When designing a bridge, the decking is more than just the surface — it plays a central role in safety, durability and overall user experience. The right choice depends on load requirements, environmental conditions, budget and the type of traffic the bridge will carry.
Bedford Reinforced Plastics offers three primary decking options for pedestrian bridges: pressure-treated southern yellow pine, PRODeck LV light-duty FRP decking and PRODeck H5 heavy-duty FRP decking. Each option delivers distinct benefits, from cost-efficiency to long-term performance in demanding environments.
1. Pressure-Treated Southern Yellow Pine
Southern yellow pine is Bedford’s standard decking material for pedestrian bridges.
- Economical and practical: Pine is the most cost-effective option, making it ideal for municipalities, parks and organizations working within budget constraints.
- ADA compliance: Manufactured to meet spacing requirements of no more than 0.50" and no less than 0.25", helping projects comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.
- Applications: Well-suited for pedestrian, equestrian and H-5 vehicle bridges in most environments.
- Equestrian safety: Unlike textured fiberglass decking, pine provides a natural feel underfoot that horses are comfortable with, making it the recommended choice for equestrian bridges.
While pine is versatile, it does require maintenance over time to prevent rot or wear in certain climates. For projects in harsher environments, fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) upgrades provide long-term benefits.
2. PRODeck LV Light-Duty FRP Decking
Bedford’s light-duty FRP deck board provides the added durability of FRP without overbuilding for lighter applications.
- Non-slip surfaces: Both styles come with anti-skid grit coating for enhanced safety in wet, icy or high-traffic conditions.
- Easy installation: FRP’s consistent dimensions allow for quick installation — even on structures with minor inaccuracies.
- Color and finish: Offered in green with a gray anti-skid surface, blending aesthetics with function.
This decking is an excellent choice for pedestrian bridges in parks, greenways and campus environments where slip resistance and low maintenance are priorities.
3. PRODeck H5 Heavy-Duty FRP Decking
For the toughest applications, Bedford’s heavy-duty FRP deck board and grating provides unmatched strength and resilience.
- Engineered for load capacity:
- 2-1/2" thick x 11-1/4" wide HD pultruded decking rated to carry H5 loads.
- Durability: Resistant to rot, rust, corrosion and warping, making it ideal for marine, industrial or extreme weather environments.
- Safety built-in: Gritted anti-skid surface protects against slips, even in heavy use or exposure to snow and ice.
- Low maintenance: Unlike wood, FRP requires little to no upkeep, reducing long-term ownership costs.
This option is best for high-traffic pedestrian bridges, industrial walkways and bridges that must endure demanding conditions for decades with minimal maintenance.
Choosing the Right Decking
Selecting the correct decking option depends on balancing cost, safety and longevity with the specific application:
- Standard use: Pressure-treated pine is budget-friendly and suitable for most bridges, especially equestrian applications.
- Light-duty pedestrian traffic: PRODeck LV FRP decking offers slip resistance, fast installation and minimal maintenance.
- Heavy-duty or harsh environments: PRODeck H5 FRP decking provides maximum strength, corrosion resistance and long service life.
Bedford’s team can help guide you through load requirements, environmental considerations and ADA compliance to ensure the deck board you choose is the perfect match for your project.
Ready to Start Your Bridge Project?
Whether you need a cost-effective solution, low-maintenance performance or a deck built to withstand the harshest conditions, Bedford has the right option for you. Contact us today or call 814-209-7051 to discuss your project, request specifications or a brochure, or get expert guidance on choosing the best deck board for your pedestrian bridge.