Asphalt deterioration has been discovered in certain areas along the new Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway.

While an exact cause for the deterioration is yet to be determined, the Arizona Department of Transportation suggests it is because the layer of rubberized asphalt was applied too thin or that the ground was too cold for the asphalt to properly cure.

The freeway development team is known as Connect 202 Partners and is responsible for repairing the roads once temperatures rise in the spring.

“I’m not aware of any damage that’s been caused at this point, and obviously we have been out there and keeping an eye on the situation, and we believe it to be safe right now and continue to monitor and make sure it stays that way," said Tom Herrmann, a public information officer with ADOT.

ADOT says Connect 202 Partners is bound under a “design-build-maintain” contract to provide maintenance for the next 30 years at no cost to taxpayers.

Representatives from Connect 202 Partners could not be reached for comment.