Maintenance crews warn about road buckles, blow-ups in hot temperatures

Heavy rains last week and hot temperatures this week could be the perfect storm to create pavement buckles or blow-ups

Boone County and Columbia Public Works officials warn that while they aren’t particularly common, they can occur quickly and without warning.

The pavement expands when water seeps into concrete and the road is heated up.

Then, if there are any cracks in the pavement without any room to expand, the two separate pieces will push against each other and push up.

Columbia Public Works spokesperson Barry Dalton said Wednesday that while they can happen anywhere, older roads are more at risk for these blow-ups.

Dalton, as well as Brian Boyce with Boone County Public Works, said they are constantly maintaining roads to make sure they’re up to par with state regulations.

Blow-ups and buckles can also cause significant damage to someone’s car or bike, especially to the undercarriage of the car. They can also blow out a tire.

Dalton said if someone sees a buckle, they shouldn’t assume that someone else has called it in. He said anyone can email public works during working hours or Boone County Joint Communications after hours or on the weekend.