"Pavement heave" damages portion of Garden State Parkway in Toms River

TOMS RIVER, New Jersey (WPVI) -- A portion of the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey buckled Tuesday night, forcing emergency repairs that led to major delays.

Officials say a "pavement heave" occurred in the southbound lanes in Toms River, causing southbound traffic to be backed up for up to 15 miles in Ocean and Monmouth counties.

Heaving happens when moisture trapped under asphalt is subjected to extreme temperatures.

The affected lanes were repaired and reopened by 10 p.m. Tuesday.

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