If driving on Windsor's roads seems extra bumpy next week, you can blame Mother Nature.
The city's executive director of operations, Dwayne Dawson, says there has not been an usually high number of calls about potholes and cracked pavement so far, but that could all change next week.
"Just the standard calls. We'll see an increase in calls after the weekend when the new freeze hits and new areas come up," says Dawson.
Dawson blames the cold snap last week, a thaw over the last few days, and this weekend's anticipated return of frigid temperatures.
"The excess snow that we had over the past few weeks is essentially almost gone now, and that's under the first layer of the pavement," he says. "It will freeze again this coming weekend which will heave the roads even further."
Dawson says the impact on roads is anticipated, so he does not expect the recent freeze-thaw cycle to impact the city's budget. The city puts aside about $600,000 each year to fill in potholes.
When those new potholes do develop, he encourages drivers to report it by calling 311. He says it helps the city stay on top of road maintenance.
"We do keep stats on those, and by calling 311 we are able to track them and ensure that they're all taken care of," says Dawson.
