Pothole Patrol: Yonkers crews race to fill up the holes
News 12 rode along with a Yonkers Department of Public Works crew as they tackled repairs block by block.
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Thousands of potholes are popping up across Yonkers, and city crews are working around the clock to keep roads safe during what officials describe as one of the worst seasons in recent memory.
News 12 rode along with a Yonkers Department of Public Works crew as they tackled repairs block by block. The four-person team — Rob, Gary, Jerry and Dave — works each shift filling potholes across the city, using up to three tons of asphalt per day.
“There’s a lot of potholes out here. Not enough time in the day to do it,” said DPW worker Rob Agostino.
Each repair is a coordinated effort. Fresh asphalt is poured, spread evenly using a tool known as a lute, tamped down and treated to ensure it bonds properly. The crew can fill up to 60 potholes in a single shift — with some taking as little as 25 seconds to complete.
Still, not every job is quick. Larger clusters of potholes can slow crews down, requiring more time and precision.
For longtime worker Gary Attile, the job is about more than just fixing roads.
“I just love being outdoors with the guys,” he said.
Residents say they appreciate the effort.
“They’re awesome,” said one Yonkers resident.
City officials say longer-term fixes are on the way. Milling — the process of repaving entire sections of roadway — is expected to begin in late April to help smooth out some of the most heavily damaged streets.
