PennDOT Finds Small Cracks On Few 309 Expressway Bridges
By Michelle Durham
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The 309 Expressway has been under construction for the last few years and most of it is complete. However, PennDOT inspectors have discovered small, hairline cracks on concrete bridge decks of several bridges.
"This is something that was not expected to occur, but it has and we've been investigating it very thoroughly over the past few years," said Gene Blaum, PennDOT spokesperson. "We're looking to put a sealant on top of those decks to basically prevent water from infiltrating through the crack."
If water does go through the cracks, it will shorten the life expectancy of the bridge. However, Blaum says these cracks do not affect the structural integrity of the bridges and it is not uncommon.
"We've had some other bridges in the region, throughout the state and throughout the nation (experience this). This is not something that is restricted to Pennsylvania," he said. "This is a national situation with the concrete cracking after a relatively few years after construction."
Blaum says the cracks could have been caused by traffic vibrations by passing cars during construction or if the temperature of the concrete was too hot as it cured.
