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Concrete, on the other hand, can expand and cause the surface to lift, creating bumps or cracks. This phenomenon is known as “blow-up” and occurs when the concrete expands beyond its capacity, often due to extreme heat.
Rail transport also affected
The heat wave has also impacted rail transport. Deutsche Bahn, the German railway company, issued a warning for passengers to avoid non-essential train travel. The high temperatures can cause rail tracks to expand and potentially lead to delays or cancellations.
Passengers are advised to check the status of their trains before traveling and to be prepared for possible disruptions.
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Safety measures and recommendations
Authorities have issued several recommendations to ensure safety during the heat wave. Drivers are advised to check their tires regularly, as the heat can increase pressure and the risk of blowouts.
Additionally, it is recommended to carry extra water and to avoid traveling during the hottest parts of the day if possible.
Emergency services are on alert and ready to respond to incidents related to the extreme temperatures.
On hot and sunny days, like those recorded in Germany, this mark can be easily reached. The problem does not only depend on the heat in the air but also on the accumulated temperature on the track.
Another risk is the so-called “blow-ups.” They occur when the concrete expands and suddenly lifts the track. In some cases, the road can swell or “burst” under the combination of heat and heavy traffic.
The risk increases when thermometers start to mark 30ºC. The phenomenon appears mainly on old roads, heavily used, or that have undergone several repairs over time.
Trucks used against snow now cool the asphalt
To try to prevent further damage, German authorities mobilized trucks normally used in winter to remove ice from the tracks. In summer, these vehicles began to pour cold water on the asphalt, reported Bild.
The heat also led the automotive club ADAC to warn drivers about the risk of tire blowouts. The entity advised drivers to check and adjust the pressure before hitting the road.
According to ADAC, under-inflated tires deform more during driving. This generates additional heat and, combined with the high temperatures of the asphalt, can lead to tire blowouts.
In Bavaria, the situation led to the adoption of speed limits of 120 km/h for cars and 80 km/h for motorcycles. The measure was taken due to the risk caused by the heat to road infrastructure.
Infrastructure and trains also feel the impact
The heatwave exposed the limits of German infrastructure, which was not designed for such high temperatures.
Der Spiegel pointed out that many old roads have concrete layers designed for lighter traffic than the current one.
There is also a technical challenge. Altering the proportion of bitumen in the mix can reduce deformations in the heat but also makes the roads more vulnerable to cold.
The problem is not limited to highways. This Saturday (06/27), Deutsche Bahn and other companies asked passengers to avoid non-essential travel in long-distance and regional transport.
DB and the Federal Association of Passenger Rail Transport stated that the transport infrastructure is heavily affected by the record heat.
Warnings from the German Meteorological Service for storms with heavy rain, as well as train delays and cancellations, were also mentioned.
Tickets already purchased can be canceled free of charge. The railway company also adopted a special flexibility policy and warned of possible disruptions since Thursday.
This article was prepared based on information from Berliner Zeitung, Bild, ADAC, Der Spiegel, Deutsche Bahn, and the Federal Association of Passenger Rail Transport, with data, numbers, and statements preserved as per the consulted material.
