There are many pedestrian bridge material choices available, but you’ve landed here, which means you need something durable, maintenance-free and easy to assemble. Bedford’s FRP ReadySpan bridges check all of those boxes — and more.
The Material
Fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) is a lightweight but high-strength material that holds up, even under the harshest conditions. A fiberglass trail bridge won’t shrink, swell, warp, corrode or attract insects like bridges made from wood and metal can. They’re also resistant to heat, high winds, rain, snow and saltwater. No matter what weather event Mother Nature throws at FRP, it’s performance-ready.
FRP vs. Wood
Wood does not handle moisture well, but FRP does. It resists mold, mildew, warping and insect infestation. It also doesn’t need environmentally hazardous coatings or preservatives to improve its durability.
FRP vs. Steel
Unlike steel, FRP is impact-resistant and non-conductive, and it won’t rust when exposed to the elements. Pound for pound, Bedford FRP provides the strength of steel at significantly less weight.
FRP vs. Aluminum
While aluminum has the advantage of being lighter than steel, it can deform easily under impact. Fiber reinforced polymer FRP will not dent, bend or break under impact. It also has a low thermal conductivity, making it a much better insulator than aluminum.
The Application
ReadySpan bridge components were created with pedestrian, equestrian and golf course bridges in mind. They're perfect for installation within state parks, as part of hiking, bridge or ATV trails, and as either new fiberglass trail bridge installations or replacement installations.
FRP materials also help protect the ecosystem of these environments more than wood, which rots and degrades.
The Features
Every high-quality ReadySpan product is outfitted with the following features:
- FRP channel top cap with a painted finish for additional UV protection
- 3" x 12" pressure-treated Southern yellow pine decking (ADA-compliant HD fiberglass decking available)
- FRP diagonal and vertical web members
- FRP square tubing outrigger supports
- FRP bridge channel crosspieces (x2)
- Galvanized or stainless-steel foundation anchor clips
- Straight or sloped-end bridge designs
- Standard 54" high hand railings
- Safety mid-rails with ADA-compliant spacing
- A307 hot-dipped galvanized steel hardware kit
- Upper and lower chord
The Logistics
Bedford’s products, including fiberglass pedestrian bridges, are lightweight, easy to transport to out-of-the-way bridge sites, and easy to assemble with standard tools. There’s no need to hire a specialized laborer since a carpenter will have the tools and knowledge for proper assembly.
ReadySpan products are ready to ship quickly, too. They can be delivered to your site in one of three ways for easy installation: as a kit for complete assembly in the field, in modules that require limited assembly, or completely pre-assembled.
The Maintenance
What maintenance? FRP ReadySpan bridges don’t require regular painting or staining. The color is woven into the product, keeping it as beautiful as the day it was installed. Fiberglass trail bridges are built to last and can outperform wood and steel bridges in the harshest environments, providing decades of continuous use.
Do you want to learn more about our cost-effective ReadySpan fiberglass trail bridges? Our team is ready. Reach out, request a quote, or call 814-623-8125 to speak with a knowledgeable Bedford employee.