Bumpy roads ahead for Central Coast drivers

The El Niostorms are making things worse for the failing infrastructure around Monterey County.

“The rain gets between the alligator cracking, pops out blocks of asphalt, and that causes potholes,” said Public Works Operations Manager Shawn Atkins.

Operations Manager Shawn Atkins and his team of 42 men and women are responsible for 173 bridges and 1,234 miles of road, however the budget is shrinking.

“Our budget for maintaining those roadways have decreased 24-percent from last fiscal year, and it looks like that decrease will stay static moving forward,” said Atkins.

In addition to potholes, drivers also have to worry about the mud after a storm.

“The reality is we would need 20-million dollars a year over a ten year period to bring the conditions of the roads in Monterey County up to an acceptable condition,” said Atkins.

Which means a rough ride ahead for Central Coast drivers.

“There’s a scale you measure asphalt on. You really want your roads up around 80 or better, currently the roads in Monterey County are below 40,” said Atkins.

According to California Highway Patrol when it comes to potholes the freeways produce less calls for service than the county roads.

“The 101 was just recently re-done and they’re actually working on Highway 1 right now. Where we do have a lot of potholes are in between the farm lands,” said CHP Officer Oscar Loza.

Taking it slow is one piece of advice, especially after it rains.

“You never know if that puddle of water is actually a pothole and you don’t know how deep that pothole is,” said Loza.

If you have a bad pothole in your area you’re encouraged to let the Monterey County Public Works Department know.