Dodging Potholes on Your Ride to Work? Tell the Pothole Patrol

The text and photographs in this story were submitted by Chris Grogan of NBC Montana -

It's that time of year again in Montana. The freeze-thaw starts to open up potholes in the asphalt that can make roads dangerous.

This year, NBC Montana is launching a series called "Pothole Patrol."

Viewers can share what they are seeing on the streets, and the station will help alert crews to needed repairs.

Bob Giordano, director of Missoula Free Cycles, said potholes aren't only a hazard for drivers.

"Potholes literally can kill a cyclist under the worst circumstances, and can really damage a frame under some of the best circumstances," said Giordano.

Missoula resident Kathy Kahl said this year road crews have kept the roads mostly smooth so far, but she's had problems before.

"It's early, in the past I'd say I have lost a transmission after hitting a pothole."

City officials say they're keeping their eyes and ears open, and are ready to use their new asphalt recycler for patch jobs.

Find the "Pothole Patrol" link on NBCMontana.com to report a pothole. That information will then be pass on to the appropriate street department.