City launches accelerated spring cleaning for roadways

Saskatoon’s late spring has city crews speeding up their annual cleaning program.

The process of permanently repairing potholes and sweeping debris off streets normally takes six weeks.

Roadways Manager Brandon Harris told reporters Thursday he hopes crews can get it done in two weeks this year.

“We’re four weeks later to getting going on this initial spring debris pick up,” he said.

Crews had initially started sweeping a week earlier, but were delayed by snowfall on Tuesday.

However, Harris said the snow has actually helped the cleaning process.

“It melted so quickly and provided a lot of moisture … we had to run fewer water trucks, and for the rest of the week, there’s a lot less dust,” he said.

He noted crews will also be able to permanently repair potholes and utility cuts starting Thursday, as the city was able to start producing hot mix asphalt.

The city will start by focusing on priority potholes located in the driving lanes of major roadways before working their way into residential neighbourhoods starting May 7.

Harris is encouraging residents to report any problem potholes or utility cuts to the city through their app or by calling 306-975-2476.

“Roadways doesn’t have eyes everywhere all the time,” he said.

The accelerated program will lead to higher costs for 2018 due to overtime for crews, but Harris didn’t have an exact number on the expense to taxpayers.