Hamilton expects to patch at least 70,000 potholes this year

Pothole season has once again reared its cavernous - and bumpy - head in Hamilton.

In a media release Thursday, the city said due to the annual freeze-thaw cycle that tends to hit Hamilton in the late winter months, numerous streets in Steeltown are now dotted with the cavities.

Crews have so far patched 27,000 potholes this year, with most of those being in so-called priority areas" across the city, noted the release.

However, the total number of patched craters this year is expected to swell to between 70,000 to 90,000 by the end of the season, according to the city.

Compare that to last year, when the city had filled around 14,000 potholes as of late February 2022.

Motorists hoping to dodge the potholes and avoid any damage to their vehicles are reminded to reduce their speed so they can see the pavement ahead and keep a close eye on road conditions, other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

Got a dimple on your street? Residents and motorists are asked to report potholes by contacting the city's customer service centre at 905-546-2489 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

When reporting a pothole, residents should ensure they have detailed information such as the general location and size of the crater.

If your vehicle suspension comes out on the losing end of the pothole slalom, you can also try filing a compensation claim in writing with the city's Risk Management Services department.

But be warned: Hamilton normally only pays out about five to 10 per cent of pothole claims in any given year. If the city is meeting maintenance standards for a road, the existence of a pothole is not enough to justify a claim.

Fallon Hewitt is a reporter at The Spectator. fhewitt@thespec.com