Work begins to replace bridge decking
<p>Traffic plods through a construction zone on the bridge over Sand Creek. Contractors will be using hydro-demolition techniques to remove deteriorated concrete. (Photo by DAVID KEYES)</p>
SANDPOINT — Work has begun to replace decking on the bridge over Sand Creek at the confluence of U.S. Highway 2/95 and state Highway 200.
Contractors from Spokane-based N.A. Degerstrom is conducting hydro-demolition of the top inch and a half of the bridge deck so it can be resurfaced, according to the Idaho Transportation Department.
The $813,000 project is scheduled to last 40 work days, the contractor’s bid proposal indicates.
The project is not anticipated to halt traffic, although there will be congestion. One continuous northbound lane and one continuous southbound lane will maintained during the project.
Hydro-demolition involves the use of highly-pressurized water to blast away deteriorated and sound concrete, which provides an excellent bonding surface for repair material. Hydro-demolition supplants jackhammers, which produces vibrations throughout a structure and can potentially introduce micro fractures.
Due to its proximity to an environmentally sensitive area, N.A. Degerstrom is required to develop a containment plan to prevent the discharge of hydro-demolition runoff and debris into the creek.
No waterborne material or debris from the work is permitted to fall into the creek. Deck drains and bridge joints may plugged on a short-term basis to keep material from entering Sand Creek, according to the bid proposal.