MoDOT Ramps Up Pothole Repairs Across Missouri

Warmer weather allows state transportation agency to fix roads and improve driver safety

Feb. 21, 2026 at 12:00am

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The Missouri Department of Transportation is taking advantage of recent warmer weather to ramp up pothole repair efforts across the state. With about 300 patching crews working statewide, MoDOT is prioritizing fixing potholes that form when moisture seeps into cracks in the pavement and freezes and thaws. In 2025, the agency patched over 650,000 potholes at a cost of $20 million.

Why it matters

Potholes can pose a serious safety risk to drivers, causing damage to vehicles and potentially leading to accidents. By proactively repairing roads, MoDOT is working to improve driving conditions and protect motorists throughout Missouri.

The details

Potholes form when daytime warming and nighttime freezing allow moisture to seep into cracks in the pavement. As the water freezes and thaws, it weakens the roadway, eventually causing chunks of pavement to break loose. MoDOT prioritizes pothole repairs during the spring months to address this issue.

  • In 2025, MoDOT patched more than 650,000 potholes at a cost of $20 million.

The players

Missouri Department of Transportation

The state transportation agency responsible for maintaining and repairing roads across Missouri.

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The takeaway

By ramping up pothole repair efforts during the spring, MoDOT is demonstrating its commitment to keeping Missouri's roads safe and well-maintained for all drivers.