Roads & Trails

Potholes appear year-round with the climate we live in, but are more noticeable in spring and summer. This has to do with the freeze/thaw cycle that creates cracks in road surfaces. As ice expands and melts underneath the road, it creates air pockets. When cars drive over these weak spots, the pavement collapses and potholes form.

Prioritizing pothole repairs

Similar to how roads are prioritized for snow and ice removal, pothole repairs are prioritized based on the type of street they are on and the safety hazard they present:

1. Major arterial roads that residents use to get around the City, like 50 Street and 50 Avenue with higher speed limits and larger traffic volume, are prioritized first.
2. Collector roads, like larger roads used to access neighbourhoods and school routes, are addressed once arterial roads are completed.
3. Residential streets follow once arterial and collector roads are repaired.

Types of pothole repairs

Potholes are an ongoing challenge for crews, especially in winter months when only temporary fixes can be done until weather conditions improve. Crews use different repair methods year-round to help keep roads as safe and functional as possible:

Cold patch repairs:

Cold patch repairs are a short-term solution; they can fill larger holes that are a safety issue in cold months, but they are only a “quick fix” until permanent repairs are made in the summer months.

• Used for temporary repairs during cold weather (fall/winter)

Hot patch repairs:

Provides a higher-quality repair by creating a stronger bond between the patch and existing asphalt to prevent water from getting into the pavement.

The City uses two different hot patch repair techniques:

• Infrared repair: specialized infrared equipment heats existing asphalt until it is soft. The softened asphalt is then raked, smoothed and compacted.
• Hot mix repair: a hot asphalt mixture fills potholes and is then compacted, forming a strong bond to the pavement. Applied during warm, dry weather (spring/summer) for more durable, longer lasting results.

Crews complete line painting each year starting in June once street sweeping is complete. This keeps roads clearly marked for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to maintain safety. Residents may see crews doing this work during the day or overnight to help minimize traffic disruptions.

Crews also repair pavement cracks as part of ongoing proactive maintenance to prevent potholes and extend the lifespan of City roadways. Cracks are filled with a special sealing material to prevent moisture from getting into the pavement to help reduce potholes and other impacts.

Surface asphalt repairs may be done when multiple smaller surfaces need repaving and the road is not scheduled for renewal in the near future. During this process, the surface level of the asphalt is removed and new asphalt is laid on top. Temporary lane or road closures may be in effect. Watch for signs about any lane or road closures in place, and drive carefully when crews are out completing the work.

The City performs ongoing preventative maintenance to extend the lifespan of roadways, reduce long-term costs, repair surface defects and address vehicle and pedestrian safety, as well as larger road repair and renewal projects. The City prioritizes and schedules preventative and major roadwork projects through integrated maintenance planning, which is guided and identified by the following plans: