Extreme Heat Cracks Roads in Texas and Louisiana

Extreme temperatures in the southern United States have damaged major roadways. In Texas, a stretch of U.S. Route 69 near Greenville and Celeste softened and broke apart as asphalt became sticky and lifted onto vehicles, prompting emergency repairs that were delayed by rain.

In Louisiana, a heat‑induced buckling of concrete on Interstate 49 north of Shreveport forced a temporary closure. Crews repaired the “blow‑up” and reopened the lane the same day. Officials warned drivers to watch for sudden pavement failures as high temperatures persist.

Both incidents were attributed to thermal expansion of pavement materials combined with traffic congestion, highlighting the vulnerability of road infrastructure to prolonged heat waves.