Street and Sidewalk Maintenance

Whether you're heading to work, school, or out for a walk, we work year-round to keep streets and sidewalks safe and in good condition. Through regular inspections, maintenance and rehabilitation programs, we invest in infrastructure that keeps St. John’s moving. This work is in addition to our larger scale construction projects

Learn more about the work we do below. 

image of road construction

Street Rehabilitation Program

Each year, the City completes planned roadway improvements to address aging infrastructure and extend the life of our streets. Depending on the condition of the road, this work may include full rehabilitation or targeted asphalt repairs, sometimes called 'scratch and patch'. 

construction

Sidewalk Maintenance

Our first priority is to replace sidewalks damaged due to water and sewer maintenance repairs. We schedule the remaining sidewalk list on a priority basis with hazardous situations completed first. 

employee repairing pothole

Pothole Repair

Potholes are temporarily repaired during the winter, with permanent repairs completed once weather conditions improve in the spring. Potholes are common in our climate due to repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

City crews repair potholes, remove and replace damaged sections of roadway, and maintain parking lots at City facilities. Temporary repairs are often required during winter months, as cold temperatures and moisture can limit the effectiveness of permanent fixes.

As soon as weather conditions permit in the spring, crews begin permanent pothole repairs across the city.  Repairs can only be completed effectively when roads are free of ice, snow, and standing water.

What conditions are required to complete pothole repairs?

  • Roads must be free of ice and snow
  • No standing water in gutters
  • No heavy rain 
  • Not during active snowfall
  • Safe/manageable traffic conditions
a person painting lines on a road

Pavement Marking

Pavement markings include traffic lines, crosswalks, stop bars and directional arrows.

Line painting typically occurs between April and October. Crews work in shifts to maximize efficiency and reduce disruption. Markings are prioritized according to the City’s Traffic Marking Policy.

a stop sign

Traffic Sign Maintenance

We install and maintain traffic signs along City roads to support safe and efficient travel.

image of dirt road

Gravel Roads & Shoulders

The City maintains over 100 kilometres of gravel roads — approximately 7% of the total road network.

Gravel roads require more frequent maintenance than paved roads, especially after wet weather. Crews grade and maintain these roads and shoulders to provide a smoother, safer surface and support proper drainage.

image of a culvert

Ditches & Drainage

Ditches collect rainwater from road surfaces and help prevent flooding on streets and nearby properties. Each year, we inspect ditches and culverts to ensure water flows properly and complete maintenance as needed.

Report a Problem

Contact Access St. John's to request maintenance or report a problem. The online reporting system lets users add pictures and pin a map to show the exact location of the issue.

Contact Us

City Hall
10 New Gower Street, St. John's, NL
P.O. Box 908, St. John's, A1C 5M2
Phone: 311 or 754-CITY (2489)
Email: access@stjohns.ca

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