Pothole patrol out in force in city of Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- You've probably driven over one, popped a tire or bent a rim on one.  They are the dreaded potholes and they are all around Milwaukee.

Eleven city crews set out to repair the roads Wednesday.  Among the orange and silver vests, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Ald. James Bohl helped out.

"It lets the citizens know that we are taking this in a very serious way," Mayor Tom Barrett said.

The city has heard 5,154 complaints about potholes.  That's up 72 percent from this time last year.

"The issues are not the city has more potholes this year," Ald. James Bohl said.  "I just believed that we were, unfortunately, because of the weather see the same ones pop up over and over again."

As the temperatures creep up, city leaders say now is the time to make needed repairs.

"Now that we have crews out with the hot patch, we`re able to get to these on a permanent basis and we hopefully won`t see the same repetitive complaints that have been coming in," Bohl said.

The city has more than a million dollars set aside for street repairs.  Leaders are encouraging people to call the city if they see a pothole.

To report a pothole, residents should call 414-286-CITY (2489).