There are just 17 days to go until the full closure of the Parkway East on July 10.Crews are putting the finishing touches on the new bridge that will eventually be slid into place on I-376. The work to build the new Commercial Street Bridge has been ongoing for quite some time, and many of you have asked about the “watering” of the bridge. What is the purpose of the ‘sprinklers’ on the bridge? The sprinklers are a part of the deck curing process. In order to ensure that the product is “good,” according to PennDOT officials, the concrete must be cured after it is placed, and that is where the water or sprinklers come into play. After placement, the concrete undergoes a 14-day wet cure process. During this time, they spray the water and then use burlap to absorb and retain the water on the structure. Wet curing, as explained by PennDOT, is essential because it helps regulate the heat generated during curing, prevents rapid moisture loss that can lead to cracking, and allows the concrete to achieve its full strength.Late last week, PennDOT shared a video on Facebook showing the final deck placement, completed earlier this month. Officials say all nine deck placements are now finished, with approximately 2,400 cubic yards of concrete placed in total.Do you have questions about the project, the work or the detours? Send us an email at traffictip@wtae.com.FULL BREAKDOWN OF THE DETOURS: Click here

PITTSBURGH —

There are just 17 days to go until the full closure of the Parkway East on July 10.

Crews are putting the finishing touches on the new bridge that will eventually be slid into place on I-376. The work to build the new Commercial Street Bridge has been ongoing for quite some time, and many of you have asked about the “watering” of the bridge.

What is the purpose of the ‘sprinklers’ on the bridge?

The sprinklers are a part of the deck curing process.

In order to ensure that the product is “good,” according to PennDOT officials, the concrete must be cured after it is placed, and that is where the water or sprinklers come into play.

After placement, the concrete undergoes a 14-day wet cure process. During this time, they spray the water and then use burlap to absorb and retain the water on the structure.

Wet curing, as explained by PennDOT, is essential because it helps regulate the heat generated during curing, prevents rapid moisture loss that can lead to cracking, and allows the concrete to achieve its full strength.

Late last week, PennDOT shared a video on Facebook showing the final deck placement, completed earlier this month.

Officials say all nine deck placements are now finished, with approximately 2,400 cubic yards of concrete placed in total.

Do you have questions about the project, the work or the detours? Send us an email at traffictip@wtae.com.

FULL BREAKDOWN OF THE DETOURS: Click here