Introduction

As Calgary basks in unusually warm weather for mid-November, the city’s maintenance crews have been working overtime, resulting in a staggering 35,864 potholes filled this year! This impressive achievement surpasses the previous record of 33,000 potholes filled in 2023, showcasing the city's commitment to maintaining safe and smooth roadways for its residents.

Ongoing Repairs and Challenges

Chris Hewitt, the Manager of Mobility Maintenance, expressed optimism about the ongoing repairs. “While our crews are ready to transition to winter maintenance operations, the current favorable weather conditions allow us to maximize our pothole repair efforts,” he explained. But with winter right around the corner, the weather will ultimately dictate how many more potholes can be tackled before the snow sets in.

Understanding Potholes

Potholes, those pesky road nuisances, usually emerge in the spring due to the freeze-thaw cycle that occurs during colder months. Moisture seeps into existing cracks in the asphalt, freezes, and forms ice pockets beneath the road's surface. When the ice thaws, these pockets leave behind voids that develop into potholes, causing significant problems for drivers and city maintenance alike.

Community Involvement

To help with the battle against potholes, residents are encouraged to report any they encounter to the city through the 311 service, either by phone or via their mobile app. Each report adds to a prioritized maintenance list, where potholes are filled according to road usage and severity.

New Technology in Pothole Repair

Excitingly, the City has recently introduced a new tool to enhance its pothole repair capabilities: the infrared asphalt heater. This cutting-edge technology allows for quick repairs and the use of reclaimed asphalt, which is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Traditional materials like hot tar are no longer necessary, allowing crews to operate with fewer resources and personnel.

How the Infrared Heater Works

The infrared heater operates by warming the existing asphalt, facilitating a seamless blend with new material for a smoother and longer-lasting road surface. While primarily designed for smaller repairs, this innovative approach is expected to significantly improve the quality of pothole fixes, offering resilience against future roadway deterioration.

Commitment to Innovation

Hewitt remarked, “Our infrared asphalt heater exemplifies the City of Calgary's commitment to innovative solutions for road maintenance. By utilizing this technology, we can repair and reclaim existing asphalt without the risk of damaging the materials, ensuring better, more durable results.” As Calgary continues to embrace modern tools and techniques, residents can look forward to improved road conditions and a more efficient maintenance process.

Conclusion

Stay tuned as we follow this ongoing story and keep Calgarians informed about the state of their roads and the city's infrastructure efforts!