will be completed by the 8th of December. Earlier this year DOT began an initiative to repair cobblestone streets around the City and thus far have completed work on Vestry and Laight Streets in Tribeca, on Peck Slip near the Brooklyn Bridge and on Joralemon Street in Brooklyn Heights.

"Cobblestone streets are part of the charm of our older neighborhoods," said DOT Commissioner Iris Weinshall. "I'm very happy that we've been able to repair these streets for all New Yorkers to enjoy."

Cobblestones were the primary street surface in New York City up until 1938, and still exist under a layer of asphalt in the older sections of the City. As new technology developed the City switched from cobblestones to asphalt in order to provide a smoother surface and to reduce roadway maintenance costs. Cobblestone streets deteriorate faster than asphalt streets because there are more opportunities for water to penetrate the road surface and loosen the base.

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