Markham pilots new AI technology this Spring to assess road conditions

MARKHAM, ON – April 11, 2024 – This year, the City of Markham’s Operations team is piloting new artificial intelligence (AI) from Visual Defence, using CityROVER’s Pulse for Pavement technology to assess the pavement condition of our roads.

After previous success with AI software for pothole detection, this new pilot project uses additional AI software streams to assess and report the pavement condition of roads in Markham. In addition to our existing tools, we are well-equipped to ensure the City’s Road Rehabilitation Program continues to be among the best in Ontario.

The now more advanced AI software is installed on mobile devices mounted on Operations vehicle dashboards. Through the assistance of AI and the mobile device’s built-in camera, the software automatically collects data about road conditions, such as cracks and potholes in the pavement. It then provides a report for the Operations staff. Currently, pavement condition assessment uses laser technology, which requires staff to visually assess and manually log the conditions. Now piloting with AI, staff can make faster, more efficient and data-driven decisions to plan for road maintenance and repair.

“The City of Markham continues to lead the way in digital innovation and in how we maintain our road and sidewalk network using AI,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Thank you to our Operations staff, who work tirelessly around the clock to ensure we have a beautiful City everyone can enjoy whether they are on foot or on wheels.”

In 2023, approximately 2,307 potholes were repaired in the City. This Spring, road and sidewalk surfaces are being inspected so that repair work can be scheduled accordingly.

Residents can report potholes, damaged amenities or request street tree service online at markham.ca, or by reaching out to the Contact Centre at 905.477.5530 or customerservice@markham.ca.

While the Operations team works hard to take care of our roads, sidewalks, trails and parks, there are things you can do to help keep Markham beautiful. City staff and community volunteers are gearing up for the Provincial Day of Action on Litter on May 14, working to ensure we keep our city not only beautiful but also clean. Staff and volunteers will gather to pick up litter throughout our local community. Let’s all take pride and responsibility when it comes to respectfully enjoying and using our public spaces.

A friendly reminder to:

• Put household waste, recyclables and organic waste such as pet waste in the correct container for curbside pick-up at your home.
• Do not litter in City parks and open spaces, and don’t dump household garbage in these areas.
• Use Markham’s “What Goes Where” tool on the Access Markham mobile app or on the City website to see how to properly recycle or dispose of items.
• With several holiday long weekends coming up, please take note of when fireworks are allowed (and when permits are required). Fireworks are not allowed on City property, including parks, fields and roads. Learn more: markham.ca/Fireworks

Watch Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti provide an update of 2024 Spring Maintenance activities in this video: 


 

– 30 –

 

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti’s Office: 
At mayorscarpitti@markham.ca.

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
media@markham.ca

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with more than 357,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 headquartered companies and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. 

Stay Connected: Visit our newsroom or search #MarkhamNews and #MarkhamEvents for the latest information on City programs, services and events.