TxDOT is readying permanent repairs for a section of US 69 between Greenville and Celeste after a section of the asphalt highway melted in 100-degree Texas temps.
Thursday afternoon drivers, primarily in the southbound lanes near County Road 1083, reported chunks of the asphalt lifting from the highway, sticking to their tires, and pelting fenders and undercarriages with molten chunks of asphalt and gravel.
“At first, I was a little confused,” said truck driver Clayton Cate, who posted some of the damage to his rig and trailer on social media.
“And going back to my trailer it ripped all my taillight wires out,” he told WFAA. “I mean it definitely looked like the heat got to it. I’ve never seen asphalt do that before.”
Other drivers, including Abelardo Torres, posted video of asphalt chunks scattered across both the southbound and northbound lanes, telling WFAA he could see the asphalt peeling off the tires of vehicles driving in front of him.
Hunt County Commissioner Daren Money says TxDOT responded to make emergency repairs, smoothing the pavement and removing loose material from the travel lanes, and determined the damage was caused by hot temperatures. Message boards in both directions warn drivers of possible roadway hazards.
Friday afternoon, chunks of asphalt could still be found along the shoulder of US 69, easily bendable and pliable by hand. Although vehicles were able to travel across the sometimes rough and uneven surface, the asphalt was still soft enough that you could leave fingerprints in the material.
As for the trip home back to Stonewall, Oklahoma, Clayton Cate didn’t want to chance a second trip on a melted Texas road.
“No. I took a different road and went around that,” he said.
Late Friday night, TxDOT announced an upcoming emergency repair on US 69, northbound and southbound lanes beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026 from FM 903 to US 69D. Flaggers will be present to direct traffic during repair, and message boards will be posted.
TxDOT urges drivers to exercise caution, pay special attention to all barricades, traffic controls, and signs, and to reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. Drivers should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems. TxDOT also asks drivers to remain alert to road crews while navigating through the construction zone.