Success Story: New York
New York Uses Precast Decks on Gowanus Expressway

In 2001, the New York State DOT (NYSDOT) replaced approximately 20 bridge spans on the Gowanus Expressway in New York City. After large-scale patching work failed to reduce deterioration of the existing decks in this section of the expressway (I278) viaduct, NYSDOT determined that full deck replacement with precast panels offered an economical solution.

During weekend closures, the agency installed 3,716 square meters (40,000 square feet) of precast deck panels. The innovative panels consisted of a fabricated steel grid (the bottom portion) and a reinforced concrete slab (the upper portion). The top portion of the main bearing bars of the steel grid extend upward into the reinforced concrete component and act as shear connectors, assuring internal composite behavior. Advantages of this design include light weight, rapid construction, and efficiency of overall structural design. The project was completed in February 2002.