Pothole Season Has Begun in Sedalia

With warmer weather settling in, the City of Sedalia has officially launched its annual pothole repair season—an essential effort to restore local roadways after the harsh effects of winter.

Last week, Community Engagement Director Jessica Hoffman joined Public Works Operations Director Justin Bray for a ride-along to witness the first repairs of the season. The crew was out early, armed with fresh asphalt and a plan to tackle trouble spots identified across the city.

“The freeze-thaw cycles we see in Missouri winters are tough on our streets,” Bray explained. “As temperatures rise, we can begin more permanent patching efforts that will hold up much better.”

At one of the repair sites, Jessica met crew members Chris, Billy, and Jeff, who were working efficiently to fill and seal potholes along a well-traveled corridor.

The team demonstrated the skill and coordination needed to make effective repairs, shoveling, raking, compacting, and moving quickly to minimize traffic disruption. Timing, according to the crew, is everything.

“We need a stretch of mild weather to make this work last,” said Billy, a longtime team member. “Colder days can make the asphalt brittle, and we’re trying to do it right the first time.” Safety is also top of mind. With cones, flashing lights, and reflective gear in place, the crew stays alert, but they ask for cooperation from drivers as well. “Slow down, give us space, and we’ll get through it as fast as we can,” Chris added.

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This is just the beginning of what will be a season-long effort by Sedalia’s Public Works Department. Crews will continue making their way through neighborhoods and high-traffic areas, guided by both staff inspections and resident reports. While potholes are an unavoidable part of seasonal change, Sedalia’s crews are already making headway—restoring smoother roads and keeping the community moving forward.