City of Kingston, ON
Proactive Pothole Detection
with AI
The City of Kingston is using artificial intelligence technology to proactively identify potholes across its municipal road network. Through an AI-powered pothole detection pilot, cameras mounted on municipal vehicles automatically capture roadway imagery during routine operations. The system analyzes the imagery to identify and map potholes, providing Public Works staff with accurate location data and improved visibility into roadway conditions.
The initiative supports a shift from reactive maintenance toward proactive road management. By integrating pothole detections into the City’s GIS environment, staff can better prioritize repairs, improve response times, and track maintenance performance. The program helps reduce reliance on resident complaints while supporting more efficient deployment of repair crews and resources.
Photo by Nicolette Villavicencio
Photo by Nicolette Villavicencio
Proactive Pothole Detection with AI
The City of Kingston is using artificial intelligence technology to proactively identify potholes across its municipal road network. Through an AI-powered pothole detection pilot, cameras mounted on municipal vehicles automatically capture roadway imagery during routine operations. The system analyzes the imagery to identify and map potholes, providing Public Works staff with accurate location data and improved visibility into roadway conditions.
The initiative supports a shift from reactive maintenance toward proactive road management. By integrating pothole detections into the City’s GIS environment, staff can better prioritize repairs, improve response times, and track maintenance performance. The program helps reduce reliance on resident complaints while supporting more efficient deployment of repair crews and resources.
Implementation Results
AI-enabled pothole detection launched as a pilot in spring 2024- Two CITYROVER units deployed to detect pothole locations
- Three pothole repair crews assigned to daily road repair work
- Pothole data mapped through GIS for improved tracking
- City reported zero outstanding potholes at the time of the article
- Public complaint volumes showed a major downward trend from 2022 to mid-2024
Pothole complaints in 2022
Pothole complaints in 2023
Pothole complaints up to end of June 2024
