Pothole Information

The long-term solution to potholes is to pave or reconstruct the street.  Potholes will not usually form on pavement that is in good condition, that keeps water out from under the pavement, and that is designed for the type of traffic that uses it.

Permanent hot asphalt patching of potholes on HRM owned streets typically takes place during the summer months on a priority basis as determined by the pavement management system, site inspections, and service requests from HRM residents and Councilors.  Also provides for winter pothole patching on an ‘as required' basis.  Using a strategic mix of HRM resources and contract services, a planned program of hot mix asphalt patching during the summer months is initialed on a priority basis, based on the Pavement Condition Management System, service requests, and field inspection data and within the approved budgetary limits.  

The emergency winter asphalt patching will be carried out on an ‘as required' basis utilizing the most effective and economical methods and materials available, i.e., hot mix asphalt, cold mix asphalt.

Hot Asphalt Patching

Hot asphalt patching takes skill to work the hot asphalt with a rake.  It needs to be leveled and has to be the right thickness.  It is extremely hot when it is first applied.  Hot asphalt remains flexible so it can be worked into the repair area.  Hot asphalt is usually carried in an asphalt hot box.  A hot asphalt box is insulated and heated to keep the asphalt mix hot.  This allows the asphalt to remain workable.  Without asphalt hot box, the asphalt would cool too quickly and turn to a solid form which is why the use of hot asphalt during the winter months may not be feasible.

Cold Asphalt Patching

Cold patch, also known as cold mix or cold asphalt, is a way to make road repairs quickly because it can be applied right from the container without heating.  It can be used with little or no preparation work.  It is simple to work with.  Cold patch can be applied under all weather conditions.  Cold asphalt also does not require any special skills, heavy rolling machines, or special applicators as it can be shoveled or poured into a pothole and tamped down with a hand tool.   Cold asphalt patching material also freezes and becomes hard during the winter months.  Repair crews must often use a tiger torch (portable torch) to heat the cold patch material in order to make it pliable when the temperature goes below freezing. 

Pothole FAQ's

1. What is the definition of a "Pothole"? (Answer)
   
2. What causes potholes? (Answer)
   
3. Why do the potholes re-appear? (Answer)
   
4. How is a pothole scheduled for repair? (Answer)
   
5. The pothole I reported was not repaired within 14 days.  Why? (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 expands and warps the pavement.  When the temperature rises above freezing, the pockets of ice melt and leave voids beneath the road surface.  The unsupported pavement collapses under the weight of the traffic resulting in potholes.  The pothole expands as traffic continually hits the hole.
   
   

   
   

3. Why do the potholes re-appear?
   

   The material used to repair potholes does not stick as well to the surrounding pavement when it is cold or wet outside.  Repairs made during the winter may/will not last as long as repairs made to dry, warm pavement.  We cannot wait until warmer weather to repair the potholes as the potholes must be repaired for safety reasons.

4. How is a pothole scheduled for repair?
   
   First, it is important for people to report potholes.  If we are not aware of them, we cannot repair them.  It is also very important to properly log your pothole reports to ensure they are scheduled in order to be repaired.  You can report a pothole by creating a service request or by calling our Corporate Call Center at 490-4000.
   
   Once a pothole has been reported a service request is issued and inspection by an HRM staff member takes; a work order is then issued and forwarded to one of repair crews for scheduling of work.  Normally repairs are made within 14 business days once the work order has been issued provided that crews are available to respond - weather conditions and snow and ice operations and related snow clean up efforts will take precedence.
    

5. The pothole I reported was not repaired within 14 days.  Why?
   

   The following circumstances may result in repairs being delayed:

   • The repair of potholes is weather permitting
     
   • Insufficient Location Information means we may have trouble locating the pothole;
     
   • defect measuring less than 30 mm in depth, does not pose an immediate safety hazard and therefore, will not be repaired within 14 business days;
     
   • Some pavement defects that are reported as potholes are other kinds of problems which cannot be repaired as a pothole;
     
   • Some other defects may need to be repaired by other parties;
     
   • Repairs are based on street priority and class.  HRM will first address repairs for the most urgent safety concerns;
     
   • It may have been repaired, the temporary repairs failed, and it must be repaired again.  Some potholes could be repaired more than 6 or 7 times during the winter season;
     
   • Broken asphalt around infrastructure in the street may be caused by a defect with the asset.  The defect with the asset must be repaired prior to asphalt patching.
   
   
   
6.  How do I know if/what I am reporting can be repaired as a pothole?
   

   While most defects can be repaired within 14 business days some may require a more comprehensive repair and may take longer because of the skills and equipment involved.  An example of defects reported as potholes which may take longer than 14 business days to repair may include: ruts, cracks, sinkholes, utility cuts, manholes, railroad tracks, and expansion joints on bridges.  Please refer to Asphalt Defect Guide for pictorial images.