NEW JERSEY – Legislation sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Anthony M. Bucco that would require the Department of Transportation to begin providing information about potholes on State roads in their annual Roadway Pavement System report was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee.
“Every day, New Jerseyans navigate a complex network of roadways to commute throughout our State. It is imperative that our roads are maintained for the safety of our commuters,” said Bucco (R-25). “Unfortunately, New Jersey faces a significant problem with potholes along our State roads. My legislation would help improve State road maintenance by requiring the DOT to begin providing information about pothole repairs and pothole damage claims in their annual report to the Legislature.”
Under current law, the Department of Transportation (DOT) is required to provide an annual report to the Governor and Legislature on New Jersey’s Roadway Pavement System. The DOT uses this report to identify, repair and maintain projects that were completed throughout the fiscal year. This report currently does not include information about potholes.
New Jersey, however, is ranked among the worst states in the country for potholes, Bucco said.
Senator Bucco’s bill, S-2491, would require the DOT to begin including information about pothole repair projects and their cost in their annual report. The DOT would also be required to conduct a lifecycle cost analysis, in consultation with the Division of Risk Management, to report on the number of pothole damage claims submitted by commuters on State roadways.
This information would also be made available to the public as required by the legislation.
“This bill takes an important step towards improving road safety and transportation transparency,” Bucco said. “By obtaining pothole repair and damage claim data from the DOT, the Legislature can work towards implementing targeted solutions that enhance roadways throughout the Garden State.”
