New City, NY – Today, Monday February 23rd, Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, Assemblyman James Skoufis, and local elected officials held a press conference to call on the NYS Department of Transportation (DOT) to make immediate repairs to the Palisades Interstate Parkway; north of exit 10.

After 15 years since its last major rehabilitation, the officials urged the DOT to add the Palisades Parkway improvement projects to the 2014-18 Transportation Improvement Plan. The parkway is in dire need of attention as its conditions have worsened to a point that has placed drivers in danger. This roadway has become a main commuter thoroughfare through Rockland over the past decade and significant repairs are needed in order to accommodate the increased traffic.

“A major rehabilitation to the northern section of the Palisades Interstate Parkway is a long over-due and necessary investment. The PIP is one of the region’s most traveled roadways and these poor conditions and lack of improvements are unacceptable. Unavoidable potholes are creating unsafe conditions and putting lives in danger. We are asking that the DOT prioritize this critical project for the sake of the region’s economic development, and most importantly, the safety of drivers,” said Assemblyman Zebrowski.

The last project to make substantial repairs was the PIP Phase 1 enhancements which were completed almost 15 years ago. The complete restoration of the Palisades Parkway up to the Bear Mountain traffic circle was supposed to be completed by now but has been plagued by budget cuts and delays.

“One of the basic functions of government is to ensure the roads are paved and safe. That's why we are calling on the DOT to do something that should have been done long ago: repair the northern section of the Palisades Interstate Parkway. The condition of this area of the Palisades is deplorable and the people of North Rockland and Eastern Orange County that travel the parkway should not have to wait any longer or suffer from any more blown tires," said Assemblyman Skoufis.

The Assemblymembers recently sent a letter to DOT asking that these projects be prioritized and be included in the 2014-18 Transportation Improvement Plan.