Providence Road near Big Bear Blvd. reopened after two road buckles repaired

Columbia Public Works crews plan to reopen Providence Road near Big Bear Boulevard as soon as 4 p.m. Wednesday, weather permitting, after they had to close it for repairs.

Crews said they have been working to repair two separate road buckles on a small stretch of the area since Monday. Crews originally worked to repair one small buckle on Monday, but they said after the rain and hot temperatures on Tuesday, a larger buckle appeared in the road.

Barry Dalton, spokesperson for Columbia Public Works, said these buckles or blowups happen when water gets in and under the road or sidewalk. The hot temperatures cause the water to expand, causing the pavement to buckle or blowup.

Dalton said crews found a lot of water under the area of the road they needed to repair.

Road buckles happen fairly often during the summer months and can happen out without warning, Dalton said.

“These happen fairly rapidly, but they don’t happen instantaneously, so it’d probably be pretty rare for it to occur right when you’re approaching it. Although it is possible,” Dalton said.

Dalton said road buckles can cost the city anywhere between $5,000 to $15,000 to repair. He said it depends on how large the buckle is and how much work is needed to repair it.