August 16, 2016
The public-private partnership project that’s rebuilding 558 bridges across Pennsylvania completed another bridge in Union County today, as the State Route 1003 (Hoffa Mill Road) Bridge (JV137) over Buffalo Creek in Kelly and Buffalo Townships opened to traffic.
Construction began in May, with traffic utilizing a detour while the bridge was replaced, and was completed on Friday August 12. The work was performed by Glenn O Hawbaker, Inc. The new crossing is longer and wider than the one it replaced and is designed with a 100-year lifespan.
Motorists may notice a slight bump as they drive across the bridge until a polyester polymer concrete (PPC) overlay is applied to the bridge deck. Often, this is the final step in completing boxbeam bridge projects. The PPC overlay is designed to protect the deck from the wear and tear brought about by Pennsylvania’s harsh winters and reduce the long-term maintenance costs. The polyester material can only be applied when temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees and after the bridge concrete has cured for at least 30 days.
The PPC overlay operations are tentatively expected to take place in the future and more detailed information will be released at a later date. Flaggers will assist in guiding traffic during this time.