Oxford County launches online pothole reporting

By Lee Griffi

This year has seen a particularly brutal pothole season thanks to fluctuating temperatures and the most precipitation we have seen in many winters.

The good news is Oxford County Public Works crews are working to repair cracks and potholes on the more than 670 centre-line kilometres of county roadways. Anyone who sees a troubling patch of pavement can now help public works crews reduce potential road hazards by reporting cracks and potholes on Oxford County roads online at Service Oxford.

All pothole reports should include the name of the road or street, which lane and the approximate size.

“We have reminded drivers the last few years that this is the time of year you will see potholes form, and we wanted to provide an easy mechanism for reporting so they can get fixed in a timely manner,” said Frank Gross, the county’s manager of roads.

When winter temperatures constantly fluctuate above and below freezing, water gets into tiny cracks in the pavement, freezes and expands, and then thaws again. This repeated freeze-thaw action weakens the road surface and creates potholes as pieces of asphalt break apart under traffic. Late winter into early spring is traditionally when potholes become most visible and numerous – melting and weather shifts make them form quickly, and cold weather can delay permanent repairs.

Gross said this year’s winter weather has taken its toll on county roads across Oxford.

“The conditions are prime to see an increase in potholes with the amount of snow. When the temperatures warm up during the day, you get the runoff of melting snow and then freezing temperatures overnight. That’s prime for pothole formation.”

He added some roads owned by the county are located in lower-tier municipalities, but if people are unsure, they are still welcome to report a problem.

“If residents want to use the county’s customer service portal to report it, we will forward it on to the appropriate municipality.”

Under provincial legislation and safety standards, Oxford County must maintain its roads in good repair for motorists. Potholes reported by residents or spotted during routine patrols are repaired by staff according to provincially defined timelines.

This has been the coldest winter in recent memory, something Gross said will likely lead to a hike in repairs across the county.

“I would say it’s been a typical year for winter conditions. The last few years, we have had milder weather and fewer potholes so we will see more potholes than we have seen in recent times.”

For vehicle damage potentially caused by potholes, motorists are advised to have their vehicle checked by a mechanic and consider reporting any potential damage to their insurance companies.

“Municipalities have to meet municipal maintenance standards, so there is a minimal timeline based on the size of the pothole to repair it. But, unless the municipality is negligent in any way, it would be an insurance claim.”

Residents can report potholes online on Oxford County’s new customer service portal at www.oxfordcounty.ca/serviceoxford. The online form allows residents to pinpoint the pothole location on a map, fill in additional details, upload a photo and choose to receive an update from Oxford County Public Works staff if they would like.

The county is also offering some tips to reduce the chances of striking a pothole while driving, including keeping eyes on the road and avoiding puddles, shoulders and slush on the road where possible.

County staff add it’s also a good idea to check vehicle tire pressure regularly and ensure each wheel is inflated to vehicle specifications. If a pothole is unavoidable, reduce driving speed, but only if it’s safe to do so and without slamming on the brakes.

“Be aware. Potholes can seemingly occur out of nowhere. Conditions are happening beneath the asphalt, and all of a sudden, it becomes a pothole. What wasn’t there in the morning might be there in the afternoon, and drivers need to be aware,” said Gross.