Pavement “blow-ups” are the summer’s version of potholes, created by a combination of moisture, weakening pavement and temperatures consistently reaching 90 degrees or more across the state.
The Missouri Department of Transportation urges motorists to stay aware of road surfaces during these hot summer days.
Pavement blow-ups are fractures that occur when a roadway surface expands at a crack or joint into which moisture has seeped. That crack weakens the pavement, and the heat causes the pavement to buckle and warp, creating holes in the surface. Despite the term, the pavement does not actually explode.
Motorists are urged to be alert to MoDOT crews making emergency roadway repairs. Slow down and move over for maintenance workers and other emergency personnel. It’s the law.
Motorists can call MoDOT’s toll-free customer service center to report pavement blow-ups at (888) ASK-MODOT (275-6636).