More bridge delays

Local News

Discussion

June 24, 2012

More bridge delays

Kathy Mellott kmellott@tribdem.com The Tribune-Democrat Sun Jun 24, 2012, 11:12 PM EDT

— The November opening of the Route 271 Strank Memorial Bridge in East Conemaugh and Franklin boroughs did not spell the end of the work and traffic delays.

Traffic is being restricted to one lane as crews have returned to address structural fractures in the bridge’s concrete decking.

Workers are applying an epoxy overlay on the decking that will have the effect of filling in the cracks that often develop as a part of the natural concrete curing process, said PennDOT spokeswoman Tara Callahan-Henry.

“We’ve been doing it on

90 percent of our bridges. It seems to be a standard practice,” she said.

The process calls for the bridge to be open to traffic for six months to a year and allow any stress fractures to develop and allow the concrete to cure.

The corrective measure helps extend the life of the deck, she said.

Ralph DeStefano, a Penn-DOT district bridge engineer, described the epoxy process as one similar to putting a sealer on a driveway.

The material is brushed onto the decking and an aggregate is added to enhance vehicle tire traction, he said.

Traffic on the bridge could be restricted for a few weeks, Callahan-Henry said.

The $16.5 million project involved replacement of the old Strank bridge and the Locust Street bridge with a single structure that took traffic out of Franklin Borough. It spans the Little Conemaugh River, several Norfolk Southern and Lehigh Valley rails lines and Railroad Street.

Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat print edition.

Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat e-edition.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Local News

District Deaths May 20, 2013
May 19, 2013
Tornado vets balance preparedness, practicality
Few things in nature are less predictable than a tornado. They can form quickly. They strike weirdly, leveling one building while leaving its neighbor untouched.

May 19, 2013 1 Photo
Salisbury proved it can happen here
It was an event that many residents of Salisbury, Somerset County, would have laughed off prior to it spinning through the small northeastern town and shaking it to its foundations. A Category F3 tornado touched down on May 31, 1998, carving out 10 miles of homes, businesses and livelihoods.

May 19, 2013 1 Photo
When the storm hits
Tornado survivors and seasoned observers suggest people do two simple things to prepare for tornadoes: Know where to take shelter, and move quickly when the time comes.

May 19, 2013
9 Dems vie for 4 council spots
Democratic Party voters will have a crowded field of Johnstown City Council candidates to choose from on Tuesday.
With four seats open, nine individuals entered the race. The top four vote-getters will advance to this fall’s general election. Also, two Democrats originally joined the race for mayor, but the death of Anthony Gergely has left Frank Janakovic as the only remaining candidate.

May 19, 2013
Primary turnout likely will be low
The weatherman is promising warm temperatures and rain-free skies on Tuesday, the day of the primary election in Pennsylvania. But the good forecast may be overshadowed by a lack of voter interest in what is shaping up to be a mundane election.

May 19, 2013
Mudslinging hits the small time
It’s not just for presidents, governors and legislators anymore.
The time-honored American tradition of the smear job has hit close to home – specifically, the council race in Meyersdale Borough and the supervisor race in Stonycreek Township, Somerset County.

May 19, 2013
A Johnstown icon passes on
Carmel C. Coco of Johnstown, who was known for his skill at repairing shoes as well as his love for music, died peacefully at home on Saturday at age 95.

May 19, 2013 1 Photo
Rendezvous attracts diverse crowd
A few grandparents watched their little loved ones inspect the beautiful nature – grass, rocks, trees and bugs – at Greenhouse Park on Saturday. Some young men and women strolled throughout the grounds with cold beers in their hands on a sun-splashed spring day. Other campers sat around fires, playing guitars, telling stories and sharing laughs.

May 19, 2013 1 Photo
IN BRIEF | Solomon stabbing under investigation
A stabbing occurred at the Solomon Homes housing project in Johnstown on Saturday.

May 19, 2013
More Local News Headlines

VIDEO | Sci-Fi expo connects with fans

Local News

Search Results

Discussion

More bridge delays

Do we have too many economic development agencies in our area?

Contact Us