MNDOT Warns of Possible Pavement Buckles Due to Recent Heat

(KNSI) — The Minnesota Department of Transportation is warning our string of hot weather could lead to pavement buckles.

MNDOT says roads are constructed to allow for expansion and contraction, but when the temps go up, like during our latest spate of highs in the upper 80s and low 90s, the warmer the temperature, the more the materials expand. The sun heats the road surface, and in some cases, especially in older concrete or weaker roads, there isn’t enough space to accommodate the expansion, so it buckles.

Road heaves are extremely dangerous and can act like a ramp, launching vehicles and causing them to go out of control and crash. If a driver comes across one, slow down, but don’t drive over it. Instead, move to another lane and call 911 when it’s safe.

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⚠️ Extreme heat could cause pavement to buckle. Here are photos of previous damage on MN hwys. If you see this on your route – slow down, change lanes safely if you can, & call 911 to report it. Pavement buckles are emergencies & we fix them ASAP. More: https://t.co/h12tR6UvaX pic.twitter.com/o8UOworkFd

— Minnesota Department of Transportation (@MnDOT) June 21, 2023