US EditionMontreal Faces Increased Potholes Amid Winter Freeze-Thaw and Maintenance Gaps
Montreal repaired 103,026 potholes in 2025, driven by repeated freeze-thaw cycles and underfunded maintenance, with experts urging more investment in durable asphalt and infrastructure upkeep.
- Feb. 17, 2026 — Montreal logged 3,824 pothole complaints between Jan. 1–27, nearly five times last year, with Environment Canada recording at least 17 freeze–thaw days.
- Repeated freeze–thaw cycles let water seep into cracks and freeze, while many repairs replace only surface layers; nearly half of provincial pavements are rated poor across Montreal's 4,030 kilometres of roads.
- In 2025, the City of Montreal repaired 103,026 potholes, poured 19,310 metric tons of asphalt from October 2024 to mid-January 2026, and plans to spend about $684 million on roadwork in 2026.
- Baril says she now has eight flat tires since Christmas and spent about $3,500 repairing her car, while CAA‑Québec estimates Quebec motorists face $258 annually in repairs.
- The Transport Department told The Canadian Press it has its own pavement laboratory and did not respond immediately to accusations that lack of funding hampers innovation, while local officials called for solutions.
23 Articles
23 Articles
While potholes continue to spread the streets of Montreal, a professor at the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) claims to have solutions. The problem, he deplores, is the lack of investment and political will.
Road to ruin: Montreal’s pothole problems have solutions — but city lacks money
Montrealer Marianick Baril says she’s had eight flat tires since Christmas. Now, she plans her daily commute less on travel time and more by choosing the streets that have the fewest craters that threaten to send her vehicle back to the mechanic.
Road to ruin: Montreal’s pothole problems have solutions — but city lacks money - Montreal
This winter has been perilous Montreal drivers, with officials reporting 3,824 pothole-related complaints between Jan. 1-27, compared to what was logged at the same time last year.
Road to ruin: Montreal's pothole problems have solutions — but the city lacks money
Montrealer Marianick Baril says she's had eight flat tires since Christmas. Now, she plans her daily commute less on travel time and more by choosing the streets that have the fewest craters that threaten to send her vehicle back to the mechanic.
Winnipeg Free Press
Road to ruin: Montreal's pothole problems have solutions — but city lacks money
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 88% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
