Kansas City battles record potholes after brutal winter storms
This winter has left the city's roads in a worse state than usual due to the constant winter storms. Over 5,000 potholes are expected this season in Kansas City, far more than in previous years. Repair teams are now racing to fix the most dangerous ones first.
The sharp rise in road damage comes from constant temperature shifts. Freezing and thawing cycles have weakened surfaces, creating cracks and holes. The city has already spent €230,000 on emergency repairs since the winter storm season began.
Four crews are working non-stop to patch the worst spots in Kansas City. Residents can report problems using the city's online Pothole Reporter tool. Most repairs are completed within 24 hours of being logged.
Funding remains a major challenge. The annual pavement renewal budget stands at €700,000, but officials admit it falls short of what's needed. Next year's budget allocates €4.5 million for road maintenance—yet the city estimates it would take nearly twice that amount to properly secure all streets in Kansas City. Additional help may come from the federal government's infrastructure package, though no guarantees have been made.
The city is prioritising the most hazardous potholes while pushing for extra funding. Without more resources, however, the backlog of repairs will likely grow. Residents are encouraged to keep reporting issues as crews continue their work in Kansas City.
