In 2025 Areté Structures fabricated multiple FRP stringer bridges for the Wilderness Gateway trail right here in western North Carolina. This trail is one of the latest North Carolina State Trails. When complete, it will be an invaluable resource for the people of the NC foothills and beyond. Wilderness Gateway State Trail | North Carolina Trails
These bridges are used to span small creeks and streams with an eye towards protecting and conserving the important stream and riparian habitats. The relative light weight of the FRP I-beam stringers means they can be transport via UTV to locations along the trail that are inaccessible to large vehicles. Because these bridges are also very strong, the trail builders are able to drive their equipment across them. This makes trail construction more efficient and reduces environmental impacts during construction. Tri-State Company did excellent work with the installation of these bridges.
