Summer Road Maintenance

Asphalt patching is the repair and replacement of asphalt sections that have been cut out for utility line repairs. The section is filled in with gravel until the area can be patched with asphalt and resealed.

Cracks in pavement develop as moisture penetrates the surface. Failure to seal cracks as they develop can result in further cracking, potholes and eventual pavement breakdown. Crack sealing is a hot polymer application that minimizes water from infiltrating the pavement underlay.

This activity is weather-dependent. Dust control activities typically begin in late spring, once the roads are dry and compact. This service is on an as-needed basis; our staff will grade the road, and water is applied to the gravel surface to minimize dust on the road surface. Extended winter seasons and heavy spring rain can delay the start of the program

Each spring and fall, when roadways are dry and compact, the gravel roads and lanes throughout town are graded and re-gravelled. Extended winter seasons and heavy rainfalls will cause a delay to the program.

Freeze/thaw cycles, rainy weather and traffic volumes all contribute to the development of potholes. Town crews begin pothole patching in early spring when roadways are dry, and the snowmelt has drained. Priority is given to driving lanes on priority streets.

Lane lines, edge lines, centre lines and crosswalks are repainted annually to increase visibility and safety. There are not specific dates for line painting as the work is weather dependent. The roadways must be dry and swept so the paint has a relatively clean and dry surface to adhere to.

Street sweeping starts in early spring, after all the snowmelt has drained. During the first couple of weeks, crews will focus on quickly removing the heavier dirt and debris that has built up over the winter season. Street sweeping is continued through the summer months to remove the finer sand and clean the streets.

Sidewalks and curb and gutters are inspected annually and scheduled for repair based on the severity of the damage and the current budget. Sections of sidewalks and curb and gutters that have been cut out for utility line repairs will be repaired as soon as weather conditions are favorable (usually May to October).