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1. What makes a pothole?

Potholes are created when moisture seeps into the pavement, freezes, expands and then thaws. This weakens the pavement. Traffic loosens it even more, and it eventually crumbles and pops out.

2. Why do so many potholes occur in the spring?

Spring temperatures warm the cold pavement, melting and evaporating any ice. This creates air pockets that can eventually cause the pavement to break up. A winter of heavy snow or rain and several freeze-thaw cycles can mean a big pothole season ahead.

3. Do some roads get more potholes than others?

Yes, based on age, usage patterns and weather conditions.

4. How do I report potholes?

All complaints regarding potholes should be reported to Citizen Services, (631) 957-7474 or 3-1-1. Reports should include the location of the pothole such as the street address and the cross street name and/or intersection, as well as the complainant's name, address and phone number.

5. Why is a recently filled pothole coming apart?

During the winter months, a temporary “cold patch” is used to fill potholes. This is a temporary measure until a more permanent solution, such as asphalt, can be used. Asphalt can only be poured when the weather is more than 50 degrees. When needed, town employees will fix potholes repaired with a “cold patch” once the temperature is above 50 degrees.

6. What are the options to repair roads?

There are three options that the Town utilizes to make the most cost-effective and longest lasting solution depending on the specific situation. The three options include micropaving, overlaying or complete road reconstruction:

• Micropaving - an application of a thin layer of asphalt, designed to seal and extend the life span of the roadway; takes 1 day.


• Overlay - the application of a thick layer of asphalt designed to increase the load carrying ability of the pavement; work staged over a course of weeks.


• Reconstruction - a complete rebuilding of the entire pavement structure; work staged over a course of months.
  

Highway Engineers determine which treatment to apply based on a survey of the condition of the pavement. The Town tries to micropave a roadway before overlay is necessary and tries to overlay before reconstruction is necessary. This is done to save taxpayer money. Reconstruction is approximately 30 times more expensive than micro-paving. With more than 535 miles of Town roads to maintain, it is critical to apply the right treatment at the right time, to each roadway, in order to keep taxes as low as possible.

7. What is the process to reconstruct a road?

Your road may have been selected for repaving. If so, it is probably because of the overall condition of the road as well as the need to improve the drainage system. Please be aware that the entire reconstruction process may take approximately two months, weather permitting, to complete. The reconstruction process is extensive and involves many separate steps.

The first step is to remove any obstacles to reconstruction including sidewalks, curbing, driveway aprons, telephone poles, and, in some cases, trees. During the reconstruction process, we may, unfortunately, be forced to remove some healthy trees. The Town of Babylon is very dedicated to the preservation of trees and will only remove a tree as a last resort. Trees will be removed for the following reasons:

1. Roots are uplifting the road


2. Roots are interfering with a drainage basin


3. The tree is in the boundaries of the proposed road expansion (Federal and State guidelines dictate how wide a street must be)


4. The condition of the tree jeopardizes public safety (roots that are cut or damaged compromise the integrity of the tree which could in turn become a public safety issue)


5. The tree is diseased or dead

Following this, the road itself is pulverized and recycled on site. The existing road is regraded and used as the sub-base for the new road. After regrading occurs, the road cannot be paved until the moisture levels drop below 2%. This usually takes 3 or 4 days.

The next step is to pave the road. The final step in the reconstruction process is the restoration work. This is another time-consuming phase as sidewalks, curbs and other items removed must be restored.

Although it is a long process, you will have access to your road throughout the entire reconstruction process, with limited exceptions. The end result of this work will be a brand new road for you and your neighbors.

8. What can I expect when my road is being reconstructed?

During working hours (Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm), your street will be open, but at times access may be limited.

Please do not leave any vehicles parked in the roadway during working hours. If possible, park on the nearest cross street not under improvement, a minimum of 100 feet from the corner. Please adjust your plans for deliveries and other daily functions. During non-working hours, you will have unlimited access to your street. Pre-construction photos have been taken of your driveways and Town right-of ways (shoulder areas) to assist the contractor in the restoration phase of the project.
Please contact the Office of Citizen Services at (631) 957-TOWN (8696) to answer any inquiries you may have.

Your road has been selected for reconstruction due to the overall condition of the road as well as to upgrade the drainage system. Please be aware that the entire reconstruction process may take approximately two months, weather permitting, to complete. Although it is a long process, you will have access to your road throughout the entire reconstruction process, with limited exceptions. The end result of this work will be a brand new road for you and your neighbors.

9. When will my street be repaved?

DPW works closely with the Highway Engineering Division regarding road maintenance and repair. Items taken into account include previous road condition, recent data, traffic patterns and usage in order to decide the best course of road maintenance action. The Town strives to repair and repave roads on a regular basis and looks for the most cost-effective and permanent solution. Options for repair include micropaving, overlaying and complete reconstruction.

10. Why is there standing water on a recently paved street?

Micropaving seals the existing cracks and crevices in a roadway. Once those imperfections are sealed, it is possible to see standing water as it can no longer drain into the cracks.

11. When are Road Opening Permits issued?

When an agency other than the Town needs to open a Town road to perform construction work, the Town issues a road opening permit. Possible permitees include Suffolk County Water Authority, LIPA, National Grid, State, County, and other Governmental Agencies.

The permit notes and acknowledges the agency's responsibility to conduct the construction work in accordance with the State and Federal requirements as called for in Town Code. Markouts are required for any work more than one foot below the surface. The Town does not inspect the work but does hold security in the form of a bond or cash for a period of two (2) years. This is only released upon inspection that the work has stood the test of two (2) years time.

If an agency works on a road located within the Town, but not owned by the Town (State or County roads) there is no requirement for a permit.

12. Do I need a permit to widen my driveway?

The widening of a driveway does not require a permit except if the curb is being cut. A street opening application must be obtained from the Department of Public Works This application must be submitted by a contractor who is licensed and insured.

13. What is a private road?

A private road is a road that has been created by a private developer and not by the Town. As such, services and amenities for that road may vary from those that are developed and managed by the Town of Babylon.

14. What services does the Town provide for private roads?

Private roads are not serviced by the Town in any way but are the responsibility of the property owner. These services can include, but are not limited to, snow plowing, street cleanup, street repairs, etc.

15. Can a private road become a Town road?

Landowners may submit a request into the Highway Division to make a private road into a public Town road. Private roads must meet dedicated road standards in order to become Town roads.

The Highway Division would confer with the Town Board if such a road would benefit a majority of Town residents. The Town Board, on its own motion, may adopt a resolution to accept such a road. It is also up to the Board to NOT have the expense of making such a public Town road be borne by ALL residents of the Town, but only by the property owners adjoining the proposed new Town road. In that case, the Town Board would respectfully decline the proposal.

By law, owners of real estate fronting on a private road may petition the Town Board to make necessary improvements to qualify the road to be accepted as town highway. If after a public hearing the Town Board agrees, then all costs for the improvement must be borne by the property owners on the basis of the benefit to their property.