Winter gritters deployed on Lithuanian roads amid summer heatwave to combat melting asphalt

Drivers in Lithuania are witnessing a peculiar sight on their summer travels: winter gritters deployed on roads in the middle of July. This unusual measure is a response to the extreme heatwave affecting the country, which is causing asphalt to melt and roads to become dangerously sticky.

The phenomenon, described by road maintenance specialists as "road sweating," occurs when high temperatures cause the bitumen binder in the asphalt to rise to the surface. This creates a slick, tar-like layer that can be hazardous for vehicles, especially motorcycles. In some cases, the road surface can reach temperatures of 50 to 70 degrees Celsius, significantly hotter than the ambient air temperature.

To mitigate these risks, road workers are applying special materials, such as granite or dolomite chippings, depending on the road's intensity. These chippings help absorb the excess bitumen and provide a safer driving surface. The western regions of Lithuania, including areas around Jurbarkas and Plungė, have been particularly affected by this "road sweating."

While Lithuania has experienced only a few intensely hot days this year, the problem is significant enough to warrant this midsummer intervention. The situation mirrors reports from other parts of Europe where extreme heat has caused infrastructure issues, such as melting tram tracks in Leipzig, Germany. As temperatures are expected to drop and rainfall is forecast, road crews are also monitoring for potential hazards like water accumulation and slippery conditions.