A portion of eastbound U.S. 54 just outside Holts Summit buckled Tuesday afternoon, forcing state Transportation officials to divert some traffic to the shoulder.
The blow-up occurred at about 4 p.m.
A MoDOT maintenance crew quickly patched the broken pavement, and the lane was reopened at about 6 p.m.
Although it may seem early for heat-related road buckling, MoDOT is warning motorists now is an ideal time for the problem.
In a recent news release, Central District Maintenance Engineer Randy Aulbur explained warmer temperatures, moisture and weakening pavement are the main factors creating a "perfect storm" for the pavement blow-ups that become common across Mid-Missouri over the summer months.
Those 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," Aulbur said. "It's also important to note that it is difficult to predict where or when a pavement blow-up will happen."
Motorists who come across a blow-up should use extra caution, slow down and call MoDOT to report the issue, at the toll-free customer service center, 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).
The department has work crews monitoring state highways during the summer months for possible problem areas and are ready to respond when a blow-up occurs.