Winter precipitation, cold lead to more potholes

The snow, ice and extreme cold are taking their toll on mid-Missouri streets.

Roads in some cities are more pocked with potholes this winter than in other years. Larry Bishop of Cole COunty Public works said the city is seeing an increase in potholes thanks to the weather.

Potholes form when pavement expands and contracts during temperature extremes, allowing water to get into the pavement and eventually form potholes as the liquid expands and contracts. The holes often lead to increased demand for car repairs.

Patrick Stenger with Pfeiffer’s Automotive in Boonville said potholes can knock vehicles’ wheels out of alignment.

“If it’s not taken care of in a timely manner, it can wear tires,” he said.

Stenger said the shop so far has not seen an increase in people needing alignments adjusted because of potholes, though.

Potholes can be reported in Columbia by calling 573-874-CITY or by filling out a form on the city’s website.

Gene McCoy with the Missouri Department of Transportation said to report a pothole on Missouri roads call 1-888-275-6636, go to MoDOT.org, message the MoDOT Central Missouri District Facebook page or message the Twitter page @MoDOT_Central.

For Cole County roads, call 573-636-3614.