Online feature great way to report potholes, non-working street lights & traffic signs
RAPID CITY, SD—City public works officials remind the public to utilize an online feature to report public infrastructure issues such as potholes, non-working street lights, damaged traffic signs and other issues.
In 2023, the City’s Public Works Department launched the ‘Report a Problem’ link to the City’s website, https://bit.ly/RapidCityLightsAndPotholes , to report non-emergency issues. The public can utilize the online feature to alert the City if they see issues with City street lights, such as non-functioning street lights, dim or flashing lights or lights remaining on past sunrise. The ‘Report a Problem’ feature can be used to report potholes, traffic signs that need attention or other issues related to roads or streets.
When visiting the site, users are prompted to list the issue, provide a brief description of the concern, location of the issue and when the problem was noticed. Users can also provide a contact phone number or e-mail should staff need additional information.
Last week, the asphalt plant opened up for the season, and City Street Superintendent Jesse Rieb says crews have ramped up efforts to repair potholes generated from the winter season. He said the ‘Report a Problem’ feature provides great assistance to crews in building up a list of areas where potholes have emerged and need attention.
City Public Works Administration Operations Manager Shannon Truax said the public provides important assistance to the department in getting issues addressed. Truax says the City consistently averages 15-20 requests per week from the public.
“The calls depend on the season,” said Truax. “People notice street light issues more in the winter when it gets dark earlier. They notice potholes more when they are out and about more in nice weather.”
In addition, for several years the City’s pothole hotline has provided a way for citizens to report a pothole location for quick attention by crews from the City’s Streets Division. The City’s Pothole Hotline is 605-394-4152.
“We appreciate the public’s response and assistance with the City on reporting issues with street lights, potholes and traffic signs,” said Truax. Our crews can’t be everywhere at all times so the public serves an important mission, as a collective second set of eyes to help us in keeping our streets and neighborhoods lit, reporting pothole locations and issues with traffic signs and signals.”
Truax advises the public to report a problem as soon as possible.
“Some callers have indicated they’ve noticed a problem for days or weeks,” Truax said. “If they see a problem, call the City and our crews can get it checked out and addressed right away.”
Callers should provide a close or exact location of the street light, pothole or traffic sign issue. Regarding issues with street lights, Truax said the light poles display a four or five-digit number a few feet off the ground. The pole number or the block of the street with the malfunctioning light will allow for a more immediate response from City crews. Once a call is received from the public, a crew member is sent to the affected area before dawn the following day to locate the pole and begin the process of replacement or repair.
The public can also call the Traffic Operations Division at 605-394-4118 to report concerns with lights and signs. The City’s Pothole Hotline is 605-394-4152.
