Over the years, there has been an increased need for highway bridge demolition as roads require expansions and replacements. This type of work means that you need demolition experts who can complete the job both safely and efficiently. At Interstate Sawing & Demolition, we pride ourselves in providing demolition services you can depend on. Through our years of experience and knowledge, we can offer a full service for all bridge requirements, including the demolition and removal of existing bridge structures. 

Not sure how the bridge demolition process is done? There’s a lot more to this process than people might think. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about the bridge demolition process.

Why are Bridges Demolished?

Bridge demolition is a project that absolutely requires concrete-cutting professionals and specialized tools for safety and efficiency. As more bridges reach the end of their service life, there is an increased need to safely tear them down. It may be necessary for a bridge to be partially removed to allow for the widening of the highway underneath it to increase the capacity of the transportation system. Whether the job requires a partial removal or total removal of a bridge, we are ready and prepared to take on a variety of concrete projects.

How is a Bridge Demolished?

Demolition requires extreme caution and care to protect the surrounding areas. This will help ensure that minimal debris escapes onto roads or other surfaces. In general, there are 4 common bridge demolition methods:

  • Explosives
  • Hydraulic breakers
  • Dismantling
  • Bursting

Depending on where the bridge is located and what it is under or above it, one or more of these processes will usually be employed. However, the method that we typically use is dismantling. This method simply involves cutting a bridge into sections and removing them with a crane. The bridge can then be cut into pieces using a saw and disposed of – all while minimizing noise and dust.

What Tools are Used for Demolition?

Bridge demolition, like all types of demolition projects, requires meticulous planning and proper technology to get the job done right. The vast majority of highway bridges are demolished using excavators and cranes. We use advanced, remote-controlled robotic technology to get into tight and otherwise hazardous areas without endangering the public or our crew members. 

On our Brokk machines, we mainly use rock drilling attachments for bridge demolition. We use this attachment to drill holes for placing dynamite or other explosives. Check out this video to see how we drilled openings for dynamite to be placed in order to demolish the Broadway Bridge. When it comes to bridge demolition, we can also use hydraulic splitters that can be useful for breaking up ground supports. This approach splits concrete with high levels of precision. For all of our projects, we handle all initial planning and can safely navigate internal infrastructure and piping to ensure that no damage is done to the surrounding area. 

Rock Drill– https://youtu.be/XV0MydQMgxc

We use rock drilling attachments on our brokks to demo bridges mainly… check out the video to see what i mean on that. We basically drill holes for dynamite. This should be added for tools or ways that we demo. Thanks  

What Should I Look for in a Bridge Demolition Contractor?

It’s always important to ensure that the demolition contractor you hire has the proper licensing to meet OSHA standards and safety requirements. You may also want to look into each contractor’s experience. It will be advantageous to consider hiring a concrete cutting and demolition company that offers a variety of services you may need.

Fortunately, ​​Interstate Sawing & Demolition has been the industry leader in concrete cutting, sawing, and robotic demolition services since 1996. In addition to bridge demolition, other services that we offer include:

  • Building demolition
  • Concrete stairs removal
  • Smokestack demolition
  • Mezzanine removal
  • Rock drilling

Choose Interstate Sawing for Bridge Demolition

Have more questions about the bridge demolition process? You’ve come to the right place.  Demolishing a structure is no easy task. Interstate Sawing & Demolition has the experience and the technology you need for a complicated concrete project like bridge demolition. We are a proud member of the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association. This certification means that we are up-to-date on all industry standards and practices. It also means that we prioritize safety in our work so you can trust that we will protect the site and people in the surrounding areas. 

Contact Interstate Sawing today for bridge demolition services. We look forward to working with you.