Rain contributes to pothole problem

Potholes get worse as more rain hits roadways, according to the experts.

Which means another concern for mid-Missouri drivers — especially those who don’t have a cab around them.

“You could be riding a bike and have that problem, and then because of that problem you strike another car head on,” rider Douglas Grindstaff said.

Grindstaff has been riding motorcycles for 42 years. With the possibility of more rain moving through mid-Missouri, he said he is concerned with more potholes appearing.

“You only have two wheels,” he said of his concern. “With two wheels, if you hit a big pothole or a disruption in the road, that can lead to very catastrophic deaths.”

But in Boone County, officials say the problem is not as big.

“For the past several years, we haven’t had too big of an issue with potholes,” said Greg Edington with Boone County Road and Bridge.

The department has an “aggressive” preventative maintenance program for the roads, he said. Edington said the department uses a six-year cycle when treating its roads, with each year having a different type of treatment.

With this method, Edington said the county hopes to prevent potholes completely.

Columbia Public Works said the department is working on fixing potholes in the city.

“We are working to seal and pave roads this spring and summer to keep the water from getting under roads,” said Barry Dalton, the Columbia Public Works spokesman. “We continue to encourage community members to call 573-874-CITY and/or MoDOT to report potholes for repair response.”

Boone County Road and Bridge said drivers can report potholes on the department website.