Pothole-Proofing The Verrazano Bridge? That’s The Plan

A plan is in the works for a new upper deck on the Verrazano Bridge, which aims to make the nation’s longest suspension bridge to be “pothole-proof.”

The deck, slated for construction this fall, will be made of a “lighter steel orthotropic material “topped with a two-inched layer of modified asphalt knows as Rosphalt to replace the original concrete.

Staten Island Advance reports that the new material will be relatively waterproof and less prone to corrosion than its concrete predecessor.

“Classic, bone-jarring deep potholes – requiring extensive repair which may develop over time on concrete roadways or asphalt on grade pavements – cannot develop on an orthotropic deck,” Senior Project Engineer Carl Redmond explained to the Advance.
Rospholt, made by Chase Corporation, was used on bridge decks in Milwaukee in the past and reportedly saved the state thousands of hours and dollars in repair time and costs.

From Chase Corporation’s website: “Rospholt is a unique, concentrated thermoplastic additive which creates a waterproofing and wearing surface which is resistant to both rutting and shoving. It uses standard paving equipment with a single step operation making the installation quick and easy.”

Despite all this, Staten Island’s MTA representative Alan Cappelli is unconvinced: “We are living in the worst pothole place in the U.S.,” said Cappelli. “If it works, I will be overjoyed. I do hope the new surface lives up to its advertisement, but I remain heartily skeptical. I have lived through a lifetime of having my automobile smacked around. To break down on the bridge is a scary place to be.”

A pothole-free Verazzano is a safer Verazzano. Here’s to hoping for the best.

— Sam Shokin