MoDOT: Keep an eye on the road

A convoy of striping trucks moves onto U.S. 54 from Route H on Wednesday afternoon, well marked for the task at hand. MoDOT officials said drivers should be alert for slow-moving vehicles as they mow, stripe and repair guardrails throughout the state this summer.
A convoy of striping trucks moves onto U.S. 54 from Route H on Wednesday afternoon, well marked for the task at hand. MoDOT officials said drivers should be alert for slow-moving vehicles as they mow, stripe and repair guardrails throughout the state this summer.

All was quiet Wednesday afternoon along U.S. 54 just south of Fulton.

However, with all the hot weather experienced lately in Mid-Missouri, pavement blow-ups have become the summer's version of potholes, with the heat, moisture and weakening pavement all contributing factors.

"Pavement blow-ups are nearly impossible to predict," said Jason Shafer, Central District maintenance engineer with the Missouri Department of Transportation. "That's why we ask motorists who come across a blow-up to not only use extra caution and slow down, but call MoDOT to report the issue."

Shafer added while roads are buckling, they aren't actually erupting.

"It's also important to note that while blow-ups can do serious damage to the roadway, they don't actually explode," he said.

The "blow-ups" become common across Mid-Missouri over the summer months and occur when road surfaces expand 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.

Most blow-ups occur in the late afternoon or early evening.

MoDOT crews will monitor state routes during the summer months for possible problem areas and will make repairs as soon as possible. Motorists can call MoDOT's toll-free customer service center (888-275-6636) to report pavement blow-ups.

This week, MoDOT workers are installing guard rails on the east- and westbound sides of U.S. 54 from Holts Summit to Route HH in Fulton.

Bridge rehab work also continues on the eastbound side of U.S. 54 over Stinson Creek, with some lane closures possible. This project will continue until the end of July. Mowing, striping, brush cutting and guardrail repair continues statewide, so motorists should drive with care and be alert to slow-moving traffic.