August Heat Wave Alert: Protect Your Driveway During NJ's Major Road Construction Season

As temperatures climb toward 90°F this week across New Jersey, your driveway faces a perfect storm of challenges. Not only is the August heat causing asphalt to soften and expand, but major construction projects on I-78, Route 22, and Route 280 are creating additional stress on residential driveways throughout Union and Essex Counties.

The Double Threat: Heat + Construction

This August brings unprecedented challenges to New Jersey driveways:

Current Heat Wave Impact:

•Surface temperatures reaching 140°F+ on exposed asphalt
•Thermal expansion causing cracks to widen by up to 30%
•UV radiation breaking down asphalt binders 3x faster than normal
•Soft spots forming where vehicles park during peak heat hours

Major Construction Projects:

Union County:

• I-78 Express E-ZPass Project: Heavy truck traffic diverted
• Route 22 Rehabilitation: Springfield to Hillside
• Garden State Parkway Widening: Exits 140-142

Essex County:

• Bloomfield Avenue Reconstruction: Major detours
• Route 280 Bridge Repairs: Overnight vibrations
• South Orange Avenue Project: Final phase

Why Your Driveway Can't Wait

The combination of extreme heat and construction vibrations accelerates driveway damage:

1.Heat softens asphalt → Construction vibrations create deeper impressions
2.Expanded cracks → Allow construction dust and debris to penetrate
3.Weakened surface → Can't withstand increased traffic from detours
4.Foundation stress → Heavy trucks on nearby roads destabilize driveway base

Signs Your Driveway Needs Immediate Protection

Check for these warning signs today:

Soft or sticky spots during afternoon heatNew cracks appearing near the edgesTire marks or impressions that don't bounce backLoose stones or aggregate on the surfaceColor fading from black to graySmall vibration cracks from nearby construction

Professional Seal Coating: Your August Defense Strategy

With temperatures expected to remain in the high 80s through mid-August and construction continuing into 2026, professional seal coating provides:

Heat Protection:

• Reflective barrier reduces surface temperature by up to 20°F
• UV blocking prevents oxidation and brittleness
• Flexibility additives accommodate thermal expansion
• Waterproofing for upcoming late-summer storms

Construction Damage Prevention:

• Reinforced surface resists vibration cracks
• Dust barrier prevents construction debris penetration
• Traffic-grade protection handles detour vehicles
• Foundation stabilization through crack filling

The Cost of Waiting

Every day of delay during this heat wave means:

• 10% faster deterioration than normal summer conditions
• $500-1,000 additional damage for every week without protection
• 3x higher repair costs if damage reaches the foundation
• Complete replacement risk within 18 months

Local Construction Updates

This Week (August 6-10):

• I-78 Express lane work: Overnight closures continue
• Route 22: Daytime lane restrictions in Springfield
• Route 280: Bridge deck repairs 10 PM - 5 AM
• Local roads: Union County resurfacing on Morris Avenue

Traffic Alert: Expect 20-30% more vehicles on residential streets as drivers avoid construction zones.

Act Now: Limited Availability

With construction crews working overtime and the heat creating ideal seal coating conditions, our schedule is filling rapidly. Properties near active construction zones receive priority scheduling.

Special August Consideration:

We're monitoring construction schedules daily to ensure your seal coating is applied during low-vibration periods for optimal curing.