Port Coquitlam is planning to tackle potholes on city roads this week.
With warm and dry conditions expected, the city is set to launch its first-ever pothole repair blitz on Thursday (April 27) and Friday (April 28).
Inspections of local roads across Port Coquitlam have revealed as many as 158 potholes and crews are preparing to fill them during those two days between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.
However, an additional day may be required, and staff will reevaluate on Friday as to next steps.
How many potholes?
Repairing potholes is a year-round undertaking, according to the city, with city crews repairing as many as 409 potholes since Jan. 1, 2023.
Last year, the city repaired more than 1,400 potholes.
This week's pothole repair blitz will take place as the weather forecast for Thursday and Friday predict "favourable weather conditions" with warm daytime temperatures and dry conditions.
Daytime highs of 22°C on Thursday and 26°C on Friday are predicted, according to Environment Canada.
Drivers be cautious
The importance of fixing roads is not lost on the city's mayor.
"We continue to make investments in our roads and front-line services like pothole repairs," stated Mayor Brad West in a news release.
"It's about getting the basics right and delivering the core city services that matter to our community and what residents and businesses pay property taxes for."
He promised that city crews "will work efficiently to improve our roadways and make them safer for people driving and cycling.”
Drivers and cyclists should expect minor delays around pothole crews and the public is to respect work zones and give crews space.
Crews repairing potholes are the same city staff who handle road maintenance, snow clearing, street sweeping and other maintenance and roadway safety work.
The team can normally repair potholes within four days of being made aware them, but, when there are large numbers of potholes to be repaired, repairs are triaged based on size, with major roads given priority.
Members of the public can report potholes to the City of Port Coquitlam website, use the PoCo Sort and Report app or call 604-927-3111.
