Potholes

Pothole Repairs

Spring and fall are the times in our City when potholes can rear their irritating heads. They no doubt create driving challenges and are generally an irritant and an eyesore. We want to share what we know about potholes and how we address them.

What You Need to Know About Potholes

Potholes can occur in a number of ways  - all of them have to do with water, the spring thaw and cracks in the road surface.

Water seeps through cracks in the road surface and softens the sub-base under the pavement (this weakens the sub-base; it can no longer support the pavement above it or the traffic loads placed on it).

Thaw water seeps into cracks in the pavement or sub-base. Temperatures drop and water freezes. (This is the main cause of potholes in our climate). We refer to this a freeze/thaw cycles. These freeze/thaw cycles occur repeatedly during the spring season and, in the last few years, over the winter season as well. The freezing causes the sub-base to expand, which can cause localized pavement failure (a pothole).

Water in surface cracks, or in between concrete and bituminous (asphalt) overlays can freeze causing pieces of pavement to "pop" out.

How Potholes Form

Winter Potholes

Winter potholes present a particular issue for Public Works crews as the fix can only be temporary during this season. We use a Cold-Mix Patch, an asphalt product designed to remain workable during cold weather. The cold-mix patch is largely considered a temporary repair; due to the weather in our colder months, this application cannot achieve a good bond between pavement and patch. Water can still find its way under the patch, which may create the same cycle of pothole development. More permanent repair materials are able to be used during the summer months. 

Report Potholes

Pot holes can be reported on the SeeClickFix App or for more immediate action call the Public Works office at 250-837-2001 and our team will be happy to assist you.. 

Know the location; even the side of the road is helpful to know

The size of the pothole is important. Potholes reported as very large, deep or threatening to traffic are sent for immediate attention.

Vehicle Damage

My vehicle is damaged, what should I do?

Do not continue to drive if the vehicle is not operating properly.

Should I call my insurance company?

Yes. Notify your auto insurer as your policy may provide you coverage and the quickest way to have repairs made.

Will the City pay for my damage?

The law in British Columbia does not make a municipality, including the City of Revelstoke, legally responsible to ensure that its roads are always free of defects or hazards, such as potholes. Section 744 of the Local Government Act, R.S.B.C. 2015, c.1 provides that a municipality is not legally liable for damages that arise from a breakdown in a road. The municipality must be negligent in its maintenance of roads for it be liable. The City cannot entertain claims for compensation in a case where there is an absence of negligence. 
Additionally, your right to make a claim against a municipality is time limited and you must provide written notice of a claim within two months from the date of the incident (Section 736 of the Local Government Act, R.S.B.C. 2015, c.1).