Missouri Department of Transportation warns drivers of pothole repairs this spring due to the harsh weather from the month of February.
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Potholes are forming early because of the freezing water in the pavement’s crevasses causing the road to bulge and the fluctuating temperatures from warm afternoons to nights below the freezing point. As the frozen water in the cracks melt, the pavement contracts, then creates divots from vehicles wearing down those frequently traveled spots.
MoDOT state maintenance director Natalie Roark states that MoDOT crews will cautiously be making necessary repairs to affected roads through the month of April.
“While following COVID-19 social distancing procedures, MoDOT is working as hard as we can to fill the potholes quickly,” said Roark. “Brutally cold temperatures coupled with ice and snow throughout February have led to a high number of potholes blossoming on Missouri highways already. We ask motorists to please be patient with us as the repairs are being done.”
MoDOT offers the following tips to drivers traveling on roads with potholes.
- Try to slow down before the pothole, but don’t brake directly over it or it may cause more damage.
- Have a firm grip the steering wheel to avoid loss of control.
- Puddles of water could be potholes in disguise, so be cautious.
- Make sure the vehicle’s tires are aired up properly.
To inform MoDOT about pothole locations on roads maintained by the state, drivers can call customer service at 1-888-275-6636 or jump on the website modot.org. Cities and/or counties are responsible for maintaining the city streets.