Oklahoma heat raises fears of pavement buckling on highways as crews monitor dangerous spots

Triple-digit heat in Oklahoma is putting concrete highways at risk for dangerous pavement buckling, and crews are watching problem spots daily

KOCO

Patrick Talbot Jul 21, 2026

Triple-digit temperatures in Oklahoma are putting stress on concrete highways, prompting road crews to monitor for pavement buckling, a condition that can create dangerous driving conditions.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation said maintenance crews are out daily, focusing on areas with a history of pavement problems, particularly older stretches of concrete.

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"Our crews are always out regardless of what the temperature is and conditions are, and monitoring the roadways," said Emily Long, ODOT public information officer. "But right now, especially, they're looking at pavement buckling."

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