Thunder Bay pothole season worse than usual after heavy snow and freeze-thaw cycles

THUNDER BAY – NEWS – Thunder Bay motorists are facing a rough spring on city streets as a worse-than-normal pothole season creates safety concerns, vehicle damage and frustration across the community.

The City of Thunder Bay says repeated freeze-thaw cycles, above-average snowfall and wet spring conditions have made this year especially challenging for road maintenance crews.

Freeze-thaw weather driving road damage

Potholes form when water seeps into cracks in pavement, freezes, expands and then contracts as temperatures rise. Over time, that cycle weakens asphalt, and traffic breaks the surface apart. The City says late winter and early spring typically bring more pothole activity because of melting snow, rain and ongoing temperature swings. Thunder Bay maintains more than 2,200 lane kilometres of roadway, making spring repairs a major seasonal workload.

This year, the City says the combination of heavy snow, repeated thawing and freezing, and continuing wet conditions has led to more severe potholes on streets across Thunder Bay.

City deploying crews and Python 5000 pothole patcher

The Roads Division says it is deploying four to six maintenance crews for pothole repairs when conditions allow, along with the Python 5000 pothole patching machine. Staff have also been working after hours, with six crews active last weekend.

At the same time, road crews have been balancing other seasonal demands, including snow clearing, sanding and flood-control work.

For now, crews are using temporary cold-patch asphalt. The City says more durable hot-mix asphalt repairs will be used once local asphalt plants reopen for the season.

How residents can report problem potholes

Residents can help road crews identify and prioritize problem areas by reporting potholes through the City’s online pothole reporting form or by calling the 24-hour dispatch line at 807-625-2195. The City says high-traffic roads and locations with safety concerns are prioritized.

Drivers are also being asked to slow down in areas with damaged pavement and near work zones where crews are making repairs. Slower driving over recently patched areas can also help repairs last longer.

Road conditions expected to improve as weather dries out

City officials say road conditions should improve as drier weather arrives and hot-patch asphalt plants open in May. Until then, motorists should continue driving to conditions, avoid sudden swerving where possible, and give road crews room to work safely.