The Missouri Department of Transportation crews find themselves discussing the pothole problem much earlier this year. Potholes are a natural result of the freeze/thaw cycle that happens throughout a Missouri winter. This year seems to be more extreme when it comes to addressing these ever-blooming nuisances.

Usually crews use a short-term temporary solution to close the pothole with a cold asphalt mix in the early part of the season. The long-term fix, a hot asphalt mix, isn’t effective until roadway temps rise — and remain — above freezing. This year, thanks to a wide range of winter events that started in November, even the short term fixes are failing to hold for very long.

“This has been a tough season for our roads,” said Susan Barry, Assistant District Engineer. “We’ve had some extreme temperatures and our snow season started three months ago, so we’re seeing a lot of recurring potholes that just won’t hold the temporary patch.”

Potholes form when temperatures warm up during the day but continue to be cold at night. The rain and snow from winter leave moisture that seeps into cracks and joints in the pavement. When temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands the pavement. This expansion causes the pavement to bulge and crack. When cars drive over the bulging pavement, it eventually causes chunks of pavement or asphalt to pop out.

“We are committed to patching them as best we can, as long as needed, until we can fix them with a more long-term solution,” Barry said. “Until then, we ask for patience. Drivers should be on the watch for those patching crews and give them plenty of room to make repairs. If you see a pothole, report it so we can address it.”

Motorists can use the following tools:

Call the 24/7 Customer Service Center at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636).

Use the Report a Road Concern form on the web at modot.org.

Use a smart phone/tablet with a mobile friendly form at modot.org/roadconcern.