Concrete “speed bumps” have appeared on the “Varshavka” international highway: drivers have been warned of the danger
30 June 09:58
In the Zhytomyr region, the concrete pavement of the M-07 Kyiv–Kovel–Yagodin international highway has begun to deform due to abnormally high temperatures. Individual slabs are expanding, shifting, and rising sharply above the roadway, creating “bumps” that are dangerous for vehicles. This was reported by the Regional Infrastructure Restoration and Development Service, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
What’s Happening on the M-07 Highway
Due to the prolonged heat, the concrete pavement of the international highway cannot withstand the thermal stress.
At high temperatures, concrete structures expand. If the expansion joints cannot fully accommodate this expansion, adjacent slabs begin to press against one another.
As a result, they may:
- shift;
- crack;
- rise above the road;
- create sharp changes in elevation;
- create obstacles to traffic.
Road workers emphasize that such deformations pose a danger even to drivers who are very familiar with this route.
Concrete “bumps” are forming on the road
The Road Maintenance Service explained that due to extremely high temperatures, the slabs are rising sharply.
In fact, a protrusion resembling a small jump can suddenly appear in the middle of a flat roadway.
Hitting such a section at high speed can result in:
- damage to wheels and tires;
- suspension failure;
- loss of vehicle control;
- drifting into the oncoming lane;
- a collision with other vehicles;
- traffic accidents.
Damaged road sections are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, drivers of passenger cars with low ground clearance, and trucks carrying heavy loads.
READ ALSO: How Long Will the Heat Last: A Meteorologist’s Forecast
A dangerous section was discovered near the village of Riznya
One instance of road surface deformation was recorded at the 101st kilometer of the M-07 highway near the village of Riznya in the Korosten District.
Due to the raised concrete slabs, traffic was disrupted in both directions. Vehicles were temporarily rerouted to the shoulder.
After emergency repairs were carried out, traffic through this section was restored, according to the publication Zhytomyr.info.
At the same time, road crews warn that similar damage may occur in other locations as high temperatures persist.
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Road crews are constantly inspecting the highway
The condition of the international highway is systematically inspected.
Contractors must respond promptly to any detected deformations and restore safe passage.
To repair the damage, road crews can:
- remove or level the deformed slab;
- clean the damaged section;
- treat the base with special materials;
- fill the damaged area with asphalt concrete;
- compact the new pavement;
- install warning signs.
However, it is impossible to completely prevent new slabs from lifting during hot weather.
Up-to-date information on the condition of state roads is published by the State Agency for Infrastructure Restoration and Development of Ukraine.
Seasonal restrictions have been introduced for trucks
Due to the heat, seasonal restrictions for heavy vehicles are in effect on state highways.
According to the Agency for Restoration, the restrictions apply to vehicles:
- with a gross weight exceeding 24 metric tons;
- with an axle load exceeding 7 metric tons.
These measures are implemented when the air temperature exceeds 28 degrees.
Their purpose is to reduce the load on the heated road surface and prevent further damage to the roads.
Truck drivers are advised to use designated temporary parking areas and wait for the temperature to drop.
Who May Be Exempt from the Restrictions
Seasonal restrictions generally do not apply to vehicles transporting essential or perishable goods.
Such shipments may include:
- hazardous materials;
- perishable goods;
- live animals and poultry;
- cargo for emergency response;
- defense-related goods;
- humanitarian aid;
- mail;
- certain agricultural cargo.
Drivers should check road service and patrol police announcements for specific conditions and exceptions.
Why the Kyiv–Kovel–Yagodin Highway Is Important
The M-07 highway is one of Ukraine’s key international thoroughfares.
It connects:
- Kyiv;
- Zhytomyr Oblast;
- Rivne Oblast;
- Volyn Oblast;
- Kovel;
- the Yagodin border crossing on the border with Poland.
The highway is also known as the “Warsaw Highway.”
M-07 is part of the European route E373, which connects Kyiv and Lublin, Poland.
A significant number of passenger cars, buses, and trucks travel on this road every day.
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