City of Brandon Pothole Patrol


March 16, 2015

Brandon, MB – The spring thaw is here and that means pothole patrol for the City of Brandon’s Streets and Roads Department. This is the most prevalent time of year for potholes, due to the season’s freeze-thaw cycles.

Currently, the Streets and Roads Department has two crews addressing potholes daily, first along main streets and then on side streets. A temporary granular asphalt and tar mixture is being used until the City can be supplied with asphalt later in the spring; however, crews have been using the Department’s “asphalt reclaimer” where possible. This pull-behind apparatus turns recycled material from the landfill (shingles, etc.) into a “hot mix” of asphalt at the pothole site, allowing for a better, more permanent patch. Due to the on-site heating process, residents may experience brief periods of drifting smoke. This is an operational function and will be kept to a minimum. You can see the reclaimer in action in a City of Brandon-produced YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ6JwK4ydlY.

Motorists can report problem potholes either by calling the City of Brandon’s 24-hour Pothole Hotline at 204-729-2200 or by submitting an online report on the City’s website here.

The City of Brandon reminds its residents that a number of roads within City limits, including Victoria Avenue, Richmond Avenue, First Street and 18th Street (including the bridges), are under the jurisdiction of the Province of Manitoba and, therefore, do not fall within the City of Brandon’s pothole patching program. Residents wishing to report a pothole or unsafe driving condition on a Provincial roadway can call 1-866-MANITOBA (1-866-626-4862).

Residents should also note that the City of Brandon’s pothole patching program does not apply to the aprons (sloped approaches) leading into private driveways.

Finally, the City of Brandon cautions all motorists that you should never swerve to avoid a pothole in your path! Drivers are advised to reduce their speed when approaching a pothole, but don’t brake when driving over the pothole as this can cause more damage.

More pothole navigation pointers can be found by visiting the Manitoba Public Insurance website’s pothole page here: http://www.mpi.mb.ca/en/Rd-Safety/Tips/60-Sec-Driver/Pages/Potholes.aspx.