Expect potholes on Mich. roadways to pose a problem

Fluctuating winter temperatures combined with snowfall will put Michigan motorists to the test this Spring as potholes begin to take over the state's aging roadways.

"We're seeing large potholes developing literally in the matter of a couple hours, " said Craig Bryson, spokesman with the Road Commission for Oakland County.

Local road crews are doing their best to keep up with the craters, but they're fighting a losing battle. "Michigan is in a road-funding crisis," said Bryson. "Compared to other states in the nation, we're been funding our roads at a lower rate for decades."

Over eight million pounds of asphalt are used every year in Michigan to patch potholes. Add in vehicle usage and labor and you get an annual pothole price tag of $5 million. Michigan motors are paying the price as well, and not just in taxes. "I get an alignment every six months because of (potholes)," said Mark Faranso of West Bloomfield.

MDOT does allow motorists to file a claim for damages to vehicles caused by a pothole. Click here to learn more on how to file your claim.