Concrete structures near water level bridge rivers and drainages.
Low water crossings are designed to allow normal flow under the trail, and to be over-topped during seasonal floods.
by Stuart Macdonald, Trail Consultant, American Trails
Much wider than culverts, these structures cross over drainageways at the same grade as the trail surface. Low water crossings are designed to allow normal flow under the trail, and to be over-topped during seasonal floods. Concrete is the normal material used to withstand flooding and scouring from flowing water. Bridges are typically raised well above the waterway and at least above the 100-year flood level. Railings are typically not used on low water crossings, although the structure may be wider than the normal trail width. Similar structures are used to carry trails over streams under road bridges. Narrow channels may be cut in the concrete to allow moderate water flow through rather than under the trail itself.
Trail crosses stream in open space park on side trail along Four Mile Run in Arlington, Virginia
Low water crossing on side trail along Four Mile Run in Arlington, Virginia
Concrete structure carries trail over a small stream at Bible Park in Denver, Colorado
Concrete structure carries trail over a small stream at Bible Park in Denver, Colorado
Cherry Creek Trail in Denver, Colorado is crossed by both a steel trail bridge and low-water concrete trail structure
Waller Creek Trail in Austin, Texas crosses the stream underneath a street bridge
Cherry Creek Trail in Denver, Colorado is crossed by both a steel trail bridge and low-water concrete trail structure
Built in 2006, the Janet Fish Pedestrian Bridge honors the founder of the Shoal Creek Hike and Bike Trail in Austin, Texas
Janet Fish Pedestrian Bridge in Austin, Texas
Low water crossing before trail enters road culvert on the Clear Creek Trail in Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Low bridge over tributary to Cherry Creek built in 2009 at Monaco Street in Denver, Colorado
Low water crossing over Cherry Creek at Broadway Street bridge in Denver, Colorado
Pink concrete edges give visual warning on low water crossing over Cherry Creek at Holly Street bridge in Denver, Colorado
Low water crossing built in 2009 on Cherry Creek Trail in Denver, Colorado
Published August 2018
Stuart Macdonald spent 19 years as Colorado's State Trails Coordinator. He is the editor of American Trails Magazine. During 1998-99, he represented State Trail Administrators on the national committee that proposed regulations for accessible trails. He chaired the National Recreational Trails Committee, which advised the Federal Highway Administration in the first years of the Recreational Trails Program. Stuart grew up in San Diego and his main outdoor interest besides trails is surfing. He has a BA in English from San Francisco State and a Masters in Landscape Architecture from Utah State.
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Ramps for Accessible Trails and Shared-Use Pathways
posted Nov 5, 2019
Ramps, typically used for building access, are often provided on trails.
