Albion, MI Rails to Trails Project

Rails to Trails projects often need new trail bridges to be constructed off existing railroad bridge structures. These types of projects pose difficult construction issues which are readily solved by our lightweight fiberglass bridge system. In the case of Albion, MI, we were able to design a lightweight structural system which added minimal dead load to the existing structure while meeting the design criteria (live load = 100 psf). The new 270’-0”x14’-0” bridge was constructed in 25’-0” sections that were spliced together and then connected to the existing wood railroad structure. Construction was completed in approximately 1 week.

270’-0”x14’-0” Boardwalk Bridge Supported Off Existing Railroad Bridge – Albion, MI

Design Specifications:

• Pedestrian/bicycle/light vehicle
• Design live load = 100 psf
• Fiberglass support trusses (single diagonal/panel)
• 54” handrail height above decking
• Straight end design
• ADA handrail at 34”
• Horizontal safety midrails providing 4” max. opening
• A307 galvanized steel bolts
• Standard dead load camber
• Standard green color
• Galvanized steel mounting clips
• 3”x12” #2 pressure treated Southern Yellow Pine decking
• Components shipped unassembled