THUNDER BAY — What a difference a year makes.
Last year, as well as the year before, Thunder Bay motorists had a difficult time driving anywhere without encountering craters in the road.
This year, the problem hasn't been anywhere near as severe.
"Absolutely, there's not nearly as many potholes. The ones we do find, we are taking care of them," acting city roads manager Ryan Love said Wednesday.
According to Love, the lack of snow has made all the difference because there's been so little of it left to melt on the pavement and re-freeze when temperatures dip at night.
"Potholes are pretty much formed through the freeze-thaw process that happens overnight. When that water freezes, it just essentially pops a hole in the asphalt."
Love said crews have had an easier time this year keeping streets clear of snow.
"This winter wasn't a typical winter season that we've had in the past. So we've been able to get ahead in terms of potholes and ditch maintenance, pushing the snow away from the curbs . . . If we can get that snow away from the gutter line onto boulevards, we won't have that water going on the road."
The roads department hasn't had to deploy pothole repair crews with the same frequency as in past years.
But Love said any members of the public who spot a pothole should report it to the city so a crew can be assigned to seal it at the earliest opportunity.
This can be done online or by phoning 807-625-2195.
