A variety of steel-frame commercial bridges along typical multiple-use trails.
by Stuart Macdonald, Trail Consultant, American Trails
Most of these bridges are standard designs from several manufacturers, but with some individualization in abutments and approaches. These bridges are built off site and installed on shared-use pathways used by bicyclists and pedestrians. Some have very long spans, and others have a very pronounced arched profile. The material is typically a “weathering steel” which forms a tough coat of rusty brown corrosion and never needs painting.
Steel and wood bridge creek crossing on the Clear Creek Greenbelt in Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Concrete deck on long steel bridge on the Capital Crescent Trail in Montgomery County, Maryland
Pre-fab steel trail bridge at Ridgway State Park near Ridgway, Colorado
Detail of steel bridge with concrete abutment
Bear Creek Greenbelt in Lakewood, Colorado
Short bridge with continuous concrete trail surface on the Big Dry Creek Trail in Westminster, Colorado
Ornamental concrete bridge abutments on the Big Dry Creek Trail in Westminster, Colorado
Bridge over irrigation canal in Bible Park; Denver, Colorado
Steel trail bridge over river in Pisgah National Forest near Asheville, North Carolina
Steel trail bridge over river in Pisgah National Forest near Asheville, North Carolina
Bridge over Truckee River in Reno, Nevada
Steel bridge crossing on the Sacramento River Trail in Redding, California
Steel and wood bridge creek crossing on the Clear Creek Greenbelt in Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Wissahickon Valley Trail in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Published October 24, 2019
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.
This Trail Maintenance Manual was developed as a field guideline and procedure manual for Park staff responsible for the maintenance, construction, and operation of the Santa Clara County Parks trails’ system.
Guidelines for accessing, designing, and building launch sites for carry-in watercraft.
Ramps for Accessible Trails and Shared-Use Pathways
Ramps, typically used for building access, are often provided on trails.
