LANSING -- A new online system will make it easy for the public to report and avoid potholes during the dreaded pothole season, which began with warmer temperatures this weekend and is expected to get worse as temperatures fluctuate between freeze and thaw the next few weeks.

Michigan drivers can visit www.drivemi.org and submit pothole locations, photos and
comments to the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA), the road industry group sponsoring the new reporting system. MITA will gather the information to create a new statewide Google Map containing user-submitted pothole locations, photos, and comments. User- submitted pothole locations will appear on a map at MITA's website, www.drivemi.org.

"Driving on pothole-riddled roads costs each Michigan motorist an average of $370 a year, and
the average pothole repair can run even higher," said Mike Nystrom, executive vice president of MITA. "And you can't put a price tag on the frustration some of these potholes can cause."

In addition to collecting the pothole data, MITA will, as a public service, compile the data for easy access on the website by state and local road agencies.

MITA represents a broad spectrum of highway construction companies and suppliers that help
build a better Michigan infrastructure from the bottom up. It has been a leading voice in efforts to secure adequate transportation funding at the federal and state levels. For more information,visit www.mi-ita.com or www.drivemi.org.