\n\t\t\t\t\t\tFor years now, crews have been hard at work constructing the new Commercial Street Bridge right next to the old structure. Eventually, though, the old bridge must be brought down to make way for the new one. A portion of that deconstruction includes a controlled blast. Won’t the shock waves from the explosion damage the new bridge? PennDOT says no. The agency explained that the new bridge, which weighs 22 million pounds, will be safeguarded with extensive protections above, below and beside it. According to PennDOT, these measures include wrapping the bridge in geotextile materials, which are designed to suppress the shock waves from the blast and deflect damage from shrapnel or other debris that may go flying. Crews will also monitor the old bridge closely during the demolition process to ensure safety. Even after the blast, PennDOT said crews will manually clean up leftover debris to complete the process.Do you have questions about the project, the work or the detours? Send us an email at traffictip@wtae.com. Check out the questions we’ve already answered: Here.FULL BREAKDOWN OF THE DETOURS: Click here\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\tPITTSBURGH \u2014 \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
For years now, crews have been hard at work constructing the new Commercial Street Bridge right next to the old structure. <\/p>\n
Eventually, though, the old bridge must be brought down to make way for the new one. A portion of that deconstruction includes a controlled blast. <\/p>\n
Won’t the shock waves from the explosion damage the new bridge? <\/p>\n
PennDOT says no. <\/p>\n
The agency explained that the new bridge, which weighs 22 million pounds, will be safeguarded with extensive protections above, below and beside it. <\/p>\n
According to PennDOT, these measures include wrapping the bridge in geotextile materials, which are designed to suppress the shock waves from the blast and deflect damage from shrapnel or other debris that may go flying. <\/p>\n
Crews will also monitor the old bridge closely during the demolition process to ensure safety. <\/p>\n
Even after the blast, PennDOT said crews will manually clean up leftover debris to complete the process.<\/p>\n
Do you have questions about the project, the work or the detours? Send us an email at traffictip@wtae.com. Check out the questions we’ve already answered: Here.<\/a><\/p>\n