Pothole Season has Begun, and City Staff are Ready

As spring approaches, Owen Sound residents can look forward to the maple sap running. Unfortunately, the best conditions for maple syrup making are the worst for roads! Freeze-thaw cycles due to daytime positive temperatures and nighttime lows are the best recipe for potholes. Staff are ready for them and are repairing damage in priority areas across the city.  In the meantime, drivers should use caution and report any areas of concern.

Potholes develop when water gets under the top layer of asphalt through cracks in the road. After the moisture freezes and expands, the weight of passing vehicles breaks the pavement. Potholes often appear in the spring, due to melting snow and ice and more frequent freeze-thaw cycles as the average daily temperature increases.

You can help by reporting potholes when you see them. Depending on the location and the weather, staff are typically able to repair potholes within a few days of receiving a report.

You can report a pothole or other road issue by filling out the City’s Report a Concern Form online. Please provide the exact location of the pothole, ideally the nearest property address. You will also have the opportunity to upload an image of the pothole.

For more information, please contact Lara Widdifield, Director of Public Works and Engineering at 519-376-4440 ext. 1201 or email lwiddifield@owensound.ca.

Quick Facts:

• During winter months, when temperatures are low and the pavement is covered with snow/ice, potholes are temporarily patched with cold mix asphalt to make the road safe. More permanent repairs are performed with hot asphalt when warmer conditions return.

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