More than 10,000 potholes filled in central Missouri....and counting!

MoDOT's Central District filled more than 10,000 potholes with about 350 tons of asphalt as part of the department's Pothole Patrol, which ran from March 18 through April 15.

Statewide for that same period, maintenance crews filled about 75,000 potholes with more than 3,000 tons of asphalt.

But MoDOT's Central District Engineer David Silvester said the work of his maintenance staff is not finished.

"We wish we didn't have any potholes to fill," Silvester said. "But, unfortunately, they are a reality of routine roadway maintenance, especially on our older and more traveled highways."

The department launched the Pothole Patrol statewide on March 18 as a month-long effort to concentrate on patching potholes and keeping highways smooth and safe for motorists. The goal of the initiative was twofold: patch potholes as quickly as possible and get information to the public on the variety of ways to contact MoDOT with a road concern.

"In addition to patching potholes, we're hoping the Pothole Patrol reminded people how to contact us when they spot a highway concern," Silvester said. "That helps us get out there faster to correct the problem," Silvester said.

Even though the Pothole Patrol has wound down, MoDOT asks motorists to continue to contact the department anytime they see a pothole or other highway concern. Drivers can contact the department by calling toll-free 1-888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636), visiting http://www.modot.org/ or sending an e-mail to [email protected].