Pothole problems: Quebec experts propose solutions to road deterioration

A car passes a pothole in downtown Montreal, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.

The Coalition for Better Roads in Quebec has put forward five recommendations to slow the deterioration of the province’s road network and reduce the number of potholes.

The group, composed of companies, professional infrastructure associations, user representatives, economic associations and academic experts, says it firstly wants to protect the preventive maintenance budgets and create a contingency fund dedicated to network maintenance.

The group is also proposing accelerating the integration of innovative technologies and materials and increasing the recycling of road materials.

Finally, it is calling on the next provincial government to standardize norms and practices across Quebec and strengthen the transfer of expertise between the government, industry and universities.

According to official data from the Quebec government, 56 per cent of roads are in good condition, 13 per cent are in poor condition and 31 per cent are in very poor condition, with the road maintenance deficit now approaching $30 billion.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on June 2, 2026.