Freeze and thaw leads to potholes in Halifax area

Potholes are proving to be a hazard for Halifax drivers yet again this year.

We’re just over a month into the new year, and already potholes are popping up across Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).

“We do tend to see more potholes this time of year just with the winter weather and the weather fluctuation,” said HRM spokesperson Laura Wright.

“So far in January 2025, we received about 560 work orders for potholes, and we have repaired about 260 of those.”

When it comes to making those repairs, there are two different ways.

“Cold patch repairs, which is what we do typically this time of year, is more of a temporary solution, but if we go in with a hot mix repair, that is a more involved process, where for example, we would cut around the pothole and do a more thorough repair,” said Wright.

There are also different priority levels. For instance, potholes which are at least 25 cm in diameter and eight cm in depth should get repaired within seven business days if they are on a major road.

“We have different standards in place for different sized potholes on different types of roads,” said Wright. “In general, the goal is to get priority one potholes repaired within seven and 30 business days.”

Drivers know the pain of potholes all too well, and the cost that can come along with them.

“Poor roads are costing an average of $3 billion annually to Canadians,” said CAA Atlantic spokesperson Julia Kent. “A car is actually the second largest expense for a Canadian household.”

It’s not just damage to be on the lookout for – trying to avoid a pothole can lead to serious consequences.

“We don’t recommend swerving to avoid potholes or any other hazards in the roadway simply because that can increase the likelihood of accidents and collisions,” said Kent.

“The best thing you can do is to drive a little bit slower.”

To report a pothole or damage caused by one within Halifax Regional Municipality, drivers can call 311 or fill out a form online. If it’s on a provincial road, drivers can call 511.

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