The Importance of Concrete Surface Preparation for Bridge Deck Restoration: Lessons from the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is planning to rehabilitate the Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94) from the Edens Expressway (Interstate 94) junction to Ohio Street. The project is estimated to cost $150 million and will include the rehabilitation of 36 bridge structures, the Reversible Lane Access Control (REVLAC) system, overhead sign-structures, pavement patching, and structural painting. Additionally, Hubbard’s Cave, from Grand Avenue to Wayman Street, will be painted and new LED lighting installed.

The project began in 2023 and will be completed in 2025. IDOT will work to minimize traffic disruptions as much as possible. Throughout construction, IDOT will maintain traffic using staging, with lane closures and ramp detours as needed.

The Kennedy Expressway is a major transportation artery in Chicago, carrying an average of 275,000 vehicles per day. The rehabilitation project is necessary to ensure the continued safety and reliability of the expressway.

Additional details about the project:

• The rehabilitation of the bridge structures will include repairing concrete, steel, and masonry; replacing bearings and expansion joints; and painting the structures.
• The rehabilitation of the REVLAC system will include repairing and replacing the electrical and mechanical components of the system.
• The rehabilitation of the overhead sign-structures will include repairing and replacing the signs and lighting.
• The pavement patching will be done to repair any damaged or deteriorated pavement.
• The structural painting will be done to protect the bridges from corrosion.
• The painting of Hubbard’s Cave will be done to improve the appearance of the cave and make it more aesthetically pleasing.
• The installation of new LED lighting in Hubbard’s Cave will improve the visibility of the cave and make it safer for pedestrians.

Concrete surface preparation is a critical aspect of any bridge deck restoration project, and the recent news about the Illinois Department of Transportation’s rehabilitation of the Kennedy Expressway provides an excellent example of why this is so important. The $150 million project will rehabilitate 36 bridge structures, including repairing concrete, steel, and masonry, and painting the structures to protect them from corrosion. The success of this project, and the safety and reliability of the expressway, will depend in large part on the quality of the concrete surface preparation process.

One of the most important steps in concrete surface preparation is the use of shot blasting equipment. Shot blasting is a process in which steel balls are shot at high speed onto the surface of the concrete, removing any contaminants and creating a rough texture. This rough texture is essential for ensuring proper adhesion of the new coating or structural painting.

The rehabilitation of the Kennedy Expressway is an excellent example of the importance of concrete surface preparation in bridge deck restoration projects. Proper surface preparation is essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of the bridge, and for preventing premature failure and costly repairs. By using the right equipment and techniques, contractors can ensure that the new coating will adhere properly and provide long-lasting protection against corrosion and other types of damage.