Prince Edward County is providing the following seasonal advice as spring driving includes a very persistent and potentially damaging problem.
RELEASE – Spring is just around the corner, with the promise of warmer temperatures, longer days, and sweet maple syrup.
And, unfortunately, potholes.
Crews are out there everyday filling potholes. We thank you for your cooperation as we work to maintain safe and reliable roadways ahead of the summer road construction season. We will soon embark on the largest road improvement program the County has ever seen, $14 million worth of work in 2026. That total includes $4.5 million in rehabilitation and preventative maintenance on 53 km of rural roads, $874,000 more than 2025.
Potholes are a fact of driving life, but they are particularly bad during the late winter and early spring during the freeze-thaw cycle. These driving displeasures develop when water seeps into cracks in the pavement. As temperatures fluctuate, the water expands and contracts, weakening the road surface. Traffic passing over these weakened areas causes the pavement to break apart, creating potholes.
Like a giant game of “Whack-a-Mole”, County staff try to patch potholes as they pop-up. Crews prioritize repairs based on severity, traffic volume, and safety concerns. Weather conditions can impact repair schedules, but addressing roadway hazards remains a top priority.
Despite our staff’s best efforts — and no fault of their own — potholes persist. Simply put: there aren’t enough hours in the day to fill every pothole across 1,100 kilometres of roads the municipality maintains. It’s frustrating; we know! (We also drive the same roads as you). We appreciate your patience as we make the repairs.
Even though spring is a challenging time for our roads, we aren’t putting our heads in a pothole and ignoring the problem. See a big pothole? Let us know! Prompt reporting helps staff respond quickly and prevent further damage.
To report a pothole, please use the County’s Action Tracker on the municipal website to submit a request for staff follow-up. Alternatively, you can contact the County at 613.476.2148 extension 1023, 613.962.9108 extension 1023, or info@pecounty.on.ca.
There are other things you can do to protect yourself and your vehicle.
Drivers are encouraged to:
- Reduce speed, especially after heavy rain or freezing temperatures
- Maintain a safe following distance
- Avoid sudden swerving, which can cause collisions
- Check tire pressure regularly
If you are cyclist, be sure to:
- Stay visible
- Scan the road ahead for surface damage
- Use caution when navigating around road hazards
