With the freeze-and-thaw cycle at this time of year, we see a lot of potholes, which can end up costing us a lot of money when they cause damage to our vehicles.
The first thing we need to do when we see a new pothole is report it. If the department doesn’t know the pothole exists, it can’t repair it. The road crews will have a deadline for repairing the pothole; if it isn’t reported, then that deadline doesn’t exist. And if that pothole isn’t repaired within a specific time after being reported, the government may have to reimburse people for damage.
In order to report a pothole, first, you have to figure out which level of government is responsible for the road we’re on. This is frustrating as all heck, but at this time, that’s the way the system works.
Here in Bedford, the vast majority of roads are the responsibility of HRM, while 100-series highways and their on- and off-ramps are the responsibility of the provincial Public Works Department. So, for example, if you see a pothole on Bedford Highway, that’s the responsibility of the Municipality. You can call 311 to report a pothole or fill out a form at Halifax Municipal website. There’s more information on the timelines and process for a refund at that site.
If you spot a pothole on Highway 102 or one of its on- and off-ramps, you’ll want to contact the Department of Public Works. You can do so by calling 511 or 1-844-696-7737, or by emailing dpw-occ@novascotia.ca. You’ll want to include specific information on the location of the pothole (nearest civic number, if applicable, or nearest intersection of GPS). You can find out more about the process of making a claim here.
(I should also note that Magazine Hill is partly the responsibility of the municipality and partly the responsibility of the province. The municipality owns the part that’s populated by houses, and the province owns the rest.)