FRP Cantilever Sidewalk Solves Weighty Problem For OGS Crew Forced to Close High-traffic Pedestrian Bridge Walkway
A State of New York, Office of General Services (OGS) crew was left with a weighty problem when the routine 2017 inspection of a 17-year-old pedestrian bridge walkway in downtown Albany revealed deterioration due to salt and ice. The sidewalk crossing [near I-787] serves as a vital link between Department of Environmental Conservation, Parks and Recreation, Empire State Development and Environmental Facilities Corporation and Annex OGS offices and Water Street parking lots, supporting daily foot traffic of nearly 700 state employees. To eliminate the need for multiple shutdowns, OGS decided to replace all components of the 716 ft. structure. OGS also decided to enlarge the sidewalk. But traditional concrete proved too heavy for the vehicle bridge structure. Lightweight concrete was considered and discarded as a viable solution. An internet search led OGS to Composite Advantage’s Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) FiberSPAN-C cantilever sidewalk system. The high-strength, lightweight, corrosion resistant decking proved to be an ideal alternative. Read more>>>