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The City of Medicine Hat’s graders were out on Thursday, with a grader named Slim Gradey shaving down rutting issues in the flats area of the city. Jesse Gill/CHAT News
ROADWAYS

Crews are working to address pothole and rutting issues in Medicine Hat

Jan 23, 2025 | 5:52 PM

The winter weather has created an abundance of issues for motorists on the roadways in Medicine Hat.

Potholes are starting to pop up more frequently, and ruts are forming on the side streets that have frozen up.

Trevor Funk, manager of operations with municipal works, City of Medicine Hat, said they have crews out looking for potholes and the department will react to service requests when they get them.

“Every year we experience the potholes, even during the winter months, like we see out there right now,” Funk said.

“We utilize a product called cold mix, just a cold asphalt that is still pliable. You can put it down in the pot holes in the winter. It’s not quite as effective as hot mix, but it’s a tool we can use.”

The graders are also out dealing with the ruts, in particular on some secondary roadways where Funk said aren’t able to be plowed when there is parking on both sides of the roadways.

Traction control is done on these roadways, and flat blading with graders to shave off the ruts.

Funk said graders have started at 4 a.m. this week to help get ahead of any issues.

With four graders in various areas of the city working to make road conditions better for drivers.

He said during the winter months motorists should remember to drive to the conditions, especially around workers.

“We do have our graders out there active working, sometimes they are driving a little bit slower. Just give them the space to do that job right now,” Funk said.

“We are trying to address the rutting situation on those secondary roads right now.”

The city has a report a problem portal on their website where potholes can be reported.

The municipal works department also encourages people to call into their main line at 403-529-8177 to report any potholes or rutting scenarios on roadways.