[Correction] Steeplechase pavement "blow up" scheduled for permanent repair July 11-13

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

The Public Works Department announced on Thursday that on July 11-13 it plans to repair the pavement where a road buckle occurred the week of June 20 on Steeplechase Drive.

Due to visual obstructions in the area, crews will need to close a small section of the street to protect workers and traffic. The closure is located just east of Spicewood Drive. Motorists must find alternate routes.

Pavement "blow ups," as they have been dubbed by the Missouri Department of Transportation, are a common occurrence around the country during times of warmer temperatures and moisture. They are also referred to as pavement buckles.

"There are two important things to remember when it comes to pavement ‘blow ups,'" said Missouri Department of Transportation Central District Maintenance Engineer Randy Aulbur. "First of all, when we say ‘blow-up,' it actually means that the pavement buckles and warps to create a rift in the driving surface. It's also important to note that it is difficult to predict where or when a pavement ‘blow up' will happen."

The pavement buckle on Steeplechase Drive received a temporary repair on June 23 to protect the safety of pedestrians, nonmotorized transportation users, motorists and their vehicles. Crews plan to make the repair permanent.

Cook Concrete, a subcontractor for the City of Columbia, is scheduled to complete the work. Motorists, pedestrians and nonmotorized transportation users are urged to use caution in the work zone.

Reporting Pavement Buckles:

1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636)

1-573-874-CITY (2489)

E-mail: [email protected]