Standing behind a dump truck on winter-ravaged Carnahan Road in Banksville, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl today launched a campaign against potholes.

Mr. Ravenstahl urged residents to report potholes to the city's 311 information line or visit a new Web site, pittsburghpothole.com. Nonresidents who don't have access to 311 can call 412-255-CITY (2489).

The mayor said 50 public works employees and 17 members of the city's redd-up crew would be deployed in the pothole patching effort. He said the city would try to respond within three days to most calls, but said it might take up to a week to handle the expected volume of citizen reports.

"We encourage residents to get involved and take even more ownership of their community," he said.

As the mayor spoke, a public works crew began filling the numerous craters along Carnahan, which is scheduled for resurfacing later this year. Crews will use cold patch until warmer weather arrives, which means some holes might have to be filled more than once before a permanent fix is applied.

"That speaks volumes to the problem we have," Mr. Ravenstahl said.