The City of Montreal has officially labeled the current pothole season as "exceptional" and notably worse than typical years. This declaration comes as municipal crews worked intensively throughout Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in a race against time to fill as many road craters as possible before the forecasted arrival of the next snowfall.
A Citywide Push for Repairs
Facing what they describe as an unusually severe outbreak of potholes, Montreal's public works department mobilized teams across the island. The primary objective was a widespread repair blitz, targeting the most problematic arteries and residential streets to improve safety and drivability. The city's characterization of the season points to a perfect storm of freeze-thaw cycles, aging infrastructure, and heavy traffic taking a more dramatic toll on road surfaces this winter.
The Factors Behind an 'Exceptional' Season
Potholes form when water seeps into cracks in the asphalt, freezes and expands, then thaws, leaving a gap beneath the surface that collapses under the weight of vehicles. The frequency and intensity of these temperature fluctuations this winter have accelerated this process exponentially. The city's admission that conditions are worse than usual signals a significant challenge for both municipal budgets and the daily commute of thousands of Montrealers, who are dealing with bumpy rides and potential vehicle damage.
Ongoing Challenges and Public Impact
While Wednesday's push aimed to make a dent in the problem, the impending snowfall presents a major hurdle. New precipitation, especially snow that melts and refreezes, can quickly undo temporary repairs and create new potholes. This cycle forces crews into a reactive posture, often patching the same locations repeatedly until more permanent repairs can be made in warmer months. The city's efforts highlight the ongoing battle municipalities face in maintaining infrastructure during Canada's harsh winters, with resident complaints about suspension-rattling craters likely to continue until spring.
The situation underscores the importance of proactive road maintenance and infrastructure investment. For now, Montreal drivers are advised to remain cautious, report major potholes through city channels, and be prepared for continued rough road conditions as winter persists.
