Hot Weather + Moisture + Weakening Pavement = Pavement Blow-ups

With temperatures rising across mid-Missouri this summer, sections of roadway may begin to buckle and crack due to the hot temperatures. The so-called “blow-ups” occur when the roadway surface expands at a crack or joint where moisture has seeped in. That crack weakens the pavement and the heat causes the pavement to buckle and warp.

While it is difficult to predict where or when a pavement blow-up will happen, Missouri Department of Transportation crews monitor state routes during the summer months for possible problem areas.

“Our crews are on the lookout for blow-ups, but we need the public’s help too,” said Central District Maintenance Engineer Jason Shafer. “Motorists are encouraged to call us when they encounter a pavement blow-up, so it can be fixed quickly.”

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

 

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