MoDOT warn of dangerous “blow-ups” on roads

While Boone County has had a break from the rain, there is still some leftover water causing issues people might not even see.

The moisture and warm temperatures are causing the ground beneath the roads to swell and crack.

There are called “blow-ups” and they can be dangerous to drivers.

“It’s almost like a small little earthquake. It’s two forces meeting at once, the expansion of the ground underneath and the expansion of the roadway,” said MoDOT supervisor Richard Skelton. “It just creates a pop in the driving surface and it can happen any time.”

Skelton said a blow up doesn’t build up over time. It can actually happen in a matter of minutes with no warning.

Sometimes the pop of the pavement can be so violent rocks are thrown up in the air at unsuspecting drivers or a pothole forms and can be dangerous for drivers.

Skelton said MoDOT has seen about three blow-ups in the Boone County area in the past few weeks: one along Providence Road, one at Route A off Highway 63 and the third is just outside Hallsville on Route B.

He said they happen more often when concrete is just below the surface instead of asphalt.

Officials warn since you don’t know when a blow-up will occur, you should always be alert.

“If you see a bump sign or any kind of roadwork sign slow down because something’s going on in the area,” Skelton said. “Pay attention to what’s going on, put the cell phone down, take the cruise control off and pay attention.”

You can call 1-888-ASKMODOT to report a blow-up on the road if you see one.