The City of Saint John is making strong progress on seasonal pothole repairs and asphalt maintenance as warmer weather arrives that supports more effective, long-lasting roadway improvements. This work plays an important role in keeping roads safe, reliable, and ready to support daily travel throughout the city.
Pothole repairs are guided by a City‑wide prioritization system that focuses first on safety and traffic volumes. High traffic streets classified as Priority 1 and Priority 2 are addressed first, followed by the remaining streets as resources allow and additional repairs are identified. Transit routes, emergency response corridors, and public service requests are key factors in determining where crews are deployed. Residential streets continue to be addressed as capacity permits.
So far in 2026, City crews have repaired 3,285 potholes across Saint John. All repairs and public service requests are tracked through the City’s customer relationship management system, allowing staff to monitor trends, manage workloads efficiently, and support future planning and budgeting decisions.
A major milestone this season was the opening of the asphalt plant on April 22, 2026. With plants now fully operational, crews can work more efficiently.
“The use of hot asphalt significantly speeds up how many potholes we can repair. Early in the spring, changing temperatures and freeze‑thaw cycles create many potholes in a short period of time,” said Tim O’Reilly, Director of Public Works. “Before asphalt plants open, when more potholes show up, the other methods we use to fill potholes are either slower or less effective.”
The City’s efforts to maintain roads in good condition go beyond filling potholes. Laying larger pads of asphalt, resurfacing roads, full road reconstruction, an annual inspection program, and isolating, where possible, heavy trucks to designated truck routes, also form part of the city’s overall asphalt management program.
The City of Saint John appreciates the continued cooperation and patience of residents during pothole season. Spring weather can place added stress on road surfaces, and reports from the public remain an important tool in helping crews identify and respond to issues quickly. Residents are encouraged to report potholes and roadway concerns through the City’s service request channels to help ensure timely and effective repairs city‑wide.
Here to help – For inquiries related to municipal services, contact the City of Saint John Customer Service Centre at (506) 658-4455, email service@saintjohn.ca or visit us in person on the Ground Floor of City Hall, 15 Market Square, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays), 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
