City Prioritizing Potholes and Road Repairs After Freeze-Thaw Damage

pothole on road

Ongoing Road Repairs to Address Pothole Concerns

Hamilton’s roads have been impacted by recent temperature fluctuations and freeze-thaw cycles, leading to an increase in potholes and road damage. In response, the City of Hamilton’s road crews are working diligently to repair damaged streets, prioritizing high-traffic areas while addressing concerns citywide.

Each year, road crews complete between 70,000 and 90,000 road repairs, to help ensure safe and accessible roads for residents, motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Why Do Potholes Form?

Potholes develop when water seeps into cracks in the pavement. As temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands, weakening the pavement. When temperatures rise, the ice melts, leaving gaps under the surface. The weight of passing vehicles breaks apart the weakened pavement, forming potholes.

This cycle repeats throughout winter and early spring, creating new potholes and worsening existing ones.

Driving Safely on Damaged Roads

To minimize the risk of vehicle damage and accidents, the City of Hamilton encourages motorists to follow these safe driving practices:

✔️ Reduce Speed & Keep a Safe Distance Slow down when approaching potholes and maintain distance from other vehicles to allow for better visibility and reaction time.

✔️ Stay Alert Be mindful of road conditions, other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, especially in high-traffic areas.

✔️ Maintain Your Vehicle Check your tires, headlights, and windshield wipers regularly to ensure they are in good condition for maximum safety.

✔️ Keep Your Vehicle Clear Remove snow, ice, and mud from your car to maintain clear visibility and ensure your lights and windshield remain unobstructed.

Report a Pothole to the City

The City of Hamilton encourages residents to report potholes and damaged roads to assist the City with their potholes and road repairs. When reporting, please include:

📍 Location – Provide the closest street address or intersection

📏 Size Estimate – Small, medium, or large

How to Report a Pothole:

📧 Email: askcity@hamilton.ca

📞 Phone: 905-546-CITY (2489) (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

For more information on road and sidewalk maintenance, visit the City of Hamilton Road and Sidewalk Maintenance page.

By staying alert and reporting road issues, we can work together to keep Hamilton’s streets safe and well-maintained! 🚗🚲🚶‍♂️