The cost to fill a pothole this year in Toronto is about $17 – about $4 less than last year -- but there are about three times as many potholes that need to be patched-up after the icy cold winter.

In a press conference Friday afternoon, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford gave an update on the city's effort to repair potholes. He said up to 40 two-person crews have been filling about 3,000 to 4,000 potholes daily.

"I want to ensure the residents of Toronto that we are working 12 hours a day, six days a week," Ford told reporters at city hall.

He said from Jan. 1 to March 26, the city has processed more than 8,800 service requests, and have filled more than 116,850 potholes.

"It's cost approximately $2 million," Ford said.

The extreme winter weather that has walloped the GTA area has taken its toll on the roads, leaving many major arteries and side streets riddled with holes and cracks.

Last year, Ford said the city had processed about a third of the number of pothole service requests, and had repaired an estimated 60,000 holes. The total cost last year was about $1 million.

Ford reminded drivers that city crews are only able to fill potholes when the road conditions are dry.

"If it's raining, if it's snowing, it's very, very challenging to put down asphalt."

Gardiner Expressway closures

Ford also took the opportunity Friday to talk about three construction projects scheduled to begin next month on the Gardiner Expressway.

Immediately after the annual weekend closure of the Gardiner on April 25, when city crews complete their spring maintenance, three major projects will get underway:

  • Replacement of the deck on the elevated section of the Gardiner, from the CNE to Grand Magazine Street; and the demolition of the Garrison Road bridge, east of Strachan Avenue. The work is expected to be completed in December 2016. One lane of traffic in both directions in these areas will be closed on the Gardiner during this time, but all lanes will be restored from June to August 2015 for the Pan Am Games.
  • Structural work of three Gardiner bridges, between Humber River and Park Lawn Avenue. The work is expected to be completed in December 2014. One eastbound lane will be closed in this area until the work is complete.
  • Replacement of the median of the Gardiner from Ellis to Dufferin roads. This work is expected to be complete by December 2014. One lane of traffic in this area will be closed in each direction until the work is complete.