Tackling the pothole problem

The weather we’re getting these days is having a big impact on the pothole problems on the roads around our region. But crews are getting ready to tackle the problem. With temperatures finally holding above the freezing point, Hamilton and Burlington are prepping for a major overhaul of winter-wrecked streets. But residents say they need to see it to believe it.

There’s no question the harsh winter left behind serious road damage. Crews have been making temporary fixes where they can but ongoing freeze-thaw cycles are causing those patches to crumble. We need warmer weather before long-term repairs can start. But many residents say their patience is wearing thin.

This morning Burlington city councillors posed for photos while they filled a pothole.  The event helped launch a new online reporting service where residents can upload photos of problem spots

Paul Sharman is a Burlington city councillor: “So now they don’t have to call on the phone and they can get it to us directly.”

This citizen voiced his opinion: “Shameful. Shame on all of you.”

But one resident who drove by the photo op was upset to see them taking pictures, instead of taking action.

After a long winter that has riddled city streets with craters, he’s not alone in his frustration.

“I don’t see too many people fixing them like I guess they should be doing.”

“Potholes are getting really bad.”

In Burlington, depending on the size of a pothole and what type of street it’s on, it can take up to 30 days to repair once it’s reported. Big holes on high traffic streets take top priority.

Hamilton uses a similar system. Sarah Poole is the Acting Superintendent, roads district west: “King Street, things like that, we attend to those much quicker than a residential road.”

The city has tried to keep up with complaints, but winter wear and tear can crumble temporary patches. Sarah says: “And also the traffic. Heavier traffic is going to affect that repair.”

Crews hope to be using longer lasting hot mix asphalt as early as next week but first, they have to wait for roads to warm up. Once that happens, Hamilton staff say they could catch up on complaints by the end of the month. Sarah said: “Weather dependent of course, anywhere between two to four weeks.”

So that’s some promising news. City crews do patrol roads for damage, but residents play an important role in identifying potholes. Staff say they’re more likely to be fixed quickly if they’re reported right away. In Hamilton you can do that by phone at 905-522 CITY. And in Burlington, you can use their new online service.