Roads and Traffic

How potholes form

With the shift from winter snow plowing to snow melting, conditions are perfect for potholes to form in the spring.

Moisture seeps into the pavement and sub-base, freezes, expands, and then thaws.

The ‘freeze, thaw' cycle weakens the pavement.

Traffic loosens the pavement even more.

Pavement crumbles and pops out.

Potholes can develop on a daily basis when temperatures begin to hover around zero degrees.

Fixing a pothole

Depending on where the pothole is located, it may take some time to fix it. Repairs are addressed on both a priority and scheduling basis. On average, we fill most potholes within a 12 to 48 hour period.

Pothole hazards are rated on the following criteria:

• location (driving lane, curb lane);
• class of street; and
• degree of hazard for drivers.

If a pothole is located on a main road or priority route, it will be repaired quicker than others on a residential street or secondary road.

Tips to avoid tire and vehicle damage

• be alert
• be cautious
• slow down
• try to avoid puddles
• after dark, keep headlights clean to spot potholes easily
• keep tires properly inflated
• brake lightly to avoid dropping into a pothole
• try to avoid areas where pot holes normally form

What to do if your vehicle is damaged from a pothole

1. Reach out to your insurance provider to report the damage and follow their guidance. 

2. Email the City’s Risk Management and Loss Prevention Officer with the details of the incident, including:

• Your name and contact information
• The date and time of the incident
• The exact location of the pothole (include nearby house numbers or other landmarks for accuracy)
• A description of the damage along with copies of repair estimates or invoices 

Refrain from contacting the City for payment, as all claims are processed through our insurance or an independent adjuster. 

Do not delay repairing to your vehicle while awaiting payment, as the claims process may take some time. 

We encourage you to proceed with repairs, as recommended by your insurance provider, to ensure your safety and vehicle functionality.