JEFFERSON CITY - As temperatures continue to hover around 100 degrees in central Missouri, motorists should be aware that the extreme heat can cause pavement "blow-ups" on mid-Missouri roadways.

A pavement blow-up occurs when the roadway surface expands at a crack or joint where moisture has seeped in. The crack weakens the pavement and the heat causes the pavement to buckle and warp.

Missouri Department of Transportation crews are monitoring state routes for these blow-ups and will make repairs as soon as they occur. 

"It's difficult to know when or where a pavement blow-up will happen when it gets this hot outside," said Central District Maintenance Engineer Mark Giessinger. "If you come across a blow-up, use extra caution, slow down, and give us a call to let us know where the problem is so we can get out there and take care of it."

Motorists can call MoDOT's toll-free customer service center at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) to report pavement blow-ups.