St. Louis Sees Surge in Pothole Repairs Amidst Record-Breaking Heat

St. Louis Grapples with Record-Breaking Heat and Pothole EpidemicSt. Louis Grapples with Record-Breaking Heat and Pothole Epidemic Amidst scorching temperatures that have shattered records across the United States, St. Louis, Missouri, faces a surge in pothole repairs. The extreme heat has exacerbated the city’s existing pothole problem, creating a dangerous hazard for motorists. According to the St. Louis Department of Public Works, the city has repaired over 20,000 potholes since the beginning of the year, a significant increase from the same period last year. The heat has weakened the asphalt pavement, making it more susceptible to cracking and potholes. “The heat has really taken a toll on our roads,” said Ricky Gray, director of the Department of Public Works. “The intense temperatures cause the asphalt to expand and contract, which leads to cracks and eventually potholes.” Potholes pose a major threat to vehicle safety. They can cause flat tires, blowouts, and damage to suspension systems. In severe cases, they can even lead to accidents. To address the issue, the city has allocated additional resources to pothole repair crews. “We’re working as quickly as we can to fill these potholes,” said Gray. “We’re also asking residents to report any potholes they see so that we can prioritize our repairs.” Residents can report potholes by calling the city’s hotline at 314-622-4800 or by using the city’s mobile app. The city has also implemented a new pothole repair technique called “cold patching.” This method involves filling potholes with a specialized asphalt mixture that can be applied without heating. Cold patching reduces the amount of time it takes to repair potholes, allowing crews to cover more ground. While the city is working to address the pothole problem, motorists are advised to drive with caution and be aware of their surroundings. They should also avoid driving through large potholes or at high speeds. The record-breaking heat is expected to continue throughout the summer, which means the pothole problem is likely to persist. The city of St. Louis is committed to working diligently to repair potholes and ensure the safety of its motorists.