CRISFIELD, Md. -- A string of abrupt pavement buckles on Crisfield Highway (Route 413) has some drivers slowing down, hoping to avoid a punishing thud that can rattle dashboards and knock cargo loose.
Twenty-four hours can make a big difference. On Friday, MDOT crews repaired some of the pavement buckles on Crisfield Highway.
According to the State Highway Administration, the agency realized the problem wasn't due to pipes and promptly sent a crew to make temporary repairs.
"Hopefully this will at least keep people's cars from getting damaged, goods from getting hurt, golf carts from getting mangled and people from getting hurt," said Tim Howlett.
SHA crews will repair two of the five impacted sections. According to the SHA, one of the bumps being repaired is located at 125 Richardson Avenue, and the other is on Richardson Avenue prior to Chesapeake Avenue.
A permanent fix is on the horizon, but SHA said it will need to investigate further what is happening beneath the asphalt before establishing a timeline. SHA will also be required to solicit bids, contract out the work and see if any permits are needed.
Neighbors in Crisfield can expect a permanent fix in the coming weeks.
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Drivers tell WBOC the problem surfaced about six weeks ago and has worsened with each spell of extreme heat.
"It's hurting people's cars, there's no 'maybe' about it," said Tim Howlett of Crisfield. "I got 8,000 pounds in my van and the whole thing shakes apart."
Other drivers have also taken notice.
"It takes you, you know, it's like 'what's that,'" said Terry Laird Jr. "It's a lot bumpier than normal."
Robert Daum pointed out that many people in Crisfield travel by golf cart and that the smaller, lighter vehicle could be more susceptible to bumps.
"It's just annoying, you know, driving down the road," said Daum. "Things happen, [it]just needs to be fixed. When you're riding a golf cart, hold on to her."
Howlett said he first reported the buckled pavement to the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) about a month and a half ago.
"Since that time, I've called back, called back, got messages, left messages for them to call me, called Princess Anne's bosses, they assured me they were going to email the director, [I]gave them my phone number, they were going to call me back. I've not gotten a phone call from anybody," said Howlett.
On Thursday, a SHA spokesperson told WBOC that prolonged high temperatures are the probable culprits. Still, SHA plans to send a vacuum truck to Crisfield early next week to determine whether failing pipes could be responsible.
Once the assessment is complete, SHA will develop a repair plan and timetable. In the meantime, the agency urges motorists to reduce speed and stay alert for uneven pavement in the area.