Extreme Heatwave Causes Road Buckling In Sioux Falls Area

Crazy from the heat!

Last week's heatwave here in the Sioux Empire started driving most everyone crazy. Now, don't get me wrong, I love the summer months, but even I admit all those upper 90-degree temps, combined with the gusty winds, started getting a little old after a few days. Nobody likes living in a continuous blast furnace.

Sounds like we're going to get somewhat of a reprieve from the extreme heat until at least the weekend, which should help give your air conditioner a chance to catch its breath.

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I'm guessing our roads and highways will appreciate a little breather as well.

Several streets and highways throughout the Sioux Falls area fell victim to buckling due to the scorching weather conditions that placed the Sioux Empire in a vice grip over the past few days.

Dakota News Now reports that the Brookings County Sheriff's Office shared photos on Friday, June 20, of a buckled section of the southbound lanes on Interstate 29 just south of Brookings.

Dakota News Now (with permission)

Both southbound lanes were affected, as concrete began to heave due to the sweltering heat.

The exact same situation happened on Thursday, June 19, roughly about one mile away from the Brookings I-29 site. Once again, roadways gave way as a result of the extreme temperature fluctuations that plagued eastern South Dakota since late last week.

What causes streets and roadways to buckle anyway?

Extreme heat and radical temperature fluctuations are the main culprits.

Buckling begins due to the expansion of roadway materials like concrete and pavement. The pavements' inability to expand due to insufficient space or weakened joints causes streets and highways to begin to heave. You'll begin to see this with greater frequency in older infrastructure, where expansion joints have deteriorated.

According to Dakota News Now, repairs are being made right now to the affected streets and highways in and around Sioux Falls.

Until all the affected roadways are permanently repaired, motorists are asked to buckle up and prioritize safe travel habits when encountering buckled areas.

Source: Dakota News Now

The Most Road Rage Inducing Spots in Sioux Falls

More than anything, I'm holding out for Star Trek transporter technology. I'm not necessarily not excited about driverless cars. I for sure would be happy to not have to drive anymore. But, I don't want to do that until EVERYONE ELSE does it too.

Driving is not worth it. Even in Sioux Falls, there are plenty of opportunities to send your blood pressure into the red when wading through traffic.

Road Rage and driving in Sioux Falls go hand in hand, so much so that when we asked locals "Where do you get the worst road rage in Sioux Falls?" people had very strong opinions:

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns