Rain impacts road projects statewide

Flooding from rain has closed multiple roads across the state. But that’s not the only problem the rain has been causing.

MODOT has been unable to work on some its summer road projects.

“Typically during this time of year, you see us out on the road doing asphalt paving and mowing operations,” said Columbia MODOT supervisor Melanie Mayes. ” The tremendous amount of rain we’ve been having, which is in turn making our grass grow even taller and so we understand that our customers are having issues with tall grass in different areas. As soon as we are able to get out there with out mowers, we will get out there on those road sides.”

But uncut grass is only one problem drivers may have been noticing.

Mayes said heavy rain can also create potholes.

“Large amounts of rain tends to make potholes form, blow up, so to speak,” she said. “It creates hazardous problems for drivers, especially on highways 70 and 63.”

Mayes said crews that would normally be working on scheduled summer projects are busy checking bridges and roads for flooding and putting up signs and barricades to keep drivers safe.

“We put ourselves on a schedule to try to accomplish these tasks, but all this rain, it puts us on the road doing other things,” she said.