City of Hamilton monitoring for potholes

The City of Hamilton is monitoring for potholes as temperatures in the region fluctuate from winter freeze to mild spring.

“We often see an increase in potholes at this time of year due to freeze-thaw cycles, where water that is trapped below the asphalt or under the roadway expands and contracts with the varying temperatures,” said roads and maintenance manager Bob Paul.

Heavy traffic can also have an impact.

Once potholes are identified, a temporary product is put in place to make the road safer and better to drive on.

Main St. West, near McMaster University, has been flagged as an area that requires attention.

“Longer-term reconstruction is required on this stretch of roadway, and future road works in this area will take place in conjunction with the construction of the LRT,” said Paul.

But there are other stretches of road that are a concern, including Burlington St. and a stretch of Barton St.

You can make a claim with the city if your vehicle was damaged by a pothole, but you might not get your money because it has to be proven that the city was negligent in taking care of the road or street.

Residents can call 905-546-2489 to report a pothole to the city. The standard time for fixing a pothole on a busy street is 4 days, it’s 30 days for a quieter street.