A horrific traffic accident involving 168 vehicles on I-55 at at Manchac, Louisiana (about 40 miles north of New Orleans), caused extensive fire damage to a bridge deck and required emergency repairs to the top surface. The accident occurred on October 23, 2023, and was the result of a “superfog” in the area. Boh Brothers, acting as the prime contractor, enlisted American Contracting Services Incorporated (ACSI) to assist with needed repairs to the northbound lanes. “Fast Track” Hydrodemolition was used to cut out the necessary deck surface area. Hydro-Technologies, Inc. performed hydrodemolition removal of the damaged concrete, on November 6. ACSI placed the surface repair material by inlaying a Very Early Strength Latex Modified Concrete, on November 9. The area of repair was 6031 square feet. The bridge lanes were able to be restored to traffic on November 10.

The use of “Fast Track” Hydrodemolition and Very Early Strength Latex Modified Concrete came in very handy for this emergency bridge surface repair. It works very well whenever rapid restoration is needed. For planned weekend work, or even overnight applications, when traffic restrictions need to be minimized, consider the “fast track” cut and the use of VESLMC.