As temperatures reach well above 90 degrees across the state, the Missouri Department of Transportation advises motorists to be aware that the heat can affect the surface of roadways.
"The heat can cause pavement blow-ups," said Beth Wright, MoDOT's state maintenance engineer. "These occur 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."
MoDOT crews are monitoring state routes for these blow-ups and will make repairs as soon as they occur. Wright asked motorists who come across a blow-up to report the problem so crews can make necessary repairs.
Motorists can call MoDOT's toll-free customer service center at
1-888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636) to report pavement blow-ups.