Project Overview
Areté Structures supplied a new 60-foot FRP greenway trail bridge across Clarks Creek in northeast Charlotte, North Carolina. Trail contractor McAllister Landscaping & Grading, Inc. installed this prefabricated structure for Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation. Because Fiber-Reinforced Polymer is lightweight, crew members delivered and assembled the kit with minimal disturbance to the surrounding floodplain.
The Bridge Specs
The 60-ft × 10-ft structure features a sloped-end truss profile with a 54-inch safety railing. Additionally, horizontal mid-rails feature a maximum 4-inch opening space. Pressure-treated Southern Yellow Pine decking sits atop the frame, which features an olive green finish. Engineered for an 85 psf pedestrian live load, the corrosion-resistant FRP superstructure easily handles the damp creekside setting. As a result, the bridge requires very little long-term maintenance.
A Closer Look at Clarks Creek Greenway
The bridge sits along a shaded stretch of the Clarks Creek Greenway. This paved trail follows the creek through Charlotte’s University City area. Furthermore, the greenway links with the Mallard Creek Greenway to form a continuous 7.4-mile route. Portions of this route belong to both the Carolina Thread Trail and the Cross-Charlotte Trail network. Along the trail, visitors can discover small waterfalls, a wetland boardwalk, and vibrant creek habitats.
This durable crossing supports visitors out for a morning run or a quiet walk in the woods. Ultimately, it keeps one of Mecklenburg County’s longest greenways open and connected.
