Hot times: concrete pavement blowouts

The Brillion News

Hot weather increases the risk of concrete pavement buckling - and temps could hit 90 degrees or above on Tuesday, June 2.

The state Department of Transportation said d​​rivers need to be alert for both pavement problems and highway repair crews working to fix Hotter temperatures forecast throughout Wisconsin could create conditions for pavement buckling. Motorists are asked to take extra caution and to watch for pavement blowouts along seams of concrete pavement.

Pavement can buckle when the weather quickly goes from cool to very hot.

This causes slabs of pavement to expand and push against one another. If the pressure becomes too great, the pavement can buckle and create unexpected bumps or dips.

It can be difficult to predict if or where buckling may occur and drivers need to be alert both for a pavement blowout and for drivers ahead of them hitting the brakes.

Drivers should:

• Focus full attention on the roadway ahead.

• Watch for slowing or stopping traffic.

• Move over for highway crews repairing damaged pavement.

• Check the 511 Travel Information system​ (511wi.​gov) ​for any incidents or delays on your normal route.

• ​Report damaged pavement by calling 911, giving the specific location.