PIERRE. (KCCR) — Progress on the John C. Waldron Memorial Bridge has been steady all year long. Recently, another major milestone was passed on the project, the laying of the concrete decking. Steel girders connecting the Pierre side to the Fort Pierre side were added this summer. With prep work completed work crews are beginning to lay down the surface that vehicles will use to cross the bridge next summer. Putting down the deck starts with spraying water on the deck and forms. The water will help in creating a solid bond with the concrete. After the spraying, concrete pump trucks move the cement to the deck. From there a concrete vibrator is used to force out air bubbles that could weaken the concrete. A self propelled concrete paver is then used to create a smooth surface for vehicles. The last step is covering the bridge deck with blankets and tarps to assists the curing process. One thing not defined by state transportation officials is when or if traffic will be change back to use both sides of the current bridge during winter travel. Over-width restrictions will be in place through the end of the 2023 construction season.
