Small bridge ideas?

[TXCOMT]

I've got a small creek that cuts off a corner of my property and would like to bridge it; the distance between banks is probably 15 feet, the land is mostly sandy loam (it's west of Weatherford, Texas) and the banks are level to each other. Depth is probably six to 10 feet (only a foot or two with water) and the flow is, umm, occasional. I suppose I could just find an old flatbed trailer and plop it across the way, but my wife would want something a little classy. I probably won't drive my soon-to-come Branson 2500H over it, but I could see a UTV making a trip or two every once in a while.

Should I even consider doing it myself or leave this one to some pros?

TXCOMT

 

[Shaneard]

My brother and I made one with 2 power poles for our four wheelers growing up. It was about 12 feet across and 4 feet wide. Worked great until the big rain came and it floated away. No idea where it is now.

Whatever you make it out of, make sure it's anchored down somehow.

 

[bcp]

What could be more "classy" than an old school bus with the ends cut off?



Seriously, I would try to find a spot to make a ford.

Bruce

 

[TXCOMT]

My brother and I made one with 2 power poles for our four wheelers growing up. It was about 12 feet across and 4 feet wide. Worked great until the big rain came and it floated away. No idea where it is now.

Hah! That would work great...now where to find some nearby poles!

TXCOMT

 

[ovrszd]

I built one a couple years ago. I think it's 22ft long. We drive our offroad buggies under it. I've crossed it with my Ford tractor and my Super Duty which weighs 7K. Haven't had the Kubota on it yet but have faith it would handle it. One end is on stacked slabs of sidewalk concrete. Other end is sitting on a limestone ledge slab that I dragged in place.

Used I beam stringers and treated bridge boards for decking. All material I had onhand. Great addition to our playground.

 

[TXCOMT]

That is a beautiful thing...well done, sir!

TXCOMT

 

[Streetcar]

Nice looking bridge, I live the name plate

 

[ovrszd]

Thanks for the compliments. I believe if you are going to take the time to build a bridge, build one that will outlive you with no fear of collapse.

It was a Family/Friends event getting it across the creek.

 

[Industrial Toys]

People always ask such questions. It depends on what resources you have at your disposal and how talented you are in such matters. I can't answer that.

If I had to come up with a small bridge, I might look for an old highway trailer frame. Having a longer bridge than you need would negate the requirement and expense of piers.

 

[ovrszd]

People always ask such questions. It depends on what resources you have at your disposal and how talented you are in such matters. I can't answer that.

If I had to look at a small bridge, I might look for an old highway trailer frame.

Yep. Flatbed design, not a van trailer, frame is stronger. One with axles under it will sell for $1500 around here. Then you can scrap the axle assemblies for $500.