Road Buckling On Joliet's Theodore Street Because Of Intense Heat: Joliet Police Find

JOLIET, IL — The Illinois Department of Transportation issued a press advisory on Monday alerting news outlets that roads may buckle because of the 100-degree temperatures and sure enough that prediction came true on Monday afternoon in Joliet on Theodore Street.

"Theodore St is currently closed between Dearborn St and Nicholson St, due to the road buckling. IDOT is aware and responding to address the issue. Please seek alternate routes until further notice," Joliet Police advised on Facebook.

At 2:40 p.m., IDOT sent the following press release to Joliet Patch announcing that "With extremely high temperatures and increasing humidity in the forecast, the Illinois Department of Transportation is cautioning the public to be on the lookout for pavement failures on roads throughout the state.

"Pavement failures or blowouts occur when prolonged high temperatures cause the road to expand and buckle up or blow out, resulting in uneven driving surfaces. Precipitation and humidity increase the potential for buckling. Pavement failures can be reported to IDOT by calling (800) 452-4368 or by reaching out to law enforcement via 911.

"Additionally, if you must travel during extreme heat, bring drinking water. Becoming stranded could be dangerous without proper hydration, as dehydration can occur quickly in these conditions.

"For more information about pavement failures and how they occur, take a look at this educational video created by IDOT."