August 29, 2022 – Excelsior Springs residents were surprised this morning to discover a large crew of Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) workers set up along 10 Hwy intent on eliminating the legendary “Sonic Pothole.” Project Supervisor, Ed Black from the Kearney MoDOT Barn, said that when crews dug down into the area near the pothole they encountered a small spring of water that quickly filled the hole they were working in. Crews addressed the recurring road hazard by installing a french drain below the roadway to help eliminate a buildup of water, hopefully stopping the source of the constant breach. A french drain consists of a trench containing a perforated pipe that is packed in gravel which allows the water to enter the pipe and drain away. The drainpipe under the road is routed to the nearby ditch directly to the south of the roadway which provides adequate flow for the installed system.
Black said that crews would be addressing the “Scooter’s Pothole” tomorrow using the same technique of installing a french drain, and hopes that will fix the two trouble spots once-and–for all.
The MoDOT work crew expressed concern for the safety of citizens who interfered with their work today, saying that “there were people running up to the work site taking pictures,” which added more stress and difficulty to an already strenuous task. They said they realize that the pothole is somewhat famous in the community but asked that citizens not approach the work site and to please refrain from taking pictures and videos of the workers.
Black said that MoDOT is also aware of the road buckles along 69 Hwy., e.g., the “McDonald’s Bump,” and said they would be working to address those in the coming weeks. He said MoDOT will work with a crew that uses specialized equipment to shear off the treacherous bumps on the highway, leaving it smooth and safe.
So long to the Sonic Pothole, may you long be remembered!
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