Schwerin/Hohen Neuendorf (dpa/mv) – Despite the heat in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the Autobahn GmbH does not yet expect damage to the major traffic arteries in the state. “In principle, heat damage on the roadways cannot be assumed,” said the federal company in Hohen Neuendorf, Brandenburg. However, since the construction and age of the roadways in the country are different, negative influences cannot be fully predicted.
In contrast to asphalt, for example, roadways made of concrete are more susceptible to heat damage. The company explained that when the material is exposed to heat over a long period of time, it expands and stresses. These can then lead to a bursting open of the road surface by so-called blowups. A crack forms, which varies in width depending on the stress. The highway would have to be renovated in this case, it said. According to Autobahn GmbH, asphalt also reacts to prolonged heat, but instead of breaking up, the material becomes soft and ruts can form. So far this year, however, no heat damage has occurred in the north-east.
The German Weather Service (DWD) expected temperatures of up to 39 degrees in the country on Wednesday. According to the information, the company responsible for operating the motorways is therefore carrying out roadway inspections on critical sections of the country in order to be able to react to any deformations. Among other things, irrigation is possible in order to lower the surface temperature.
Although no damage is currently expected, caution is advised: “Basically, road users should drive attentively and with foresight at the high temperatures in order to recognize any damage in good time,” said a spokesman.
