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Extreme heat is causing Minnesota’s roadways to buckle. The Minnesota Department of Transportation asks drivers to slow down and to avoid driving over the hazard. 

Pavement buckling or swelling can happen when air temperatures change from moderate to extreme heat, according to MnDOT. During road construction, pavement is cut into segments—allowing for expansion and contraction. 

Blacktop pavement is more flexible and doesn’t usually “blow up” but might create a bump or gapping in the road. Anne Meyer, a MnDOT spokesperson, says this effect happens more often in older pavement. Buckling doesn’t look the same, but it can cause crashes. 

“Just like we see potholes sometimes, weather does have an impact on the roadway,” Meyer said. “Just like in the spring months, when we’re getting out of winter, we have you be mindful of potholes. In the summertime, when it gets extremely hot, that’s when we can see some buckling occur.”

MnDOT tends to see more pavement buckling during the early season. Meyer says the agency received about two dozen reports of pavement buckling in six weeks around the Twin Cities area and on Minnesota’s highways. 

“We don’t tend to see as many as the heat continues, but it certainly is a possibility,” she said. “This is the second or third time that we’ve really had some extreme heat, and we continue to see some buckling issues. So, there’s certainly been some buckling events this summer due to extreme heat. It’s something you’ll want to watch for anytime … but as that temperature goes down, so does the threat.”

Pavement buckles can be very dangerous for motorists. Try not to drive over a buckle if possible. Instead, slow down and safely move into another lane. Call 911 if you encounter one.

When buckles occur, MnDOT treats them like an emergency. Crews who are patching or mowing are reassigned to fix the pavement buckles. 

Meyer said to please be patient with workers and other motorists on the road.

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Hannah Yang

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The Minnesota Department of Transportation asks drivers to slow down and to avoid driving over the hazard. MnDOT asks drivers to call 911 for emergency repairs.

Extreme heat causes pavement buckling in Minnesota

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