Route 66 in Delmont buckles because of high heat
It’s so hot, Route 66 in Delmont buckled.
A pavement heave Sunday night in the northbound lanes near West Pittsburgh Street and Dairy Queen closed one lane until PennDOT can make repairs this week, said spokesman Jay Ofsanik.
During times of extreme heat, water trapped under pavement starts to boil. Pressure builds underneath the asphalt, pushing it up, he said.
“It may not happen often, but it does happen,” Ofsanik said.
The Pittsburgh region has seen several days of temperatures topping 90 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Sunday marked the third straight day of high temperatures with more in the forecast.
Officials are monitoring the situation in Delmont for any changing conditions.
Renatta Signorini is a TribLive reporter covering breaking news, crime, courts and Jeannette. She has been working at the Trib since 2005. She can be reached at rsignorini@triblive.com.
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