Potholes, Sinkholes, and Spring Road Repairs in Calgary

As temperatures warm up across Calgary, residents might start to notice an increase in potholes and other roadway issues. This is a common and expected part of spring in our climate, and the City is actively working to repair damage caused by winter conditions as crews and materials become available.

Why potholes appear in spring

Potholes form when moisture works its way into cracks in the asphalt. During winter, repeated freeze and thaw cycles cause that moisture to expand and contract, weakening the road surface over time. When traffic passes over these weakened areas, the asphalt can break apart, creating potholes.

Back lanes and heavily travelled roads are particularly vulnerable, but potholes can appear anywhere conditions allow.

How pothole repairs work

During winter, crews complete temporary repairs when roads are clear of snow and ice. These repairs help manage safety until permanent fixes can be completed. Once spring and summer arrive, crews return to complete permanent repairs using longer‑lasting materials and methods. Residents play an important role in this process. Potholes on city streets should be reported through 311 so they can be inspected and scheduled for repair. You can either call the 311 line or use their app here: 311 Calgary

How potholes are prioritized

Pothole repairs are identified through 311 reports and routine inspections by City crews. Once inspected, repairs are prioritized using a five‑point scale that considers severity, safety impacts, and location.

• High‑priority locations, such as major roads or potholes posing immediate safety concerns, are targeted for repair within five business days of inspection.
• Medium‑priority locations are generally repaired within one to two months.
• Lower‑priority locations, including alleys, are scheduled based on the volume of higher‑priority repairs underway.

These timelines are targets and can vary depending on weather, available crews and equipment, and overall service demands. Inspections are typically completed within ten to fourteen business days after a report is submitted.

Checking the pothole map

To help reduce duplicate requests, the City maintains a public pothole map showing locations that have been reported, inspected, or repaired. Residents can check the map to see if a pothole has already been reported before submitting a new request.

The map is updated regularly, though it does not always reflect every report immediately as data continues to be processed.

You can view the map here: maps.calgary.ca/potholes

What to know about sinkholes

While less common than potholes, sinkholes are more serious and require immediate attention.

A sinkhole occurs when the road surface collapses because soil underneath has been washed away by water or other forces. Common causes include water main breaks, heavy rainfall or flooding, groundwater movement, and construction activity.

Sinkholes can be deceptive. What appears to be a small opening at the surface may conceal a much larger void below.

For safety reasons, it is important to stay well back from the edge of a sinkhole and never attempt to drive through or enter the area.

How to report a sinkhole

If a sinkhole poses an immediate danger to people or property, call 911 right away.

If there is no immediate danger, sinkholes should be reported through the City’s online service request system so crews can assess and respond appropriately.

Report a sinkhole here: Submit Service Request - 311 Web Portal

Staying safe and informed

Spring road conditions can change quickly. Reporting potholes and sinkholes when you see them helps City crews respond more efficiently and prioritize repairs where they are needed most.

I know these issues can be frustrating, especially after a long winter, and I appreciate residents taking the time to flag concerns through the proper channels. As always, my office will continue to share updates and advocate for clear communication as repairs progress across the city.