A State of New York, Office of General Services (OGS) crew was left with a weighty problem when the routine 2017 inspection of a 17-year-old pedestrian bridge walkway in downtown Albany revealed deterioration due to salt and ice. The sidewalk crossing [near I-787] serves as a vital link between Department of Environmental Conservation, Parks and Recreation, Empire State Development and Environmental Facilities Corporation and Annex OGS offices and Water Street parking lots, supporting daily foot traffic of nearly 700 state employees. To eliminate the need for multiple shutdowns, OGS decided to replace all components of the 716 ft. structure. OGS also decided to enlarge the sidewalk. But traditional concrete proved too heavy for the vehicle bridge structure. Lightweight concrete was considered and discarded as a viable solution. An internet search led OGS to Composite Advantage’s Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) FiberSPAN-C cantilever sidewalk system. The high-strength, lightweight, corrosion resistant decking proved to be an ideal alternative. Read more>>>
Composite Advantage participated with other ACMA composite manufacturing members in the organization’s third annual Infrastructure Day in Washington D.C. on February 6 and 7. The event gives members the opportunity to meet with Congress and agency leaders to raise awareness about the performance benefits of FRP composite materials. Education about FRP as a low to no maintenance solution with a life cycle of 100 years is vital for policy makers who will be passing legislation about rebuilding and reshaping America’s infrastructure. Stay tuned for a full review of the event.
With warmer weather around the corner, it’s not too soon to plan for pedestrians and cyclist traffic and the “spring cleaning” that ensures pedestrian bridges and walkways are in good condition. To help you get prepared we're holding a webinar, Share the Road with FRP Cantilever Sidewalks, on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 12 p.m. EST. We’ll talk about the growing traffic problem between pedestrians and vehicles and why FRP cantilever sidewalks can be an effective and safe alternative to placing bike paths inside vehicle lanes. Only a few spots remain. Register >>>
We just finished two busy weeks of travel, including the annual conferences of the Ohio and Indiana park and recreation associations. We were showing off our new standard trail bridges, which are 20-50 ft long, include a railing and non-slip surface and are easy to install. For more information, download our updated trail bridge photo journal. Download now>>>