Footbridge safety ideas needed

[lhfarm]

We have walking trails around the property and I need to improve safety in winter weather. The bridges are small, 4' x 8', made with treated lumber. My wife has asked for a handrail and that seems reasonable. I've been hiking on the AT this summer and noticed that may of their bridges now have a metal meshing on the boards. That seems like a good idea to me. Not sure what they are using. Would appreciate any ideas/suggestions.

Thanks,

 

[jerrybob]

Not sure about the metal mesh but I just used an old roll of roofing material on our walking bridge. It adds a little traction.....especially when it get a little icy. It lasts several years and is cheap to do. Good luck!

 

[RobA]

Stucco lath? I've seen that used on wooden ramps. I'll be adding it to the ramp to the manure pit.

 

[lhfarm]

Stucco lath? I've seen that used on wooden ramps. I'll be adding it to the ramp to the manure pit.

Metal stucco lath (http://www.marinoware.com/Images/Products/MetalLath/Dvgroovemesh.gif) looks like what was on the bridges. Would a box store carry it and in small amounts?

Thanks,

 

[RalphVa]

Just chicken wire attached to the bridge would work. Definitely need a handrail. Someone near here had a concrete bridge across a stream that he had to cross to get his mail every day. He was reading his mail one day and walked off the bridge. Did rather extensive damage to himself.

Ralph

 

[adirondackmtnman]

At our quarries and sand and gravel operations, we use a few different types of metal for elevated walkways and platforms. Flat steel grate works well on horizontal as well as flat areas, but can be expensive. A better alternative from a cost standpoint is an expanded metal that we get that has a little twist in it to allow a sharp side to point up for traction. Not sure what the steel yards call it, but if you describe it, they'll know exactly what you need. If you ask pretty they may even cut it to size for you. Good luck!

Sent from my LGL35G using TractorByNet

 

[adirondackmtnman]

At our quarries and sand and gravel operations, we use a few different types of metal for elevated walkways and platforms. Flat steel grate works well on horizontal as well as flat areas, but can be expensive. A better alternative from a cost standpoint is an expanded metal that we get that has a little twist in it to allow a sharp side to point up for traction. Not sure what the steel yards call it, but if you describe it, they'll know exactly what you need. If you ask pretty they may even cut it to size for you. Good luck!
P.S. The expanded metal looks just like the stucco metal sheets, just substantially bigger and more durable.

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Sent from my LGL35G using TractorByNet

 

[bcp]

Of the most easily available material, I think I would choose 1/2 inch hardware cloth.



Bruce

 

[Scott85]

Why not stain with the traction stuff added to it.

 

[RobA]

Metal stucco lath (http://www.marinoware.com/Images/Products/MetalLath/Dvgroovemesh.gif) looks like what was on the bridges. Would a box store carry it and in small amounts?

Thanks,

Home Depot has 27"x8' sheets. Not sure if it would rust.
27 in. x 8 ft. Steel Lath-2.5 METAL LATH at The Home Depot

 

[CurlyDave]

I have bought two kinds of metal lath at Home Depot. The stuff that RobA links to is lighter duty. There iS a second kind which is heavier duty and has ribs going along the 8' direction. Maybe twice as expensive but still ~$5/sheet.

Lately it is special order at HD, but worth the effort since it is much stronger, especially in a walking environment.

 

[forgeblast]

I have mixed play sand into paint, it helps but wears off. I like the lathe/chickenwire/landscape fabric ideas.

 

[lhfarm]

Thanks for the suggestions and information! My wife reminded me that the dog uses those bridges, so I'm going to have to make sure whatever I do doesn't hurt his paws. I'll most likely order from Home Depot.

Now on to the handrail. Very rocky so don't know if I can sink a post very deep. It will be hand digging. Not sure if just fastening some uprights to the bridge will be sturdy enough. I've thought in the short run about driving steel T post in and attaching a rope.

 

[Daver1963]

Could you use some wagon side stake brackets? Drill holes to hold wooden stakes and just put a top rail on them. For stability you could cross brace with wood or cable tensioner.

 

[lhfarm]

Could you use some wagon side stake brackets? Drill holes to hold wooden stakes and just put a top rail on them. For stability you could cross brace with wood or cable tensioner.

View attachment 347324

Great idea! I like bolt together ideas.