LEE'S SUMMIT - As temperatures continue to hover around 100 degrees in 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.

A pavement blow-up already has occurred on Route 210 near Orrick. Repairs are scheduled for 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, July 2 and 3, and will restrict traffic on the highway.  

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

"We never know when or where a pavement blow-up will happen, but when it gets this hot outside, we'll see them," said Kansas City District Maintenance Engineer Jesse Skinner. "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 respond and fix it as soon as possible."

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

For more information about other MoDOT projects, please visit MoDOT's Website at www.modot.mo.gov/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on Twitter or send questions and comments to kccommunityrelations@modot.mo.gov. We want your feedback on our work zones! Rate Our Work Zones at www.modot.org/kansascity