City Smooths the Way for Motorists

March 22, 2012

Pothole repair crews kick into high gear across Edmonton

The early arrival of spring and a lack of rain is prompting the City of Edmonton to accelerate its 2012 pothole repair program.

“We work year-round filling potholes, and mild conditions over the past several months have allowed us to fill more potholes during winter than usual,” says Roadway Maintenance Director Bob Dunford. “Now we’re kicking off our major spring program to help keep people moving around Edmonton.”

Since November, City crews have repaired 51,000 potholes, about 4,000 more than average. During the City’s spring and summer roadway maintenance program, city crews typically repair approximately 420,000 potholes on Edmonton streets. In 2007, Edmonton experienced its worst pothole year on record with 593,000 repairs taking place. Although preventive maintenance in recent years has improved overall roadway conditions, Dunford anticipates crews will be working on approximately 450,000 potholes in 2012 with a budget of $5.7 million.

In northern climates like Edmonton’s, dramatic fluctuations in temperature cause the ground beneath roads to heave and asphalt to crack. As weather warms and the ground thaws, water from melting snow and ice fills the cracks in a road’s surface. When temperatures drop again the water in the cracks expands as it freezes and causes asphalt to further deteriorate. Potholes form as vehicles ride over top of damaged areas and loosen the asphalt even more.

“Although Roadway Maintenance seeks out and fixes 97% of the potholes on Edmonton streets, we ask that citizens assist us by reporting potholes and identifying areas of particular concern,” says Dunford.  “We encourage citizens to visit our webpage (www.edmonton.ca/potholes) and submit a pothole report. By doing so, they can help us ensure smoother driving conditions in Edmonton.”

 

For more information:

Online	Contact 311 Online

Telephone	In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311
TTY	780-944-5555
Email	311@edmonton.ca