As a series of winter storms turns into warmer weather, the Missouri Department of Transportation is focused on fixing potholes.
MoDOT does a majority of pothole repairs from late February through April, and spent $18 million patching roughly 530,000 potholes last year.
Potholes form after rain and snow seep into cracks in pavement and freeze, causing the pavement to bulge and bend. When the ice melts, gaps are often left in the surface and structure of the pavement. Vehicles driving over bulging pavement can then take out chunks and form potholes.
"Crews have already started working on patching potholes and will continue as the weather allows," MoDOT maintenance director Natalie Roark said in a news release. "When you see a MoDOT crew making repairs, please slow down and move over a lane to give them room to work. And never drive distracted. Remember, Buckle Up Phone Down."
The department is making short-term repairs with a cold asphalt mix to the deepest potholes first. Longer-term repairs with a hot asphalt mix won't be effective until warm temperatures are more consistent.
MoDOT is asking the public to report potholes by calling 1-888-275-6636 or using the Report a Road Concern form online at www.modot.org/report-road-concern.