Pothole season has returned and so, too, has a pilot program that uses artificial intelligence software to detect and log potholes.
The City of Markham’s Road Operations is expanding a pilot project with Visual Defence that uses a smartphone camera to scan and detect potholes in real time.
The project, which logs physical addresses and GPS coordinates and issues them to crews, was rolled out last year and will be expanded this year to also detect other surface continuities so repair crews can respond quickly and efficiently.
Every year, road and sidewalk surfaces are inspected, treated and repaired using environmentally-friendly methods. In 2020, about 3,500 potholes were repaired, a number well above the provincial standard, the city reports.
“The City of Markham continues to maintain a superb state of good repair on our road infrastructure and exceeds provincial standard when it comes to our road rehabilitation programs,” Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti says.
“We’ve accomplished this by financially investing in our roads, making fact-based decisions and using innovative methods.”
Markham was the co-recipient of the 2020 Ontario Good Roads Association John Niedra Better Practices Award, which recognizes innovation and achievement that improves the efficiency of municipal transportation and public works services and operations.
Crews are also working on road, park and trail maintenance services, including pruning trees as Markham enters the second year of the Neighbourhood Tree Maintenance Program and helping reduce gypsy moth populations. Learn how you can protect the trees on your property from this invasive species at markham.ca/trees.
The city reminds residents to dispose of used facemasks, gloves and wipes in park garbage bins or take them home for curbside pickup. Household waste and pet waste belong in the correct container for curbside pickup at your home. Use Markham’s “What Goes Where” tool on the Access Markham mobile app or on the City website if you need more information. To report potholes, damaged amenities or request street tree service, visit markham.ca or call the Contact Centre at 905.477.5530 or email [email protected].
