The International Trails Summit brings together trail and greenway managers, planners and users to share ideas, explore innovative solutions and celebrate the great outdoors. This year, Bedford Reinforced Plastics made a significant impact as a Sierra Sponsor at the event, held in the heartland of America in Madison, Wisconsin, by the Professional TrailBuilders Association (PTBA) and American Trails. Bedford’s contribution to the trails community was showcased through its fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) trail bridges, offering solutions that meet the diverse needs of trail builders and users alike.
To learn more about Bedford’s presence at the 2025 International Trails Summit, watch the recap video below.
50 Years of Excellence in FRP Solutions
As a 50-year company, Bedford brings decades of expertise to every project, reinforcing communities and infrastructure with durable, eco-friendly FRP structures. With a proven track record in FRP bridge solutions, Bedford has earned the trust of trail and greenway professionals nationwide, offering dependable support for projects across the country.
Through its involvement in key industry events like the International Trails Summit and ongoing collaboration with American Trails, Bedford is committed to enhancing the American landscape. By providing sustainable, long-lasting materials, Bedford helps build trails that connect people to nature and create spaces where communities can grow and thrive. These contributions reflect Bedford’s dedication to leaving a positive, lasting impact on the environment and the people who enjoy these spaces.
Innovative FRP Bridges for Every Trail Need
At the International Trails Summit, the Bedford team presented a range of FRP bridge solutions designed to accommodate pedestrian, equestrian and bike traffic, along with meeting safety and load-bearing requirements for more specialized uses like emergency vehicle access. Nick Hartman, Bedford’s Bridge Product Sales Specialist, emphasizes how Bedford’s bridges are tailored to fit a wide range of trail and greenway applications, offering innovative solutions for both remote and urban areas.
“As we engage with trail builders, forest services and communities like HOAs, we’re able to design bridges that not only blend seamlessly into the landscape but also handle the specific demands of different users,” Hartman says. “From pedestrian bridges to heavier-duty models capable of supporting up to 10,000 pounds, we ensure our bridges provide safe, durable and long-lasting solutions.”
Addressing Industry Challenges and Why FRP Is the Smart Choice
During the summit, Bedford discussed key challenges facing trail builders and planners, specifically financial and logistical hurdles. “One of the most common challenges we hear at events like this is funding and permitting,” explains Tom Wright, Business Development Director at Bedford. “The permitting process requires careful attention, and many projects face challenges depending on the funding source — whether state or federal money, nonprofit grants or community fundraising.”
In addition, site-specific challenges, such as high winds, snow and difficult soil conditions, can often complicate trail bridge projects. Bedford’s lightweight FRP material addresses these issues by making it easier to transport and assemble bridges, even in remote locations. “The ability to easily assemble and move the material means less downtime and more efficiency,” Hartman adds. “It’s a big advantage in challenging environments and difficult-to-reach areas.”
FRP bridges are the ideal solution for trail projects because they are not only lightweight but also highly durable compared to traditional materials like wood, aluminum and steel. “FRP bridges offer a long lifespan and are resistant to rot, corrosion and degradation,” Wright notes. “For forest services and nonprofit organizations, FRP’s non-leaching properties are especially important. This ensures no contamination of soil or waterways, preserving the natural environment.”
What also sets Bedford apart in the bridge sector is its quick delivery. “We offer four-week shipping for standard bridges, and our own transportation network ensures timely delivery — even to remote sites,” Hartman says. “This rapid turnaround is especially important for trail projects with tight timelines.”
With quick shipping, easy assembly and low maintenance, Bedford’s FRP bridges offer an efficient and sustainable option for building long-lasting trails.
Bedford’s Commitment to Innovation and Quality
What differentiates Bedford in the FRP bridge market is its commitment to performance testing. Bedford’s bridges are designed and tested to meet strict performance and safety requirements, giving customers confidence in their long-term functionality. “We test our bridges for real-world conditions, ensuring they meet the rigorous demands of every project,” Hartman says.
In addition to pre-engineered pedestrian bridges, Bedford also offers beam bridges spanning up to 40 feet, catering to projects of all sizes. Another feature that sets Bedford’s bridges apart is their UV-resistant coating, which helps prevent sun degradation over time, ensuring that the bridges remain functional and visually appealing for years to come. “We’ve seen the long-term benefits of these coatings — our bridges stand up to the elements much better than wood or metal alternatives,” Hartman adds.
Customer-Centric Support
Bedford is also known for its customer-first approach and for being very easy to work with. “We believe in providing onsite consultations and virtual meetings to help clients with their projects,” Hartman notes. “Whether it’s helping with site planning, answering technical questions or offering guidance on installation, Bedford is here to support every step of the process.”
Customer Success and Real-World Projects: Bedford Bridges in Action
A prime example of Bedford’s success is the installation at Rocky Gap, Maryland, where the company supplied a 45-foot truss bridge and over 200 feet of boardwalk to help move a trail off the road and across a marshy area. This installation serves hundreds of users each month in the summer, demonstrating how well Bedford’s FRP bridges perform in challenging environments while enhancing accessibility. “We worked closely with the state of Maryland to meet the project’s specific needs,” explains Wright. “The result was a system that not only served the immediate purpose but also improved the trail experience for the community.”
Client feedback further highlights Bedford’s commitment to quality. For example, the City of Hillsborough, Ohio, used Bedford bridges in their park system for the first time and had such a positive experience that they requested additional installations. “The feedback from clients is always gratifying,” Wright says. “When a customer asks for more projects, you know you’ve done your job right.”
Bedford’s FRP trail bridges have been successfully deployed across the United States, providing reliable access to nature trails, parks and greenways. Some additional notable examples include:
- Martin Hill ATV Trail at Buchanan State Forest in Bedford County, Pennsylvania
- Bonneville Shoreline Trail in Bountiful, Utah
- Ghost Town Trail in Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Each of these projects demonstrates how Bedford’s solutions help communities access the outdoors while addressing the specific needs of trail systems. To explore more successful Bedford FRP bridge projects, click here.
Take the Next Step
If you’re planning a trail bridge project, Bedford is here to help. Whether you’re building a pedestrian bridge, installing a multi-use trail crossing or designing a bridge for emergency vehicle access, Bedford’s pre-engineered FRP bridges provide durable, cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions tailored to meet specific span and load requirements. Our bridges are equipped with high-quality hardware to ensure long-term performance and ease of installation.
To learn more or discuss your upcoming project, contact us today or call 814-209-7051 to get started.
Join Bedford in Reinforcing America’s Trails
Bedford is committed to reinforcing America through providing safer, longer-lasting building materials for all types of infrastructure projects. By partnering with organizations like American Trails and participating in events like the International Trails Summit, Bedford continues to play a vital role in creating accessible and sustainable trail systems for future generations to enjoy.