Potholes are common in late winter and early spring when a series of freeze-thaw cycles occur.  Water reaches the road base through voids in the asphalt and freezes in cold temperatures.  When water freezes it expands and when the ice melts it leaves voids beneath the surface.  With every freeze-thaw cycle that occurs these voids grow larger.  When traffic passes over the sections of pavement with voids underneath the pavement collapses creating a pothole.

During late winter/early spring, when potholes are most common, the City of Corner Brook is asking residents to reduce their speed and drive with caution.

In most cases the City of Corner Brook is not responsible for damages due to a vehicle hitting a pothole.  The City cannot guarantee the condition of roads to be good at all times and is continually addressing problems that occur.

If your vehicle has been damaged by hitting a pothole you may submit a damage claim to the City Clerk’s Office, 5 Park Street, PO Box 1080, Corner Brook, NL, A2H 6E1.  Claims should be in the form of a letter and must include:

• A specific description of the incident
• Date and time the incident occured
• Names of witnesses and their contact information
• Amount being claimed
• Copies of receipts
• Photos related to the incident
• Exact location of the incident
• Your name and contact information

Damage claims will be carefully reviewed and thoroughly investigated by the City of Corner Brook’s claims officer and a written response will be returned to the claimant within 3 weeks.

You can report a pothole by contacting the City of Corner Brook customer service line at 709-637-1666.  Please indicate the exact location of the pothole including the specific address or intersection.