Assemblyman David G. McDonough is urging motorists to report potholes on the state highway system by contacting the state's toll-free hotline at (800) POTHOLE (800) 768-4653).

"Preventive maintenance keeps New York State highways smooth and safe, but harsh winter weather can cause damage that needs to be repaired," stated McDonough. "Thanks to the support of Governor Pataki, the New York State Department of Transportation and the New York State Thruway Authority, the (800) POTHOLE reporting system enables maintenance crews to identify, repair potholes and other damage quickly and efficiently, improving safety for all motorists."

Motorists can call (800) POTHOLE to report potholes on any state-owned highway, including: Hempstead Turnpike, Sunrise Highway, Long Island Expressway, Northern State Parkway, Meadowbrook State Parkway, Wantagh State Parkway, Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway, Bethpage State Parkway, Route 25 (Jericho Turnpike), Carman Mill Road/Merrick Road, Hillside Avenue, Union Turnpike, Middle Neck Road/Port Washington Boulevard, Front Street, Jerusalem Avenue, Newbridge Road, Hicksville Road, Nassau Expressway, Fulton Street, Ocean Parkway, Peninsula Boulevard, Corona Avenue/Franklin Avenue (Valley Stream), Ocean Avenue (Malverne) and service roads on the Long Island Expressway.

Calls received by the hotline will be directed to the closest NYSDOT maintenance facility, from which a maintenance crew will be dispatched as soon as weather conditions and other factors permit. Motorists will be asked to provide detailed information regarding the location of the pothole; this includes the name of the community or county, state route number or interstate, closest reference marker number, closest exit number, the direction of travel and the nearest landmark or crossroad. If individuals reporting potholes would like personal notification of when the repair has been completed, they may also leave their names and addresses for follow-up.

Potholes are formed primarily due to infiltration of water into pavement through cracks in the surface. Cold weather causes the water to freeze, creating a bulge in the pavement that sinks and splits during warm spells. One result of these freeze thaw cycles is the formation of a pothole. The process repeats itself during subsequent stretches of cold, wet weather. Traffic also contributes to the creation of new potholes and the worsening of existing ones.

"It has been one of the coldest winters in the last decade and with the availability of this toll-free number, motorists will be able to assist in keeping our roadways safe," concluded McDonough.