Report a Pothole

Motorists can report a pothole online through an easy-to-use web form on the City of Brandon website by clicking here.

Problem potholes can also be called in to the City of Brandon’s 24-hour Pothole Hotline at 729-2200. The line is monitored for issues to be addressed, but calls are not returned.

 

What causes a pothole?

Potholes are created when the top layer of pavement and material beneath - called the base or sub-base - cannot support the weight of the traffic. There are primarily two things that create these failures: Traffic and Water.

Potholes are prevalent in the spring due to the season’s freeze-thaw cycles. During warmer weather, snow melts, which causes water to seep into cracks in the pavement. When temperatures drop below freezing, the water freezes and puts pressure on the pavement, which can “push” the pavement out of place and create a pothole.

potholes 1  potholes 2 potholes 3  potholes 4

 

How are Potholes Repaired?

Pothole patching is performed either as an emergency repair during harsh conditions or as routine maintenance scheduled for warmer and drier periods. Typically, emergency repairs are done only when a pothole presents a substantial safety or traffic operational problem.

The following are the standard pothole repair methods used for any asphalt paved street or road:

  1. Cold-Patch: Patching material is shoveled into the pothole-which may or may not be filled with water and debris-and compacted if possible. Cold-patching is meant to be a temporary solution until a permanent fix can take place. 
  1. Hot-Patch Semi-Permanent: Water and debris are removed from the pothole; the sides of the patch area are squared-up until vertical sides exist in reasonably sound pavement. Tack oil is applied and then a heated asphalt mix is placed and compacted with a small, vibratory device.

 

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.

 

Safety

The City of Brandon reminds 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.

The City of Brandon appreciates the public’s cooperation in reporting all potholes and doing their part in keeping our roads safer.

 

Provincial Roads

It should be noted that the following roadways within City of Brandon limits are under the jurisdiction of the Province of Manitoba and, therefore, do not fall within the City of Brandon’s pothole patching program:

  • PTH 1A, from PTH 1 to Victoria Avenue and from Victoria westerly;
  • 1st Street from Richmond Avenue to Victoria Avenue;
  • Richmond Avenue, from (PTH 10) 18th Street easterly;
  • PTH 10 (18th Street);
  • PTH 1;
  • PTH 110;
  • PR 457, from 1st Street, easterly;
  • PR 459, from 18th Street, westerly; and
  • various service roads along PTH 1 and PTH 10.

 

Provincial Roads

View pdf map of provincial roads here

Provincial staff regularly monitor and repair all provincially maintained roads in Brandon, in the most timely manner possible. Residents wishing to report a pothole or unsafe driving condition on a Provincial roadway can call 1-866-MANITOBA (1-866-626-4862).