The unrelenting hot weather in the Netherlands has led to reports of loose paving stones and concrete slabs. The current poor road conditions have already caused various accidents. So if you are cycling in the Netherlands, watch out! Additionally, the asphalt on roads has also been melting due to the high temperatures.
With the hot weather the Netherlands is currently experiencing, the sand between the paving stones on cycle paths becomes powdery and as a result, the stones become loose and some even stick up. Concrete also draws upwards if it is subjected to extreme temperatures for a long period of time. The Dutch Cyclists’ Union has received an exceptionally high number of reports of bad road conditions due to the heat.
According to a spokesperson from the Cyclists’ Union, in many places, municipalities and the police are warning cyclists about the current situation. The Union calls on municipalities to inform cyclists of potential risks and advises a switch from concrete and paving stones to asphalt, which is not as sensitive to heat. In order to prevent the deterioration of cycle paths, the municipality of Amstelveen has started spraying the main cycle routes with water.
The problem of melting streets has stuck all over the Netherlands. In Amsterdam, the asphalt under the cycle path along the Weespertrekvaart has melted and the concrete slabs have consequently shifted. Damage to the roads is also been done, as the molten asphalt sticks to the tyres of vehicles and is then pulled from the road.
During the late afternoon on Tuesday, July 24, the road in Arnhem was hotter than 50C in some places. To stop the asphalt on the roads from melting, some Dutch municipalities, such as Groningen, Arnhem and Hoorn, amongst others, have started to scatter salt on the roadways. Salt draws moisture from the air and cools down the asphalt, as well as drawing moisture from the asphalt itself, thus making it less sticky.