The City of Calgary is crediting a new tool with helping crews complete a record number of pothole repairs this year.
As of mid-November, the city had filled 35,864 potholes, exceeding the previous record of 33,000 set in 2023.
At least part of the reason so many of problem spots were fixed is because of the city’s new mobile infrared asphalt heater, which crews acquired over the summer.
The machine warms the surface of the road using infrared heating, helping create a seamless bond between the new asphalt and the existing pavement.
“The results can include a smoother surface between repair and road, and potentially longer-lasting repairs, which in turn improve the overall quality and durability of the road surface,” explained the city in a news release.
“This machine is intended to be used for smaller repairs, but is expected to provide superior quality repairs when compared with traditional pothole …