It's that time of year to patch up our roads, and thanks to the warmer winter and overall lack of moisture there aren't many.

Manager of Operational Services for the Town of High River says they're also trying a new product that he thinks will last longer.

"It's not cheaper, it does cost a little bit moire by the bag or truckload but it is supposed to stand up better so, at the end of the day we're getting better bang for our buck is the idea behind it but we haven't committed to it yet."  

He says the product is called EZ Street, it's a granular product that looks exactly like regular asphalt but stands up to cold weather and lasts longer.

A new product being used to fill potholes in a pilot project by the town. It looks, feels and smells like regular asphalt but lasts much longer according to Operations Manager Eugene Lund. Photo - Jeff McLenaghan

Lund says they were filling pot holes in November with the product and so far it's working well.

He says they came well under budget for snow removal too.

"We have $80,000 budgeted per year for streets and pathways for snow removal. That covers our own equipment and any contract services that we have."

He says they budget from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 and so far they've only spent about 25% - 30% of that budget.

Lund says any surplus that's left will serve as a cushion for additional snow removal that may be needed before the end of the year.

He says anything that is left is typically carried forward or sometimes the town will take it back and allocate it for other needs within the town.

He asks that drivers be aware of the crews out on the roads.

"We will focus on the problem areas to begin with and from there our crews will fan out to where ever they need to in town. They'll have flag-persons with them working and it's the same as before, when you see them out there just give them a break."

He says repairs shouldn't take long and they're taking a worst comes first approach in the repairing of potholes around town. The work is slated to take place around the second week in April.