Edmonton repairs more than 5,000 potholes so far in 2024

Fluctuating weather this winter season is leading the way for spring and pothole season as city workers have repaired more than 5,000 potholes since the beginning of this year, less than what was repaired by this point in 2023.

As of Feb. 15, the city has received 156 calls via 311 concerning potholes and crews have conducted 5,144 repairs. At the same time last year, the city received 697 reports through 311 around potholes and filled 8,737 potholes. The city repaired a total of 624,663 potholes in 2023 and 583,380 in 2022.

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In a statement to Postmedia, Caitlin Zerebeski, director of infrastructure and maintenance, said Edmonton as a northern city experiences several freeze and thaw cycles throughout the winter when warmer and cooler temperatures hit, which contributes to pothole development.

“Potholes form due to those cycles, when water enters into the surface of the pavement, freezes and then thaws. This forms small voids in the road surface and, as cars drive over that area, potholes form,” said Zerebeski. 

City workers inspect and prioritize potholes based on safety. A number of factors are used to determine which are repaired first, including road type and traffic volume — potholes on major roads with higher traffic volume and speed limits are often give higher priority. Larger and deeper potholes are often given higher priority over smaller, shallow ones.

The standard for handling potholes varies on priority. FHigh-priority location potholes are inspected within 24 hours and repaired within two days. Low priority locations are inspected within five days and repaired within a month. Alleys are inspected within two weeks and repaired within a year.

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According to the City of Edmonton, the timelines listed are targeted and can change depending on location, weather conditions, resource limitations or other roadwork priorities.

If potholes are seen nearby as crews are repairing, they will fill those in as well. Zerebeski told Postmedia that this is part of a “proactive” approach to get ahead of pothole damage.

Crews use a variety of equipment to repair potholes that may cause temporary noise and vibration. The city asks Edmontonians to give crews room to work.

“Pothole repair is part of the City of Edmonton’s efforts to ensure people have safe, reliable and accessible roads to travel. The city has dedicated crews that respond to potholes in the winter,” said Zerebeski. 

Drivers who sustain damages from potholes can receive compensation from the city. Claims are paid only after going through the evaluation process.

Residents can contact 311 or visit edmonton.ca/reportapothole to report a pothole. 

ctran@postmedia.com

@kccindytran

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