Because the bridge will expand and contract
due to temperature changes, a joint must be installed
so that there will not be a large crack in the pavement
on each end of the bridge. The type of joint for this
bridge is called a Asphaltic Plug Joint.
First 18" of pavement is removed over the end of the
bridge at each abutment. A steel plate is placed over
joint, and then a rubber type material is hot poured
in the joint and ¾" aggregate is mixed in the hot
rubber. This allows a very smooth riding joint that is
also very durable.