Overview
To support the active mountain biking and motorized ATV recreation within the South Mountain region, Areté Structures provided a prefabricated multi-use FRP truss bridge that crosses Mountain Creek along the Grave Ridge Trail. Located within the Michaux State Forest in Pennsylvania, this bridge creates a safer route along the trail. Additionally, the bridge ensures a reliable, long-term crossing for off-road riders, cyclists, and hikers alike.
Bridge Design and Capabilities
Here is a quick look at the bridge design:
- Bridge Type: Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) truss designed with sloped ends.
- Dimensions: Engineered with a length of 35 feet, a width of 8.33 feet, and a protective railing height of 54 inches.
- Pedestrian Live Load: Rated for a 90 psf uniform live load capacity.
- Vehicle Live Load: Rated for a 10 kips (H5) vehicle live load.
Trail Profile
The intermediate-rated Grave Ridge Trail spans approximately 1.8 miles point-to-point, sitting at an elevation between 1,129 feet and 1,206 feet. Rather than a uniform slope, the route offers an engaging mix of rolling terrain and steady climbs with around 163 feet of total ascent and 190 feet of descent. Along the way, trail users enjoy forest scenery under a canopy featuring mature oaks, tulip poplars, red maples, and white pines. This environment provides deep shade during summer months and excellent visibility in the winter.
