FORT McMURRAY — It’s pothole season in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, and if you listen to voices on social media, the problem may seem worse than ever.
Municipal officials say the annual surge is expected, driven by freeze-thaw cycles common in northern Alberta. Water seeps into cracks in pavement, freezes and expands, then thaws and refreezes, gradually breaking apart the road surface.
The municipality repaired 3,635 potholes in 2024 and 4,460 in 2025, with similar numbers expected this year as crews respond across the region.
Officials say repairs happen year-round, but not all fixes are equal. During winter and early spring, crews rely on temporary materials such as cold mix asphalt, gravel and recycled asphalt. These repairs can shift or settle as temperatures fluctuate.
More permanent “hot-mix” asphalt repairs typically begin in May and continue through early fall, once local asphalt plants reopen and weather conditions improve.
Crews prioritize potholes based on traffic volume, safety risks and available resources, with emergency repairs carried out when a hazard poses a significant risk to drivers.
The municipality also notes some road issues being reported are not potholes. Holes filled with gravel are often utility cuts — areas opened for underground work — which are temporarily filled before being paved permanently later.
Residents are encouraged to report potholes to the municipality through Pulse, either by phone or online, to help crews identify and respond to problem areas.
Officials also remind drivers that not all roads fall under municipal responsibility. Highway 63, including overpasses and ramps, is maintained by the Government of Alberta through its contractor, Emcon Services, and should be reported separately.
Drivers are advised to slow down, remain alert and avoid sudden manoeuvres when encountering potholes, particularly during spring conditions when road surfaces can change quickly.
Officials say while potholes are unavoidable in this climate, ongoing maintenance and seasonal repairs are aimed at keeping roads as safe as possible.
FORT McMURRAY — It’s pothole season in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, and if you listen to voices on social media, the problem may seem worse than ever.
Municipal officials say the annual surge is expected, driven by freeze-thaw cycles common in northern Alberta. Water seeps into cracks in pavement, freezes and expands, then thaws and refreezes, gradually breaking apart the road surface.
The municipality repaired 3,635 potholes in 2024 and 4,460 in 2025, with similar numbers expected this year as crews respond across the region.
Officials say repairs happen year-round, but not all fixes are equal. During winter and early spring, crews rely on temporary materials such as cold mix asphalt, gravel and recycled asphalt. These repairs can shift or settle as temperatures fluctuate.
More permanent “hot-mix” asphalt repairs typically begin in May and continue through early fall, once local asphalt plants reopen and weather conditions improve.
Crews prioritize potholes based on traffic volume, safety risks and available resources, with emergency repairs carried out when a hazard poses a significant risk to drivers.
The municipality also notes some road issues being reported are not potholes. Holes filled with gravel are often utility cuts — areas opened for underground work — which are temporarily filled before being paved permanently later.
Residents are encouraged to report potholes to the municipality through Pulse, either by phone or online, to help crews identify and respond to problem areas.
Officials also remind drivers that not all roads fall under municipal responsibility. Highway 63, including overpasses and ramps, is maintained by the Government of Alberta through its contractor, Emcon Services, and should be reported separately.
Drivers are advised to slow down, remain alert and avoid sudden manoeuvres when encountering potholes, particularly during spring conditions when road surfaces can change quickly.
Officials say while potholes are unavoidable in this climate, ongoing maintenance and seasonal repairs are aimed at keeping roads as safe as possible.
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