Warmer temperatures, moisture and weakening pavement. Those three factors add up to form the perfect storm for the pavement “blow-ups” that become common across mid-Missouri over the summer months. Pavement “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.
“There are two important things to remember when it comes to pavement blow-ups,” said Missouri Department of Transportation Central District Maintenance Engineer Randy Aulbur. “First of all, when we say ‘blow-up,’ it actually means that the pavement buckles and warps to create a rift in the driving surface. It’s also important to note that it is difficult to predict where or when a pavement blow-up will happen.”
Aulbur advised motorists who come across a blow-up to use extra caution, slow down, and call MoDOT to report the issue. Crews monitor state routes during the summer months for possible problem areas.
Motorists can call MoDOT’s toll-free customer service center at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) to report pavement blow-ups.
