Road Maintenance

 Seasonal Road Weight Limits - Begin March 1

Seasonal load restrictions begin on March 1. During the spring thaw period, East Gwillimbury’s road network comprised of mostly surface treated roads cannot withstand heavy vehicle use and loads. Every year, the Town monitors spring thaw progression and load restrictions are imposed. 

Commercial vehicles or trailers with a weight above five tonnes or 11,000 pounds per axle will be prohibited on roads where restriction signage is posted and on all truck routes identified as restricted. These restrictions also apply to all non-truck routes. Heavy vehicles that exceed weight limits on restricted-load roadways during the spring thaw period are subject to fines. Once the pavement strength has been restored, load restrictions will be removed.

Pavement section resurfacing

Road Operations resurfaces short sections of roadway each year eliminating settlements, ponding areas, and deteriorating road surfaces to improve traffic safety and drivability.

Pothole maintenance

Residents are reminded to exercise caution on roads during the Spring as potholes may have developed the Winter months. Town road staff regularly patrol the roads to monitor conditions and record maintenance needs. Potholes are noted and repaired as soon as possible as required.

Street sweeping

Street sweeping is carried out in the Spring to remove winter sand and provide a general clean-up of the roads. The start of the program requires mild weather conditions and road surfaces that are relatively dry and free of ice and snow.

Street signs

Roads Operations is responsible for the placing, maintaining, and replacing of all regulatory and street name signs on Town roadways. Road patrol will identify and report signs needing repair or replacement.

Catch basins

The job of a catch basin is to receive rainwater from the road or other area and drain it through a storm sewer system to a pond or stream. For traffic safety, it is important to keep water from ponding on the roadway. It is also important that residents do not dump oil, paint, pesticides, or other contaminants into a catch basin as it will drain into the natural environment harming and killing wildlife.

Culverts

Road and entrance culverts are inspected frequently and repaired or replaced as needed.

Roadside ditches

Ditches are a necessary feature along a roadway to receive rainwater from the road surface. These are mostly in rural areas and some urban areas where there is no curb and storm sewer. Ditches are inspected regularly. The silt is removed, and it is regraded as necessary to allow for proper drainage.

Stormwater management ponds

Most storm sewers and ditches convey rainwater to a storm water management pond. The purpose of these ponds is to allow silt and harmful toxins to settle to the bottom of the pond and clarifying the water that is released into streams and the natural environment. These ponds are for the treatment of rainwater and not recreational facilities for fishing, swimming, or skating in the winter.

Guiderails

Guiderails are situated along the edge of the road shoulder at various locations which act as a guide and safety feature for traffic in areas where roadside hazards exist. Staff and contracted services inspect and maintain these features as needed.

Roadside grass cutting

Rural roadside grass cutting is undertaken to enhance the appearance of the roadway, control weeds and improve sight lines for drivers. The ditches are typically cut three times during the summer season.