Bridge Ideas for multiple creek crossings

[Mallard1]

I have at least 5 creek crossings I would like to put in bridges to make it easy to cross sides, in the summer they are completely dry but in winter it is muddy when trying to cross with side by side and only one of the crossings can I get a truck across during the summer.

requirements for the bridge will be to allow tractors, 3/4 ton truck etc not to exceed 10k lbs. most of the traffic will be UTV traffic. tractor, truck traffic will be as needed probably not more than once a month.

the crossings range from 3' to probably 7' across. I plan to make the bridges 10' wide and vary the length depending on the crossing length.

I have considered a couple different designs but wanted input from others that have already done this.

Idea 1 - telephone polls spanning the crossing with 2x6 decking screwed down

Idea 2 - used cross ties spanning the crossing with 2x6 decking screwed down

Idea 3 - build cattle guard out of 2-7/8 oil field pipe

Idea 4 - 4x6 or 6x6 boards spanning the crossing with 2x6 decking screwed down.

thanks for any help!

 

[Chewwy]

I have not done it but the previous property owner did.

The bridge was constructed in 1984 and is approx. 20 ft long constructed from creasoted power poles and 2x6s. The previous owner drove his 1/2 ton pickup over the bridge.

Unfortunately, they did NOT use treated 2x6s. The 2x6s have mostly rotted away but the creasoted power poles are still there and appear to be in good condition.

The previous owner had access to power poles thru their employer (power company), likely at a discount which may have influenced the choice of materials.

 

[bcp]

Fords, or scrap flatbed semi-trailers. Might get two or three short bridges from a long trailer.

Bruce

 

[2manyrocks]

Traditional method was to use white oak tree trunks plus white oak saw milled planks. You might look for a sawmill in your area and ask if they can saw some bridge planks for you.

I thought people usually went with three large trunks across the creek, but looking at the remains of a former creek bridge recently, I counted the remains of five trunks.

 

[KennyG]

Whatever route you take, you need to think carefully about the footings at the end of the bridges. You don't mention this but without a good footing like a deep poured concrete pier, it will move on you.

For dimensional treated lumber, 4x4 or 6x6 isn't the best choice. Depth gives you strength. Build it up with 2x8 or 2x10. You can find beam capacity charts for lumber on line.

 

[etpm]

Whatever route you take, you need to think carefully about the footings at the end of the bridges. You don't mention this but without a good footing like a deep poured concrete pier, it will move on you.

For dimensional treated lumber, 4x4 or 6x6 isn't the best choice. Depth gives you strength. Build it up with 2x8 or 2x10. You can find beam capacity charts for lumber on line.

Beam stiffness changes by the cube of the change. So a beam twice as tall is 8 times stiffer.
Eric

 

[Sportsman762]

the crossings range from 3' to probably 7' across. I plan to make the bridges 10' wide and vary the length depending on the crossing length.

Bridges are high maintenance and require very stout footings on each end. The bridge deck is only a part of the cost of the bridge, the footings on each end are were the money is at.
If your creeks are deep (5'+) I would perhaps consider a bridge. However what your stating a culvert would be a better choice. There is a reason that if the crossing is less than 20' highway departments use culverts over bridges, cost to install and cost to maintain are both lower. I have used railroad tank cars as a large culvert when needed, should last 50+ years.

I would also go 12' wide. A trailer can be 8.5' wide, with only 10' overall width your going to have 9" on each side. 9" is darned scary to take a trailer over.

Post some more details along with photos and measurements of each crossing and the folks here will be glad to give their 2 cents.

 

[bmaverick]

I have at least 5 creek crossings I would like to put in bridges to make it easy to cross sides, in the summer they are completely dry but in winter it is muddy when trying to cross with side by side and only one of the crossings can I get a truck across during the summer.

requirements for the bridge will be to allow tractors, 3/4 ton truck etc not to exceed 10k lbs. most of the traffic will be UTV traffic. tractor, truck traffic will be as needed probably not more than once a month.

the crossings range from 3' to probably 7' across. I plan to make the bridges 10' wide and vary the length depending on the crossing length.

I have considered a couple different designs but wanted input from others that have already done this.

Idea 1 - telephone polls spanning the crossing with 2x6 decking screwed down

Idea 2 - used cross ties spanning the crossing with 2x6 decking screwed down

Idea 3 - build cattle guard out of 2-7/8 oil field pipe

Idea 4 - 4x6 or 6x6 boards spanning the crossing with 2x6 decking screwed down.

thanks for any help!

Plan ideal-1 would work IF you will string more poles across. Do not use two and call it a day like this guy did.

I would do 4, here is 3.

Masonry is ideal at each end.

The best bridges are semi-trailer frames. Cost is sky high.
Or find on CraigsList old mobile homes that need to be removed. Then use the bottom frame.

 

[bmaverick]

 

[bmaverick]