A Farewell Letter to Montauk Highway Potholes
Dear Potholes on Montauk Highway,
Thank you for destroying my tires. For slamming the bottom of my car into the pavement. For allowing me to feel like I live on a roller coaster. It’s been a fun ride—literally and figuratively—but it’s time to say goodbye.
I regret to inform you that the rumors are true. The New York State Department of Transportation will begin paving Montauk Highway on March 27, weather permitting. Those of you along the 8.2 mile stretch east of County Road 39A and west of Stephens Hand Path are doomed to be shaved down, along with the top layer of asphalt, to make way for fresh, new pavement. The work will be done between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; and after April 1, work will also be done between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 p.m. And, the project will definitely pause on noon the Friday of Memorial Day weekend until after Labor Day.
Don’t worry, you won’t all disappear at the same time. The goal of the project is to shift lanes, not close them, during construction. And work progress will be done with an eye toward community wishes—anyone who has an issue with paving in a certain area on a certain day because of a special event can call 631-952-6041 to make a scheduling request.
Potholes, we salute you for your work in making Montauk Highway an adventure to drive on. But we can’t lie—we’re excited for the shiny, smooth black pavement to replace you. When the project is finished—the expected date is by the end of the year—they’ll even be a bike lane.
Thank you, again, for your service.
Best,
East Enders