The city is saying that due to extreme weather conditions this winter and above normal frost penetration "it is expected to be a severe spring for potholes".
It's asking motorists to report problem potholes.
In a news release it says "The City has staff patching potholes on a daily basis. Potholes are prioritized based on severity with the most severe being patched first. Problematic areas may also have a combination of cones or signage warning motorists of potential risks.
"We can use your help to identify locations that require attention. To report a pothole, please contact our Public Works dispatcher at (705)474-4340. This service is available 24 hours a day."
Potholes are prevalent during the spring due to freeze thaw cycles.
During the warm weather, snow melts which causes water to seep into cracks in the asphalt saturating the soil underneath.
Drops in temperature or contact with frost below, causes the water in the soil to freeze and expand, pushing up the asphalt.
City crews regularly patrol streets to identify potholes and other deficiencies and patch using cold mix asphalt. Patching is only a temporary fix used until asphalt plants are open usually in mid-May.
Ongoing freeze thaw cycles can cause potholes to redevelop daily or new potholes arise.
"Although crews are out completing ongoing patching the city would like to remind motorists to be vigilant while driving. Potholes are a part of spring driving and motorists need to exercise extra caution to avoid striking potholes and damaging their vehicles," continues the release.
But don't count on the city paying the repair bill if potholes cause damage to your car.
"The Corporation of the City of North Bay will not be liable for failing to keep a road or bridge in a reasonable state of repair if at the time when the damage was sustained the minimum maintenance standards as established by the Minister of Transportation have been met."
Read about the minimum standards here: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_020239_e.htm
Go to section (6) Potholes.
Here is a link to the webpage with the road class map. Under “Maps & Drawings” you would need to click on “Traffic Count Urban” or “Traffic Count Rural” to pull up the pdf map with the road classes.
http://www.cityofnorthbay.ca/cityhall/department/engineering/in-houseservices
