Route 66 in Delmont buckles because of high heat

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Route 66 in Delmont buckles because of high heat

Renatta Signorini | Monday, July 6, 2020 2:21 p.m.

Rob Amen | Tribune-Review

A lane of northbound Route 66 was closed Monday near Delmont because the roadway buckled. PennDOT officials blamed the soaring temperatures.

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.

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