By Marc Levy | Associated Press
Pennsylvania plans to employ an innovative solution to expedite the rebuilding of a collapsed section of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia. By trucking in 2,000 tons of lightweight glass nuggets, officials aim to fill the affected area and ensure a swift reopening of this critical commercial artery. The use of recycled glass will prevent supply-chain delays for other necessary materials, according to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
Although the timeframe for restoring traffic flow on this busy East Coast highway remains uncertain, Governor Shapiro emphasized the commitment to completing the job as quickly as possible. He further stated that the work would be carried out by union labor.
Meanwhile, investigators continue to probe the cause of the collapse, which was triggered by a gasoline truck losing control on an off-ramp and igniting a fire that led to the structural damage.
Regarding the rebuilding process, workers will utilize recycled foam glass aggregate to fill the approximately 100 feet long and 150 feet wide gap in the underpass area. After bringing it up to surface level and paving it over, three lanes of traffic will be able to reopen in each direction. Governor Shapiro emphasized that this approach would help overcome shipping and supply chain challenges and ensure a simpler and faster resolution.
Furthermore, the plan entails constructing a replacement bridge next to the filled area to redirect traffic while crews excavate the fill and restore the exit ramp.
The Biden administration has pledged its assistance as Philadelphia grapples with traffic congestion caused by the collapse during the onset of the summer travel season. The incident has disrupted countless businesses, prompted alternative trucking routes, and inconvenienced hundreds of thousands of commuters.
The North American glass aggregate supplier, AeroAggregates, located near Philadelphia, will provide the necessary material for the project. This company converts glass bottles and jars into a foam-like aggregate that resembles rocks but is incredibly lightweight. The estimated 10,000 cubic yards required for the I-95 project will be transported through approximately 100 box-truck loads, weighing around 2,000 tons. This weight is significantly less than traditional sand or dirt, streamlining the transportation process.
Archie Filshill, the CEO of AeroAggregates, stated that PennDOT was the first entity to utilize their product in 2017. Since then, it has gained approval for use by 23 state transportation departments nationwide. To meet the urgent demands of the I-95 project, AeroAggregates will redirect materials intended for other less pressing endeavors.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed concerns about the potential impact on consumer goods prices due to truckers having to travel longer routes as a result of the disruption. Trucks account for 8% of the 160,000 vehicles that traverse this section of I-95 daily.
In unfortunate news, the driver involved in the accident, identified as Nathan Moody, 53, tragically lost his life. While the trucking company has cooperated with state police officials, specifics such as the company’s identity and its licensing status for transporting gasoline have not been disclosed.
Authorities disclosed that the driver was en route to deliver fuel to a convenience store when the truck overturned on a curved off-ramp, causing the tank to rupture.
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