Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) crews went out Wednesday to smooth the area on eastbound U.S. 54 near Holts Summit that was patched Tuesday evening after it buckled following several days of high temperatures.
More permanent repairs to the area will be done next week with concrete.
MoDOT crews checked the other eastbound lane, and as of Wednesday it appeared OK.
"Pavement blow-ups are a common problem when the weather gets this hot," MoDOT spokesman Sally Oxenhandler said. "We've had a handful of pavement blow-ups since last week when temperatures began to climb into the 90s. With the continuing high temperatures in the forecast, we can likely expect to experience more pavement buckling."
In a recent news release, Central District Maintenance Engineer Randy Aulbur explained warmer temperatures, moisture and weakening pavement are the main factors creating a "perfect storm" for the pavement blow-ups that become common across Mid-Missouri over the summer months.
Those blow-ups occur when the roadway surface expands at a crack or joint where moisture has seeped in. "That crack weakens the pavement, and the heat causes the pavement to buckle and warp," Aulbur said. "It's also important to note that it is difficult to predict where or when a pavement blow-up will happen."
Motorists who come across a blow-up should use extra caution, slow down and call MoDOT to report the issue, at the toll-free customer service center, 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).
The department has work crews monitoring state highways during the summer months for possible problem areas and are ready to respond when a blow-up occurs.