Knowing that the annual spring challenge of highway potholes is rapidly approaching the province is once again responding with its pothole hotline.

"When you're responsible for 23,000 kilometres of roads patching potholes is a big job," said Maurice Smith, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "We set up the line so the public can help us keep them under control."

The public can point out problem potholes by calling toll-free, 1-888-432-3233. That number connects callers to the nearest Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal base.

For 100 series highways and trunk roads, potholes deeper than 100 millimetres (4 inches) are marked with a sign as soon as staff becomes aware of them and repaired within seven days. For roads with lower traffic volumes, potholes must be signed within 24 hours and repaired within 21 days. Potholes that pose a significant and immediate danger are repaired as soon as department staff is aware of them.

At this time of year, potholes are repaired with a temporary patch called cold mix. In the summer months, longer-lasting hot-mix asphalt is used, but it isn't usually available until late May.