Greater Sudbury launches auto pothole patcher

Ontario Construction News staff writer

A newly acquired all-in-one automated pothole patching machine has taken is on the road.

City council approved the purchase of the Python 5000 during the 2021 budget. Since the Python 5000 arrived in November 2021, City staff have been training to use the new equipment.

“It’s no secret that for many residents, pothole patching and road maintenance is a top priority,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger. “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.”

pothole computerTraditional pothole patching crews include three to five City staff and several pieces of equipment. A crew applies approximately four tonnes of asphalt per day. The Python 5000 carries five tons of asphalt and under ideal conditions, is operated by one staff member who can complete the job solo from start to finish.

“We are always testing new ways to provide more efficient service to the community,” said Tony Cecutti, General Manager of Growth and Infrastructure at the City of Greater Sudbury. “The Python 5000 is a valuable service enhancement and I look forward to seeing how it performs in the coming months.”

The Python 5000 can be used in the winter on class one to three roads (main arterial or secondary collector routes) as they are maintained to bare pavement. It will use both cold mix and recycled mix asphalt now that the hot and warm mix plants are closed for the winter season.

pothole fixIn 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 manufacturer advertises the machine can complete three times as much work as a crew would in the same amount of time.

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