EDMONTON – City crews are getting an early jump on the spring road maintenance program this year, thanks in part to the mild weather.
So far, workers have filled more than 40,000 potholes in Edmonton.
The city said because of a dry winter, pothole complaints are down 80 per cent. Since Edmonton saw less snow this winter, the city is expecting fewer repairs will be required compared to last year.
“Crews in each district search out and repair potholes, but we also appreciate the assistance of citizens in helping to identify problem areas,” Eduardo Sosa, director of Roadway Maintenance, said. “Edmontonians can call 311, use the 311 app, or go online to edmonton.ca/potholes to report locations. We will address them on a priority basis, with severe potholes in high traffic areas receiving attention from crews first.”
READ MORE: Which Edmonton ward files the most complaints with 311?
The news was shared as city crews kicked off the spring roads and park maintenance program on Tuesday. The program includes cleaning streets and boulevards and improving road conditions.
“Citizens will start to see more city workers sweeping and placing asphalt to make roads clean and safe,” Sosa said.
By the numbers:
60,000 tonnes – The amount of sand mix put on roads over the last six months;
80 per cent – The portion of sand that is swept up and reused;
8 weeks – The time it usually takes to complete road clean up;
40,000 – The number of potholes already filled in Edmonton so far in 2016;
550,000 – The number of potholes filled last year;
11,000 tonnes – The amount of asphalt used to fill potholes in 2015;
35 kilometres – The length of road that amount of asphalt could pave;
READ MORE: City crews tackling Edmonton’s ‘year-round’ pothole problem
City crews are now removing sand from boulevards, roads and storm sewers to recover and reuse as much material as possible. Spring sweeping will also be taking place. Click here for more information.
The city is asking drivers to exercise extreme caution around crews; slow down, leave lots of room and be patient.
While cleanup is under way, the city is continually testing materials used in roadway maintenance and construction.
“The city has created a research laboratory that’s unique in Canada,” Hugh Donovan, general supervisor of Construction Services, said. “We test the composition and performance of commercial construction products and choose the most durable and cost-effective materials to repair roads in Edmonton’s climate conditions. Better data means quality roads that last longer.”
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