Road Maintenance

During the winter months, potholes are filled with cold mix asphalt until spring when proper repairs are completed.

Potholes start to form when temperatures fluctuate. When water seeps into the road and temperatures drop, the water turns to ice which expands the road. When vehicles drive over the weakened area of the asphalt, potholes begin to form.

Learn about our street cleaning process, our schedules and what you can do to help.

Road resurfacing is when old pavement and concrete on the road is removed and replaced. This process helps keep our roads in good shape and safe to drive on. We generally follow a 9-step process to resurface roads.

Process

1. Preparation work: paint is used to identify sections of concrete which need to be replaced, as well as underground utility locations.
2. Removal: damaged concrete is removed and the area is prepped for the new concrete.
3. New concrete: forms are setup so new concrete can be poured.
4. Sub drain (if required): a trench is dug just in front of the curb and a drainage pipe is installed. This is only done on roads that do not have existing sub drains.
5. Milling: the old pavement surface is ground using a milling machine. This process usually takes one day. Parking restrictions will be in place during this time.
6. Adjust appurtenances: sewer access holes and catch basins are raised to match the same level as the new pavement.
7. Tack coat: an oil product is applied prior to paving. The oil helps the new asphalt pavement stick.
8. Paving: a layer of new asphalt is applied. Sometimes more than one layer of pavement may be required to make the pavement level with the gutter.
9. Reinstatements: damaged driveways are repaired and topsoil and sod are placed. The area is cleaned up, and construction signs and barricades are removed.

Please note, the timelines to complete each step of the road resurfacing process depend on the streets and resources involved.

Crack sealing is completed on roads that are at least three years old and takes a few hours to complete. Traffic can travel over crack sealing once the sealant has dried. Crack sealing is scheduled throughout the summer construction season from May to October. Work is completed on Monday to Saturday between 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

What is crack sealing?

Crack sealing is a cost-effective method that prolongs the lifespan of the asphalt with permanent seals. It restores the road at the surface to keep out excess water or moisture from the asphalt or concrete and prevent further cracking and deterioration.

Crack sealing process

Crack sealing is completed by:

1. Crack is identified
2. Routing machine may be used to make the crack a uniform depth and width
3. Dust and debris are cleared from the crack
4. Sealant is poured and tooled into the crack
5. Sealant has set and can be driven on

What to expect during crack sealing projects

There are minor impacts to traffic and use of the road during crack sealing projects, including:

• Schedule: weather permitting, crack sealing is started in October. Signs will be installed 72 hours prior to project to provide notice.
• Parking restrictions: parking will be restricted on both sides of the street during the crack sealing days from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Lane closures: there will be no full street closures during the operation. One lane will always be kept open. Lane closures may last approximately 3 to 4 hours.
• Access to alleys and driveways: access to these areas may be disrupted for a few minutes during the work but crews will minimize these times and help as needed
• Dust: keep windows and doors closed during work to avoid dust from entering your home