Is This the New Pothole Capital of the Hudson Valley?
They say the only certainties in life are death and taxes. It seems like Hudson Valley, NY residents can add potholes to that list.
The early months of the year are always a tough time for local roads. Water works its way into small cracks before freezing and expanding, literally tearing the pavement apart. Snowplows, who are a vital ingredient in keeping New York drivers safe, catch loose asphalt with their blades, adding further damage.
But which town is the worst for wear this season?
Major Potholes on Route 32 in Newburgh, NY
"Anyone driving north on 32 toward Modena from Newburgh: there is a major tire-bursting pothole", a Hudson Valley, NY driver recently warned on Facebook. "I just drove there to pick up someone who fell victim to it, and passed another car in the process of being picked up by a flatbed near it." Even more victims chimed in.
Is Newburgh, NY the New Pothole Capital of the Hudson Valley?
"I saw someone just past [Cherry Top Dairy Bar] a couple weeks ago who broke their axel on one of the pot holes!", added a local resident.
"That whole section from Plattekill to Newburgh is nothing but huge holes", said another.
Has the town of Newburgh, NY become the new pothole capital of the Hudson Valley?
While there's no doubt that nearly every town in the area has similar struggles, the stretch of Route 32 between Plattekill and Newburgh, NY is having a particularly rough go. Even on nearby Route 300 (and ironically directly in front of the Town of Newburgh complex), a massive hole has been refilled at least three times in as many months (above).
The answer for pothole fixes might be 50 miles south.
"You can call Hudson Valley Transportation Management Center (HVTMC) and they will call Newburgh to fill it..my husband works for DOT and wanted you to know", offered one helpful commenter. The HVTMC, located in Hawthorne, NY in Westchester County, is just one of the options available to Hudson Valley drivers.
Read More: Are These the Worst Potholes in the Hudson Valley?
Call 1-800-POTHOLE in the Hudson Valley, NY
The simplest action for pothole-plagued commuters is to call 1-800-POTHOLE. The hotline, set up by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is the 24-hour, 7-days-a-week option for reporting potholes on any New York highway, including state routes like 32 and 300 in Newburgh, NY.
Unfortunately, potholes aren't the only thing New York drivers need to keep on their radar.
Recently, new traffic circles have been confounding local commuters in Dutchess County, and it seems like even professional drivers can't keep their vehicles right-side up.
Check out the five most dangerous roads in New York State below.
The 5 Most Dangerous Roads In New York State
The 25 Most Dangerous Roads in New Jersey
Gallery Credit: Matt Ryan