Sudbury's new pothole patching machine hits the streets
The state of the roads in Greater Sudbury is a popular topic of conversation, with potholes around the city a constant concern, and officials have high hopes for a new piece of equipment that is expected to help alleviate the problem.
"It’s no secret that for many residents, pothole patching and road maintenance is a top priority," said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger in a news release. "City council is committed to investing in technology that creates a more efficient way to provide important services. I am very excited to see the results."
A new automated pothole patching machine called the Python 5000 was purchased by the city last year and staff have been learning how to use it since it arrived in November.
Usually, pothole patching in the Nickel City involves a crew of three to five people, several pieces of equipment and about four tonnes of asphalt per day. The new machine carries five tonnes of asphalt and can be operated by one person.
Only one person is needed to operate the City of Greater Sudbury's new pothole patching machine, The Python 5000. (Supplied)
"We are always testing new ways to provide more efficient service to the community," said Tony Cecutti, the city's general manager of growth and infrastructure in a news release. "The Python 5000 is a valuable service enhancement and I look forward to seeing how it performs in the coming months."
The machine can be used on main arterial roads and secondary collector routes in the winter with cold and recycled mix asphalt, the city said.
"In the summer, the machine will focus on four-lane roads as this will eliminate the need for additional staff to perform traffic control duties," the City of Greater Sudbury said in a news release.
The Python 5000 manufacturer claims the machine can do triple the amount of work that a traditional crew can do manually.
Residents can report potholes to the city by calling 311 or submitting a form online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Tropical fish stolen from Beachburg, Ont. restaurant found and returned
Ontario Provincial Police have landed a suspect following a fishy theft in Beachburg, Ont.