Pothole patching season is heating up

As the weather heats up, road construction season follows suit.

The City of Lethbridge’s Transportation Operations department has been completing minor road repairs since mid-April. With outdoor temperatures warming up, those efforts are moving into high gear. 

Road maintenance involves a variety of projects to keep our roadways in reasonable condition long into the future. This includes pothole patching, a preventative maintenance to avoid further road degradation.  

How are potholes formed? 

Harsh winter conditions and drastic weather changes are the leading causes of pothole formation in Lethbridge: 

• When temperatures rise, water from snow and ice melt seeps into cracks in road surfaces and settles underground. 
• When temperatures plummet below zero, that water freezes and expands, breaking down the asphalt. 
• As vehicles drive over the damaged areas, the asphalt is loosened and potholes appear. 

By springtime, the aftermath is on the surface, resulting in potholes of all shapes and sizes throughout the city. 

How are potholes and roads repaired? 

Crews use hot asphalt to permanently repair potholes throughout spring, summer and fall. 

Pothole repairs rely on good weather conditions to be completed properly. Temporary repairs are still possible year-round, but different techniques are applied in the colder months. 

How can the community support a successful road repair season? 

Residents and motorists in Lethbridge are encouraged to report potholes to 311. This can be done by calling 311 during business hours or by visiting the City’s website. 

When a request is submitted, repair crews will visit the site and triage the pothole. Priority is given to potholes that present a hazard in the driving lanes of busy streets. Some potholes on side streets may take longer to fill because of their location on the road or because traffic is typically slower and lighter in those areas. The overall road condition is measured with the paving quality index. Roads in very bad condition will be scheduled for an overlay. 

Our crews do their best to avoid peak traffic hours on busy roads to minimize traffic impacts. 

To help keep repair crews safe while you commute, please: 

• Slow down. Safety is essential and supports efficient work. 
• Follow all posted signs and detours, and don’t drive through temporary closures and work sites. 
• Drive with care around potholes. If you can’t safely avoid a pothole, approach it slowly to reduce the impact to your vehicle and the road. 
• Cycle with caution. Bike lanes and boulevards are not immune to cracking. Ride carefully and report potholes when you see them. 

For Public Inquiries: 
Call or chat 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.