WILKES-BARRE — Extreme heat is impacting infrastructure across the country and locally as another heat wave grips the region, said Jana Tidwell, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic.
“Commuters and travelers alike have been faced with crumbling roads, detours, public transportation delays, flight cancellations and more, leading to increased congestion on the roads and heightened frustration,” Tidwell said.
The extended extreme heat is taking a toll on the nation’s infrastructure, causing delays, detours, congestion and frustration as feel-like temperatures climb well into triple digits across most of the country.
“It’s not just the body that feels the effects of hot summer weather,” Tidwell said. “Extreme heat can impact our infrastructure — roads, bridges, cars, trains, flights, etc. — leading to damage and delays, as well as heavy traffic and motorist/travel frustration.”
AAA explains
Roads — when the outside temperatures approach 100 degrees, the asphalt on the road can reach temperatures above 150 degrees, which could lead to buckling. Last month, several roads in Delaware buckled due to a heat wave, according to DelDOT.
Bridges — steel components on bridges can expand in extreme heat. This week, the Route 30/Absecon Boulevard Bridge closed in both directions in Atlantic City, New Jersey, due to a heat-related malfunction, causing motorists to find alternate routes.
Cars — Hot summers mean battery failures, air conditioning repairs, flat tires/tire replacements and a higher demand for emergency roadside assistance. Proper vehicle maintenance is key to avoiding these heat-related issues.
Trains/public transportation — heat causes rails to expand, leading to reductions in speed and causing delays and/or service disruptions. For example, Amtrak notes extreme heat can cause rail, bridge and overhead wires to expand, which may lead to heat restrictions for safety reasons.
Air travel — extreme heat across much of the Central and Eastern U.S. this week led to thousands of flight cancellations across the country, a trend that could continue through Wednesday as extreme heat and humidity continue. Philadelphia International Airport saw more than 830 delays and 126 cancellations, according to FlightAware. When storms shut down these key airports, it creates a ripple effect on travel as planes, crews and passengers are forced to play the waiting game to see when operations will get back up to speed.
Tidwell said commuters and travelers should be prepared for heat-related delays, detours and cancelations.
“Allow plenty of extra time,” Tidwell said. “Check weather forecasts, as well traffic reports, transportation schedules and flight status ahead of any commute/trip. Have appropriate apps downloaded to your phone and set up notifications for real-time alerts. Preparation is key. Know before you go.”