HOUSTON – Intense heat in the space city is wreaking havoc on streets and highways, causing concrete to crack into holes in heavily trafficked areas.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, between 5 and 10 areas have required emergency crew assistance due to concrete damage. The high temperatures could be responsible for the material breaking easily, especially streets that have previously been repaired.
Drivers have expressed concern about the situation. “You come fast and you can’t see the potholes,” says a driver from the area. Damage to tires, suspension and other vehicle components is significant if one of these potholes is driven carelessly, according to a mechanic consulted about it.
One of the affected points is Chimney Rock Street, where the heat has caused cracks in the ground. “I look for where it is a little good to be able to pass because if there are many streets that there are to fix, the streets have been opened, I don’t know if because of the heat or because they have been done for a long time,” says a worried driver.
In Brazoria County, specifically on Highway 6 and “Froberg” Street, several holes have been formed due to concrete rupture. Workers have been working for hours trying to patch the potholes, which has led to the temporary closure of the area.
Authorities are scouring possible risk areas and asking drivers to slow down and avoid using cell phones while driving, as they could face serious danger on the roads during these days of extreme heat.
Given this situation, citizens are urged to immediately report any damage to the concrete so that workers can go to make the necessary repairs. They can contact the city at 311 or the Texas Department of Transportation at 800-558-9368.
The intense heat continues to affect Houston’s road infrastructure, so it is crucial that drivers take the necessary precautions and pay attention to the instructions of the authorities while traveling through the streets of the city.
