Pothole Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's

1. What is the definition of a "pothole"? (Answer)
   
2. What causes potholes? (Answer)
   
3. Why do the potholes reappear? (Answer)
   
4. How is a pothole scheduled for repair? (Answer)
   
5. Why has the pothole I reported not been repaired? (Answer)
   
6. How do I know if/what I am reporting can be repaired as a pothole?(Answer)

Answers

1. What is the definition of a "pothole"?
   

   A "pothole" is a hole in the street with the bottom of the hole shaped like the bottom of a pot (rounded).

2. What causes potholes?
   
    
   
   
   Click for Larger Image 
   
   Potholes are formed when asphalt ages, it becomes more porous, allowing rainwater and melting snow to penetrate the surface.  In cold weather, the water that has drained through to the foundation freezes to form pockets of ice. The ice then expands and warps the pavement.  When the temperature rises above freezing, the pockets of ice melt leaving a void beneath the road surface. The unsupported pavement collapses under the weight of the traffic resulting in a pothole. The pothole expands due to continued road movement adn contact with vehicles.
   
   

    
   

3. Why do the potholes reappear?
   
   

   Pothole patching is a semi-permanent repair. During the winter months, the freeze (thaw cycle) causes movement within the street which leads to the separation of new fractures and previous repairs on original asphalt roads. Repairs completed during the winter may not hold as well due to the conditions experienced during the repair (temperature, moisture, etc.) causing potholes to reappear.

    

   To ensure streets remain safely passable during the winter, repairs must be undertaken in less than ideal conditions. During the warmer months, any deteriorated winter repairs are fixed with hot asphalt patching at appropriate temperatures.at appropriate temperatures.

    

   As Municipal Operations has procured its own asphalt recycler, hot asphalt is now available during the entire winter allowing for a longer lasting repair.

    

                                                                             

4.  How is a pothole scheduled for repair? 
   
   

   Once a pothole has been reported a Maintenance Planning Supervisor (MPS) will assess the site. Where required, a work order is created prioritizing the repair. Work planning staff produce daily work assignments and are then dispatched accordingly to effect repairs.

   
    

5.  Why has the pothole I reported not been repaired?
   

   The following circumstances may result in repairs being delayed:

   • Potholes cannot be repaired under wet conditions;
   • Insufficient location information was given meaning staff may have trouble locating the pothole;
   • Defect measuring less than 30 mm in depth are not scheduled for repair as they are not an immediate hazard;
   • Some pavement defects that are reported are not potholes and require a different type of repair;
   • Related defects may need to be repaired by other parties through a coordinated effort;
   • Repairs are based on street classification and priority. The most urgent safety concerns are repaired ahead of secondary priorities;
   • It may have been repaired, but needs to be repaired again. Some potholes can be repaired more than 6 or 7 times during the winter season;
   • Broken asphalt around infrastructure in the street (i.e. catch basins) may be caused by a defect with the asset. The defect with the asset must be corrected prior to the asphalt being repaired.
                                                                            
   
   
6.  How do I know if/what I am reporting can be repaired as a pothole?

    

   While most defects are repaired within established service standards, some may require a more comprehensive repair and may take longer because of the skills and equipment involved. Examples of defects reported as potholes which may take longer to repair include: ruts, cracks, sinkholes, utility cuts, manholes, railroad tracks, and expansion joints on bridges. Please refer to the Asphalt Defect Guide for images.