Bedford Reinforced Plastics introduces FRP pedestrian and trial bridge line

Bedford Reinforced Plastics (Bedford, Pa., U.S.), a full-service supplier offering an extensive line of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) products and services announced on April 29 the launch of ReadySpan, a pre-engineered, easy-install, quick-ship, modular pedestrian bridge system, and one of five offerings under the company’s ReadySeries solutions.

ReadySpan trail, park and golf bridges are made of Bedford’s high-quality FRP and will reportedly last for decades virtually maintenance-free. Additionally — unlike bridges made from wood and metal — Bedford says the durable bridges won’t shrink, swell, warp, corrode, attract insects or fail in extreme weather conditions.

“We are excited for the launch of ReadySpan. It brings incredible value to our clients who need solutions to crossing spans,” says Ted Harris, sales account manager for the ReadySpan bridge product line. “ReadySpan bridges are designed for safety and to perform in harsh environments for 75+ years. They do not require any regular or scheduled maintenance. It is an unparalleled solution.”

The FRP truss bridges can span up to 100 linear feet without intermediary supports. Bedford notes that all pre-engineered bridges have undergone structural analysis. Additionally, Bedford provides custom engineering and analysis on every bridge to ensure it meets load-carrying conditions specific to the application location and intended use. This analysis includes a PE-stamped submittal package with CAD drawings and structural calculations.

ReadySpan includes both Bedford’s P-series, for pedestrian use, and the PV-series bridges, for bicycle, equestrian and light vehicle use. Light vehicles include ATVs, golf carts and other vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds, which is also known as H5 loading.

The bridge systems are fabricated from high-strength E-glass and isophthalic polyester resin for strength and durability. Railings are a minimum of 54 inches above the floor deck and trusses feature continuous three-inch horizontal safety rails on the inside. Standard options include olive green and brown, and because Bedford integrates color during manufacturing, no painting is needed.

According to Bedford, the FRP bridges are lightweight, making it easy to transport to out-of-the-way locations. Installation is simple. Components are fabricated on CNC machines and are shipped predrilled with all necessary hardware included; only hand tools are needed for assembly, eliminating the need for heavy equipment, welding or excessive site work, the company adds. The pedestrian bridges can also be shipped in modules requiring limited assembly, or completely pre-assembled to drop into the location.

Moreover, ReadySpan is said to expand the possibilities of Bedford’s custom pedestrian bridge capabilities. Bedford’s custom bridges are currently in use across the U.S. in national, state, county and city parks and in residential, commercial and municipal applications. Each pre-engineered bridge is made at Bedford’s Pennsylvania factory.