Building 55' Bridge Across Creek - Utility Poles

[PILOON]

You were lucky getting those poles.
Around here that's a big no/no due to creosote usage.
Back in the days we could get all we wanted but no more.

Oh, and nice work, that should last a lifetime.

 

[grsthegreat]

if that was one of my projects, everytime we drop a log off, i would have lost 1-2 helpers before the last log. in a few trips i would be the only person left. not joking. my friends are all lazy sacks.

great looking project though.

 

[workinonit]

Those appear to be salt treated poles, not creosote. I don't think they even make creosote anymore. I know you can't get them around here. They have been outlawed for years.

I'm curious how you ripped the poles? What did you use?

 

[gable74]

Correct, poles are not creosote. Would not have wanted to handle those or have them back there in contact with the wetland.

I used a chainsaw sled and more than a few ripping blades to get one side flat. Something like this:

Amazon.com : Timber Tuff TMW-56 Lumber Cutting Guide : Garden & Outdoor

Amazon.com : Timber Tuff TMW-56 Lumber Cutting Guide : Garden & Outdoor

www.amazon.com

First one I used a couple pieces of wood 2"x6" as the guide, as you can see in the 4th pick of the first post. For the rest, I borrowed a piece of 2"x6" x 30' of aluminum req. tube from work. They both worked well, just the aluminum was one piece and easier to set up. Level out a piece of wood on each end of the pole, then lay your guide on top and screw it down. About 30min later and a chain or two, you got a nice straight edge. Its not a fast process, but it works well if you keep a sharp blade and take your time.

As far as labor, those guys were tough as nails and best part they did it as a favor. I supplied a case of water, 3 bunches of bananas, and 2 boxes of granola bars. They had the first one done in 10 min, by the time they got to the sixth one, things were going much slower .
It has taken me 4 months to get to this point, but hopefully now that the big stuff is done, progress will be a little faster. Still trying to decide on the rail system. My first gut was to go with low bumper rails, something unobtrusive. Maybe 18" or so off the deck that could double as benches. Not sure yet though.

 

[EddieWalker]

Whenever I see a bridge being built, I sort of want to pick it apart. I can't find anything that you have done that could be done better for you use and location. Well done sir!!!!

 

[gable74]

Whenever I see a bridge being built, I sort of want to pick it apart. I can't find anything that you have done that could be done better for you use and location. Well done sir!!!!

This is my first bridge. So coming from someone with much more experience than me for sure, that really means a lot, thank you.

Thanks to everyone for their kind words and support.

Hoping to get some decking done this weekend!

 

[deezler]

One comment I got my on my own smaller phone-pole bridge a couple times, was that I should have covered the top of the poles with waterproofing, under the decking. Ideally metal flashing, since tar paper breaks down pretty quick and then holds water. Any plans in that regard? I would think it perhaps a bit more important in your case since you cut open the poles to mill them flat across their top surfaces.

What are you using for decking anchors? I think I used 5" GRK structural screws on mine. You could probably get away with 4" screws... Like these:

GRK Fasteners 5/16 in. x 4 in. Star Drive Round Head Rugged Structural Wood Screw (45-Piece per-Pack) 112225 - The Home Depot

Make use of this GRK Fasteners Rugged Structural Screw to sharp threads and point bite instantly into material or reduce the splitting effects.

www.homedepot.com

 

[gable74]

One comment I got my on my own smaller phone-pole bridge a couple times, was that I should have covered the top of the poles with waterproofing, under the decking. Ideally metal flashing, since tar paper breaks down pretty quick and then holds water. Any plans in that regard? I would think it perhaps a bit more important in your case since you cut open the poles to mill them flat across their top surfaces.

What are you using for decking anchors? I think I used 5" GRK structural screws on mine. You could probably get away with 4" screws... Like these:

GRK Fasteners 5/16 in. x 4 in. Star Drive Round Head Rugged Structural Wood Screw (45-Piece per-Pack) 112225 - The Home Depot

Make use of this GRK Fasteners Rugged Structural Screw to sharp threads and point bite instantly into material or reduce the splitting effects.

www.homedepot.com

Didn't think about flashing the tops of the posts. I did not see any examples of that when I was looking at other bridges in the area but I will look into it, thanks.

Funny thing about the deck fasteners, this is what I picked up

They are stout! Almost like putting in a 5/16 lag.

 

[kenmbz]

Keep the pictures coming. Looks fantastic so far.

 

[EddieWalker]

There is a special tape that some people use to flash deck joists. I'm not a fan of metal or paper flashing the tops of joists because it's hit or miss on how well it works. While it does shed some of the water that comes from rain, it also retains moisture that is formed from condensation. That moisture remains under the flashing longer because it's protected from the flashing. The tape is supposed to help this because it's attached completely to the joist. On my jobs, I do not flash the tops of my joists.