Roads Operations

York Region regularly checks the roads for potholes or cracks and schedules repairs. During the repairs, signs and safety devices are set up around the work zone. Please obey these signs and devices and give workers room.

Bridges are checked regularly to ensure they are in good condition. York Region staff also provides annual cleaning and arranges necessary repairs or replacements.

Catch basins are cleaned annually. This prevents sand, silt and debris from contaminating the water supply. Damage or malfunctions identified during cleaning will be scheduled for repair.

York Region is responsible for maintaining driveway culverts. Once a culvert is installed and approved by The Region it is regularly cleaned out and checked for repairs.

Note: York Region is not responsible for the installation of culverts that are needed for new entrances or entrance improvements. If a property owner requires one, they must apply for one using the Road Occupancy Application Form and email it to @email. (Visit the Road Use and Road Sign Permits page for more information).

In extreme weather conditions, York Region may declare a significant weather event when:

• A weather event is approaching or occurring
• The weather hazard has the potential to pose a significant danger to users of Regional roads
• Environment Canada has issued an Alert

How does the declaration impact residents?

Residents may not notice a change in road operations compared to other winter events. York Region will be monitoring weather conditions closely, deploying all available resources to address snow and ice accumulation and make roads safe for travel.

When will York Region declare a significant weather event?

York Region may declare a significant weather event when Environment Canada issues warnings for one or more of the following conditions:

• Blizzard
• Blowing snow
• Flash freeze
• Freezing drizzle
• Freezing rain
• Snow fall
• Snow squall
• Winter storm

The declaration of a significant weather event will end when Environment Canada cancels the related warning.

Ditches can fill in over time, especially in the spring. York Region monitors ditches and maintains them regularly by clearing out vegetation and debris.

Double chip seal is a method used to refinish a road surface and is applied over existing gravel roads to increase stability of the road.

During the summer York Region schedules grass cutting along Regional roads. The number of times the grass is cut depends on the classification of the road:

• Urban: 12 cuts per year
• Semi-rural: Five cuts per year
• Rural: Two cuts per year

NOTE: Please ensure that children and pets are kept away from the machinery for safety reasons. Personal property should be kept away from the road to avoid damage.

Microsurfacing is a common and cost-effective road maintenance treatment designed to treat roads with minor defects and can extend the life of a road up to eight years.

Most line and surface markings on the road are applied by York Region staff. Surface markings are generally applied from May to October. Line painting is done at least once a year. Regional roads are prioritized for line painting based on factors including safety, highest traffic volumes and traffic speeds.

York Region maintains all road signs on Regional roads. All road signs that are missing or damaged are replaced or repaired.

Regional roads, boulevards and medians are swept and washed in early spring to remove dirt that builds up over winter. Road sweeping is mainly done in urban and semi-urban areas, and where pavement and gravel meet. Roads are also swept after motor vehicle accidents, spills and construction.

NOTE: For the safety of the public, developers and general contractors are responsible for keeping the Regional roads near their sites clear of mud and debris.

York Region schedules regular shoulder grading in rural and semi-rural areas. Grading protects the edge of the pavement removing bumps, ruts or potholes.

York Region provides 24/7 maintenance during the winter. This includes snowplowing, sanding and salting Regional roads.

NOTE: York Region does not provide sidewalk cleaning. For more information, please visit your Local Municipalities | York Region's website.