Road crews combating potholes on central Missouri roads

Missouri Department of Transportation crews are working to fix numerous potholes on area roadways.

MoDOT says the recent snow, ice and extreme cold combined with the swing in temperatures have caused potholes to pop up.

“Drivers should be on the watch for short-term lane closings and crews and equipment filling potholes across mid-Missouri over the next several days,” said MoDOT Central District Engineer David Silvester.

According to the agency, potholes form when temperatures warm up during the day but continue to be cold at night. Moisture from rain and snow constantly seeps into the cracks of the road, so when temperatures drop overnight, the water freezes and expands the pavement, causing it to crack and bulge. As vehicles drive over those cracks, the pressure causes chunks of pavement to pop out, and potholes are formed.

Drivers are asked to report potholes on state highways only by calling MoDOT at 1-888-275-6636 or by going to the MoDOT website.