The New Jersey Department of Transportation announced on March 14 that its annual statewide pothole repair campaign will begin on Monday, March 16. The effort will include moving operations and daytime lane closures as crews work to address road damage caused by winter weather.
The campaign is important for maintaining safe and smooth roads for drivers across the state. Fluctuating temperatures this winter have led to more potholes, increasing the need for repairs compared to previous years.
Governor Mikie Sherrill said, “Winter is tough on our roads. That’s why our crews are working quickly to repair them. New Jersey drivers deserve safe, smooth roads, and this campaign is about fixing problems fast to keep people moving and our economy flowing.”
Acting Commissioner Priya Jain stated, “The New Jersey Department of Transportation is beginning our annual pothole campaign on Monday, March 16. Over the next couple of months our priority will be repairing potholes formed this winter. NJDOT crews work year-round to repair potholes and keep our highways in good condition, but at this time of year, it becomes our primary focus.”
To complete repairs efficiently, NJDOT will allow crews to close travel lanes during daytime hours when necessary. Work hours will generally be limited from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with efforts made to avoid peak commuting times. Variable Message Signs will alert motorists about ongoing repairs and possible lane closures, while current locations for repairs can be found at www.511nj.org.
As asphalt plants reopen with warmer weather, permanent patch operations requiring milling and paving will take place overnight on problematic sections of roadway. In recent years, NJDOT has repaired an average of approximately 155,000 potholes per year; so far in fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025 – March 13, 2026), about 89,100 potholes have been fixed.
Motorists are reminded to slow down in work zones for crew safety and follow New Jersey’s Move Over law when approaching emergency or service vehicles stopped roadside. Potholes can be reported by calling 1-800-POTHOLE or online using a mapping feature for state roads; county road issues should be reported directly to the appropriate jurisdiction.
For updates on construction and real-time travel information, drivers are encouraged to visit www.511nj.org or follow NJDOT’s social media channels.
