Drivers in Memphis, Tennessee experienced extensive traffic this last weekend after the Department of Transportation rushed to repair large potholes that suddenly appeared on a major highway connecting Arkansas and Memphis.

The department, nervous about vehicle damage, closed three left lanes to make repairs. While it meant a safer road to drive their cars on, it also meant extremely slow-moving traffic.

The department told WREG that they were likely the result of warm winter weather. The bridge would expand and contract as the temperatures changed dramatically, and the near-constant movement of the metal caused tension in the tarmac, resulting in large potholes.

“Because of all the recent rains and the temperature change, almost 70° today we are seeing the development of potholes,” Dave Parker, the Head of the Arkansas Department of Transportation, told the outlet.

“There are several along Interstate 40 near West Memphis causing concern. These are not the type of potholes that we can simply patch and move on quickly. We did call in some work crews today to address this, and that is causing delays of course as the workers are in the roadway, trying to get the pothole taken care of as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

So, when will crews finish the potholes?

Delays will continue as ARDOT discovers more potholes. The urgency stems from the fear that potholes will cause accidents or damage vehicles.

Drivers are encouraged to detour to Interstate 55, or continue on Interstate 40 – but to be prepared for delays.