Longitudinal Cracking. Longitudinal cracking, such as shown in Fig. 3.27, may be caused by excessive lane widths, longitudinal joints that were not sawed properly, or local conditions that increase the stress level along the pavement. Longitudinal cracking is pri- marily a concern when it occurs within the wheel track. Where a longitudinal crack is faulted, spalled, pumping, or working and is in the wheel path, it can become a safety hazard.