Houston heat causes problems on East Loop

(8/10/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- The Houston heat is taking a toll on the highways. The high temperatures are being blamed for the apparent buckling along the East Loop. And highway officials say we could see more of this soon.

The cracked concrete on the East Loop was reported Friday morning, spreading across one lane and then another. By afternoon, contractors were tearing up the damaged section of pavement. The question is, how deep does the damage go?

"The problem is that the concrete slab, this whole slab section is going to have to be removed," said Janelle Gbur with the Texas Department of Transportation. "When we see what's down below it, we'll determine if we can get it fixed within 12 hours or if it's going to take a full day."

It's all weather-related -- a month's worth of rain that eroded the soil on which the freeway sits, then stifling heat that's affecting the concrete. All drivers know is that traffic has been reduced to a crawl.

"I guess I'll have to go the long way home," said one frustrated driver we spoke with.

Two lanes will remain closed at least through Saturday morning.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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