Bridge Questions

[tlj87]

To access the majority of my property and structures a creek must be crossed. There is a 50' bridge in place for foot traffic and an improved stream ford for vehicles. The stream ford has been there for more than 50 years, while a foot bridge has been there since 1962. The bridge abutments, which are 2 cubic yards of concrete each, are the originals (1962), while the bridge structure itself is in its third iteration. The first two bridges were completely wood. The first bridge lasted from 1962 to 1979 and was replaced with another wooden bridge which lasted only 9 months and was destroyed by a tornado. In 1980, the current steel bridge was built (photos are attached). The stream ford is adequate for spring-summer-fall, barring any major rain events.

We do not live on this property, but do have future plans to. Having an automobile bridge for our own use as well as propane, emergency, etc. would be desirable. I am looking for ideas for either adding to the current bridge (which is probably overkill for pedestrians only) or removing and replacing it with another structure. Also, any advise from folks regarding the permitting and engineering aspects, particularly in PA.

We have considered (and still have not ruled out) building a home on the part of the property which would not require the creek to be crossed. However, we already have a septic, two wells and essentially a house which we would reconfigure/remodel that is located on the other side of the stream.


The first two photos are of the current steel bridge during its construction in 1980. The third is a photo of the current bridge and stream ford in 2003.

 

[Morning Wood]

You need to find a structural engineer and start talking to them.

 

[Mendonsy]

You might check into abandoned railroad bridges in the area.
They certainly would be strong enough but moving one might prove to be too expensive.

 

[dave1949]

Have you considered using large culvert(s)? They seem to be the goto thing now for DOT projects on secondary roads. The have various types: oval, open bottom arches that preserve fish habitat/passage, round, etc.

 

[flyerdan]

As odd as it might sound, give craigslist a look. Stumbled across this bridge just the other day. Too bad it's so far away, it could be just what you need.

 

[VA MTN MAN]

try this site

RAIL CAR BRIDGES, Flatcar Bridges, PACIFIC RAIL SERVICES, RAILROAD FLATCAR BRIDGES, Hy-Rail Gear, Motorcars For SALE, MOW, Maintenance of Way Equipment.

 

[bcp]

It may be worth looking into concrete fords as a bridge alternative.

 

[ray66v]

I would love to have that problem; building a bridge is on my bucket list.

Your biggest issue may be getting people like the propane company, to cross a bridge that doesn't have an engineering stamp of approval. Unless it's really substantial, they may not take the risk. And, having an engineer involved will really escalate the cost.

The culverts as mentioned, sadly, might be the easiest way out.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

It may be worth looking into concrete fords as a bridge alternative.

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Our county road that I drive each day uses this concept. The sewers are much larger and are the flat bottom (three sided more or less) so they will carry max volume when like only 1/3 filled plus the wide bad lets more trash pass on down steam unaided.

If the OP could spot a vehicle so he could leave by walking over the bridge the sewer concept should do just fine and NOT mess up the landscape. Actually they are not really visible after some time for over growth to occur.

 

[Alan L.]

Wow 50' is a big bridge. Could turn out to be pricey. I need about a 25' bridge and just have not figured out a good way to engineer it and still make it affordable. I just want to drive the tractor / Kawasaki Mule across it.