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15. <br /> F• �sug <br /> STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA <br /> DEPARTMENT OF T�A.NSPORTATION <br /> JAMES B. HUNT. JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS R. SAMUEL HUNT II l <br /> GOVERNOR October 31, 1994 SECRETARY <br /> Mr. Slade S. McCalip <br /> Transportation Planner II <br /> Orange County Planning Department <br /> 306F Revere Road <br /> Hillsborough, NC 27278 <br /> Dear Mr. McCalip: <br /> This is a follow-up to our telephone conversation today concerning Orange <br /> County's TIP request which included a request that the DOT paint bridges that are clearly <br /> rusting. I understand the concern relates to bridges which have never been painted. <br /> We have been using"weathering steel" in the construction of bridges located in <br /> inland environments for many years. Oxygen and moisture must be available for steel to <br /> rust. 'Phis type of steel forms a dense oxide coating which does not allow oxygen to reach <br /> the base material. The rusting stops when this coating develops since oxygen is not <br /> available. <br /> The first bridge using this type of material was built in 1974 over I85 in Cleveland <br /> County. The performance has been excellent. The benefit is that no maintenance painting <br /> is required which results in a significant reduction in long maintenance costs. <br /> Attached is a list of bridges in Orange County which are constructed of weathering <br /> steel. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Timmy D. Lee, P•E. <br /> State Bridge Maintenance Engineer <br /> JDL/lb <br /> cc: Dr. Gorman Gilbert Mr. C. A. Gardner, Jr., P.E. Mr. Al Avant <br />