Banner Elk Fiberglass Pedestrian Bridge
Grandfather Mountain State Park is famous for its mile-high swinging bridge, but the Grandfather Mountain bridge we are talking about doesn’t swing, not even a little bit. The Bedford ReadySpan fiberglass pedestrian bridge is a safe, non-corrosive, long-lasting bridge that handles pedestrian traffic with ease.
Challenge
The Banner Elk, North Carolina, fiberglass trail bridge at Grandfather Mountain needs to withstand the elements, a mild forest fire, visitor foot traffic, and perhaps the occasional bear or mountain lion crossing. The popular state park is known for some of the South’s most severe weather, and the new fiberglass pedestrian bridge had to be able to hold its own.
Solution
Bedford designed a 5-foot-wide by 60-foot-long dark gray fiberglass pedestrian bridge for the site. PROForms® fire retardant polyester resin system was used for the structure and yellow pine was chosen for the decking. The fiberglass bridge can withstand 85 psf for pedestrian traffic, 35 psf for snow and 25 psf for winds. Preassembled truss sections and all additional components were shipped to the location and assembled on site. Completed in 2016, the fiberglass pedestrian bridge offers a safe, sturdy, and reliable solution for all those hiking the trail and will for decades to come.
Read about another one of our successful pedestrian bridge projects. At the Plotter Kill Preserve our 50 foot long fiberglass pedestrian bridge is standing up to harsh conditions.
