Policy Proposal 01
Pothole Repair 101: A Strategy for Lasting Roads
Moving Beyond Seasonal Patches to Permanent Infrastructure Solutions
The Problem
Greater Sudbury's road network is the lifeline of our community, yet for decades, we have relied on a reactive maintenance cycle that prioritizes speed over sustainability. The current methodology often results in 'throw-and-go' cold patches that fail within weeks during spring thaw cycles. This inefficiency stems from a failure to address the removal of failed or undermined material before applying new asphalt, leading to rapid degradation of the surrounding pavement.
The Solution
Our plan involves implementing high-performance asphalt preparation. We will utilize a small city-owned asphalt kiln to recycle old asphalt on-site, ensuring proper asphalt temperature and moisture control. Crucially, every repair will begin with the removal of all loose and failed material to reach solid sub-base. Water and drainage must be addressed immediately to prevent ice lensing from destroying the new patch.
Compaction is non-negotiable. Standard practice will shift to using vibratory plate compactors for every pothole, rather than the 'truck-roll' method which fails to achieve necessary density. Furthermore, this strategy addresses root causes by integrating specialized core testing into our assessment, ensuring that every dollar spent results in a measurable extension of pavement life rather than a temporary fix.
Measure & Master: Pothole Repair 101
Stop the cycle of temporary fixes. Our Pothole Repair 101 proposal advocates for data-driven maintenance, measuring the longevity of repair methods to ensure your tax dollars are spent on solutions that last multiple seasons, not just until the next thaw.
Recent Campaign Updates
Stay informed about our latest proposals and strategic solutions for the Ward 8 community.
Prioritizing Infrastructure Longevity
We are shifting the focus from quantity to quality in road construction. By implementing high-standard materials and holding contractors accountable for long-term road health, we can reduce the frequency of major repairs and invest those savings back into Ward 8 community services.