Location: Iowa City, Iowa

North Star Trail Pedestrian Bridges

To complete their main trail and provide access to branch trails, the Parks & Forestry Department needed four-season bridges that would blend seamlessly into the scenic site.

Challenge

Hickory Hill Park is an urban oasis with numerous hiking trails that branch from the primary North Star Trail. To ensure that the North Star Trail provides complete access for hikers, joggers and bikers throughout its entire length, Iowa City’s Parks & Forestry Department needed to bridge gaps over low points and creeks. Their goal was two-fold: install aesthetically pleasing bridges to enhance the trail experience and to use materials that would last for decades in the Iowa climate.

Solution

For the ideal combination of beauty, durability and cost-effectiveness, the Parks & Forestry Department selected Bedford pedestrian bridges. The FRP materials blend in nicely with the landscape and have the strength to hold up under the constant foot and bike traffic. In addition, Bedford bridges can handle winter snows and high summer heat, are resistant to insects and don’t require any maintenance.

The city also appreciated the easy installation. After working with Bedford for the size, design and materials, the city used their horticulture crew to install their first beam bridge during periods when they weren’t needed for landscaping. That installation was a success and was well received by the community. A second beam bridge installation is nearly complete.

Full-Service FRP Solutions

We can create custom FRP profiles and structures for your specific application. The possibilities are virtually endless. In addition to our products, we offer in-house design, engineering and fabrication capabilities to match your product needs. Just contact us for a quote or assistance with engineering a solution for your project.