Hard work made road problem disappear

P Potholes created dangerous driving obstacles, but MoDOT and municipalities have done their best to address them.

The harshest winter in years caused freezing temperatures and mounds of snow in Southeast Missouri -- not to mention a bumper crop of potholes.

These are more than eyesores, they're obviously dangerous as they create a driving obstacle for motorists to navigate.

The perennial problem was even worse this year, as the severe winter left a lot of water in the pavement, which causes frozen water pockets that collapse when the temperatures rise.

But the Missouri Department of Transportation and local municipalities have tackled the problem head-on this spring.

MoDOT has filled about 27,000 potholes on state-maintained roads in Southeast Missouri. Cape Girardeau has spent about 600 man-hours already this spring patching potholes. Jackson isn't bothered as much by potholes, but its officials respond quickly when there are complaints.

Most folks realize that the potholes are there and some gripe. Now that the potholes are disappearing, we should be thankful to those who make it happen.