Travelers should be ready for “bleeding” roads

This week’s heat wave could result in pavement bleeding, which can cause slippery travel conditions.

“Bleeding” is a term used for the shiny, oily-looking film of asphalt binder that appears during prolonged high temperatures. Bleeding can cause slippery road conditions. The likelihood of bleeding depends on a road’s:

• Exposure to direct sunlight
• How much heat the asphalt holds after sunset
• The percentage of oil in the road surface
• Amount of heavy truck traffic, which draws more oil to the surface

Our road crews haven't received reports of pavement bleeding yet, but travelers should be prepared. Use caution when temperatures are high, and roads appear oily or sound “tacky.”

To report hazardous road conditions, call:

• 503-846-7623 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays or
• 503-629-0111 (Washington county Sheriff’s Office non-emergency) at all other times.