(Le Mars) — The excessive heat is creating problems for the Iowa Department of Transportation as several instances have been reported of the highway pavement buckling. Troy Clouse says he and his crews have been working all afternoon in attempts to catch up on the damaged pavement.
Another episode of pavement buckling has been reported on Highway 60, making for at least five areas where the pavement has buckled. Clouse says there were also reports of where the highway had buckled near Sioux City in Woodbury County, and also near Rock Valley. The Iowa Department of Transportation official says crews are working this evening to make, at the least, short-term repairs.
Clouse says the high heat causes the pavement to expand looking for an opportunity to relieve the pressure under the pavement.
The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office has received reports of vehicles having their tires punctured as a result of driving over the sharp concrete pieces. Clouse suggest, if possible, motorists should try to avoid driving directly over the fractured highway.
Sunday’s weather forecast is calling for another day with excessive high temperatures, and the Iowa Department of Transportation official expects to see additional instances of the pavement buckling.
