Getting Bridge Overlay Spot-On with
On-Demand Concrete
Securing Infrastructure by Pouring Bridge Overlays
Anyone who has driven through Northern Colorado and Wyoming knows that bridges can be treacherous when they’re not properly maintained, especially in the winter, when ice and blowing snow create all sorts of driving hazards. A large part of protecting roads, drivers, and their vehicles is pouring bridge overlays, which come with their own set of challenges that On-Demand can meet.
On-Demand concrete completed a latex bridge overlay in Wyoming late this summer, pictured right. Read more to learn about some of the complexities involved with bridge overlays and working at night!
What are Bridge Overlays?
Simply put, bridge overlays are a thin layer of concrete poured over existing concrete that improves the quality of the road for drivers and adds protection from everyday weather and use. It begins with thorough surface preparation. The existing deck must be meticulously cleaned to remove dirt, debris, and deteriorated material. This preparation is crucial to ensuring that the new overlay bonds well with the old deck and creates a smooth and durable driving surface. In some cases, profile milling might be needed to create a consistent surface.
Nighttime Construction and Traffic Management
Nighttime work is sometimes necessary to avoid traffic delays and comes with its own set of hurdles. Concrete curing at night requires special attention, as cooler temperatures at night can extend the time required for the concrete to reach its initial set. In addition, nighttime construction can sometimes be subject to local noise restrictions and require the use of quieter equipment.
Despite the hurdles, one of the benefits of nighttime pours is not disrupting traffic. If the work is done during the day, the bridge can often not be completely closed, so work may need to be done in stages, with traffic being rerouted or managed on the remaining lanes.
Contact On-Demand Concrete for your Challenging Pours
Pouring a concrete bridge overlay can be a technically-demanding process that becomes even more complex when down at night. From managing lighting to dealing with temperature fluctuations to ensuring worker safety, each job requires meticulous execution. On-Demand Concrete understands these challenges — contact us to tackle your next complex project!