November 11, 2016
The Rutter Road bridge, which spans Armstrong Creek in Jackson Township, Dauphin County, reopened to traffic today. It had been closed since August 30 for a replacement project as part of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Rapid Bridge Replacement Project.
With the bridge reopened to traffic, motorists may notice a slight bump as they drive across the bridge until a polyester polymer concrete (PPC) overlay is applied to the deck. This is often the final step in completing box beam 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 40 degrees, dry weather is forecasted and after the bridge concrete has cured for at least 30 days. Flaggers will assist in directing traffic when the PPC overlay is applied in mid-2017.