Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Friday that New York State Department of Transportation crews filled more than 250,000 potholes statewide during April, surpassing the administration’s goal of 175,000 repairs.
The state said more than 215 NYSDOT crews were deployed across New York following one of the coldest winters in recent years, patching potholes and resurfacing roads damaged by snow and ice.
State crews laid 120K tons of asphalt
Along with pothole repairs, crews laid more than 120,000 tons of asphalt on state roads during April as part of what the state described as the largest paving effort in New York history.
“Smoother roads improve the quality of life for millions of New Yorkers,” Hochul said in a statement. “Whether we are filling potholes or repaving roads, make no mistake: if you are a pothole, your days are numbered.”
The governor announced the statewide pothole initiative in early April after winter weather left roads heavily damaged across New York.
Hotline complaints more than doubled
The state also reported a sharp increase in pothole complaints this year.
From Jan. 1 through April 15, calls to New York’s pothole hotline — 1-800-POTHOLE — rose from 2,263 in 2025 to 5,322 in 2026.
Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez credited the repairs to increased state funding and expanded paving operations.
“Our dedicated team is hard at work revitalizing thousands of miles along the state highway system,” Dominguez said.
Historic paving plan underway statewide
Last October, Hochul announced more than $600 million for over 180 paving projects statewide during the 2026 construction season.
The state said the projects will improve nearly 4,000 lane miles of pavement by the end of the year, marking the most extensive annual resurfacing program in NYSDOT history.
How to report potholes in New York
Drivers can report potholes on state highways by calling 1-800-POTHOLE (1-800-768-4653), available 24 hours a day.
In New York City, potholes can be reported through 311. Local road issues should be reported to the appropriate municipality or highway department.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: How many potholes have been filled in NY?
Reporting by New York Connect Team, USA Today Network / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
