PROJECT

Lower Clear Creek Trail Bridge Replacement

Project Overview

Areté Structures supplied a 60’ long by 5’ wide Brown FRP Bridge with sloped end sections to the US Forest Service in the Bridger Teton National Forest in Sublette County Wyoming in the summer of 2020.  The bridge was pre-built at the Areté fabrication facility in Boone NC to ensure proper fitting and assembly, and to eliminate the possibility of error when erecting the bridge in the field.  This bridge is part of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST).  The location is remote and is also known locally as part of the Loop/Highline Trail (FS Trail 7094).  Because the bridge is located in the Bridger Wilderness, there was no opportunity to use motorized equipment to get the bridge material or assembly tools to the site.  The contractor had to float materials in on a small non-motorized boat or pack them in on foot.  After the bridge sections were assembled on the trail the contractor put scaffolding in the stream and set timber blocking on top of the scaffolding to support the bridge at the splice locations.  The contractors reported that they enjoyed working with Areté and the project went smoothly.  

Design

FPR Bridge Design

  • Pony Truss Design
  • Bridge Span 60’ x 5’
  • Railing height 54”
  • Strongwell EXTREN® 500 Series Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Structural Shape.
  • Rustic Brown Color
  • Galvanized Hardware for Structural Members
  • Strongwell Design Manual
  • Timber decking and Rub rails