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Highway resumes operation at 11 following damage from heat on A5 section.

Highway Connecting Karlsruhe Opens on July 5th, 11 am, at Kronau and Bruchsal Intersections.

Highway reopened at 11 following heat damage to A5 section.
Highway reopened at 11 following heat damage to A5 section.

Highway resumes operation at 11 following damage from heat on A5 section.

In response to recent extreme heat, asphalt deformations have been detected on sections of the A5 motorway. Despite these deformations, there have been no immediate traffic disruptions or accidents reported. To ensure ongoing traffic safety, the motorway maintenance teams of the Federal Motorway Company are conducting daily checks on all motorway sections of the A5.

The deformations, spanning approximately 40 meters in length, are primarily caused by bitumen softening and thermal expansion. As temperatures rise significantly, the bitumen within the asphalt loses its structural integrity, becoming soft, greasy, and unable to maintain its shape, leading to surface deformations like ruts, melting, and stickiness. Simultaneously, concrete (often used in road structures) expands when heated, potentially causing buckling or cracking under pressure if sufficient expansion joints are not provided.

The intense heat of recent days has exacerbated these issues, further worsening surface conditions and accelerating deformation. Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, making such road damage more common. For example, heatwaves have caused roads to buckle in various countries, including the US, UK, and Italy, demonstrating the widespread challenge.

To combat these issues, the Federal Motorway Company is taking proactive measures. Preventive measures include material design and mixture adjustments, expansion joints and structural design, surface treatments during heat events, proactive maintenance, and long-term climate adaptation. By incorporating climate resilience into pavement design, the company aims to withstand both heat and cold extremes, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring road safety and longevity.

During the daily checks, the motorway maintenance teams are thoroughly inspecting the A5 motorway sections to monitor the condition of the asphalt and prevent any potential further deformations or safety hazards. Fortunately, the deformations did not affect the opposite direction of the A5, leaving traffic flowing smoothly in both directions.

The daily checks on the A5 motorway are a testament to the Federal Motorway Company's commitment to maintaining safe and reliable road infrastructure, even in the face of extreme weather conditions. By addressing these issues promptly and effectively, the company hopes to minimise the risk of accidents and maintain the A5 as a vital transportation artery for travellers.

  1. Recognizing the potential impact of extreme weather on public-transit systems and transportation infrastructure, the Federal Motorway Company is expanding their proactive measures to include weather forecast analysis for better preparation and preventive maintenance during adverse conditions.
  2. In response to the escalating effects of climate change on the finance sector, the Federal Motorway Company has allocated a significant portion of their budget towards long-term climate adaptation strategies, aiming to lessen the impact of extreme temperatures on their infrastructure and reduce overall maintenance costs.
  3. To support the industry's transition towards sustainable transportation, the Federal Motorway Company is collaborating with researchers and engineers to develop eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies for the construction and maintenance of public-transit systems and asphalt surfaces, striving to make transportation more environmentally friendly and financially efficient.

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