Crews Use Gravix Retaining Wall System to Shore Up Sides of Temporary Roadway

REOPENING from page 74 will also be working around the leftover bridge supports, as well.”

The paving aspect of the project proceeded on schedule, using a standard 10 in. of base, 2.5 in. of binder, topped with a 1.5-in. wearing course. The temporary asphalt paving was Superpave.

Workers used Gravix retaining wall system to construct firm retaining walls quickly and smoothly. The system uses cranes to position decorative precast blocks, much like a stone mason would build a traditional stone wall. The approach is in contrast to a traditional concrete pour for retaining walls.

“This is a remarkable project to get done so quickly,” said Gleason. “I’m not sure that it has ever been done before in PennDOT history.”

The brainpower and muscle power on the project helped make

Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro’s hopes possible that he spoke at the beginning of the project.

“We have worked around the clock to get this done, and we’ve completed each phase safely and ahead of schedule,” he said. “That’s all due to the incredible coordination with our local, state and federal partners — and thanks to the hard-working men and women of the Philadelphia Building and Trades, who are making this happen.” 

CEG (All photos courtesy of PennDOT.)