MoDOT starts work on potholes

In this Feb. 22, 2018 photo, MoDOT employees are eastbound on U.S. 50 in Jefferson City, stopping to fill potholes that, due to rain and freezing temperatures, cropped up in large numbers. (News Tribune photo)
In this Feb. 22, 2018 photo, MoDOT employees are eastbound on U.S. 50 in Jefferson City, stopping to fill potholes that, due to rain and freezing temperatures, cropped up in large numbers. (News Tribune photo)

Missouri Department of Transportation crews have started working to fill potholes in Mid-Missouri roads after another bout of rain, ice and extreme cold.

Workers filled potholes on the Dix Road overpass Thursday afternoon before moving on to U.S. 50, where they plan to work the next several days within Jefferson City limits.

"We know the potholes are popping up everywhere, and we're working to address them as quickly as we can," MoDOT Central District Engineer David Silvester said. "We're hoping to gain some ground as soon as the weather dries out. We can't fill potholes that have water in them because the repair just won't hold."

Silvester said crews will address the worst and deepest potholes first, then will move to more minor potholes. Workers will make repairs with a temporary asphalt mix until the weather stays warm and they are able to make more permanent fixes with hot-mix asphalt.

Potholes form when temperatures warm up during the day but stay cold at night. Moisture from winter rain, snow and ice seeps into the cracks and joints of the roadway. When the temperatures drop at night, that water freezes and expands the pavement, which causes it to crack and bulge. As cars and trucks drive over those cracks, the pressure causes chunks of pavement to pop out, and potholes form.

Drivers can report potholes on the state highway system by calling MoDOT toll-free at 1-888-275-6636 or by visiting modot.org/central.

Public works officials in Jefferson City said they have one staff member designated to go around the city, five days a week, looking for potholes and filling them. After the recent extreme weather, additional personnel could go out if needed.

To report potholes in Jefferson City, call the Public Works Department at 573-634-6410 or visit jeffersoncitymo.org.