Toronto launches ‘24-hour pothole repair blitz’ as numbers continue to surge

Phil Perkins speaks to Toronto’s general manger of Transportation Services, Barbara Gray and Coun. Alejandra Bravo where they provide an update into the blitz.

With over 50,000 potholes repaired this year, the City of Toronto says they’re now working overtime in what call a citywide ‘repair blitz’ that will end later tonight.

The operation began Friday at 6:30 p.m., as the city deployed 235 workers spread across 73 crews in an effort to repair “as many potholes as possible.” Officials confirm the blitz will end tonight at 6:30 p.m.

Speaking with reporters on Saturday, Toronto’s General Manger of Transportation Services, Barbara Gray explains that 80 per cent of pothole reports come from “city patrollers” who monitor roadways. The other 20 per cent come from residents who call 311.

Potholes are nothing new for Toronto and have been a growing problem drivers faced for years. In April 2024, 12 drivers saw their vehicle fall victim to tire failures and deflations after hitting a deep pothole on Highway 401.

Since Jan. 1 the city says they have repaired over 53,000, well above the average for the same period in recent years.

A worsening problem as seasons change

According to officials, potholes occur when “water penetrates the top layer of asphalt through cracks in the road.”

“After the moisture freezes and expands, sections of the pavement are forced up. The weight of vehicles going over this section breaks the pavement, and the asphalt is forced out,” the city explains.

The city emphasizes they conduct daily patrols to find and repair them, but concentrated operations such as a “blitz” allow crews to make a more significant impact.

“Another thing that we’ve been doing is focusing on communities that don’t have as many calls... when we go out to those neighborhoods we see they still have just as many potholes,” Gray said. “The spring time is really when we double down our efforts.”

The widespread effort prioritizes expressways, major roads and neighbourhood streets. Officials are reminding drivers to cautious in such areas and that they can expect “minor delays” around pothole crews.

The hefty price tag for 2025

Pothole repairs remain a costly and ongoing challenge for city council. Already, the city has budgeted $5.5 million for repairs in 2025 alone.

The city says residents are encouraged to report potholes by calling 311, via the 311 Toronto mobile app or online.

Gray estimates the wait time for main streets are usually “within 72 hours,” adding that local roads could take longer.