Bridge Needed

[Amenz]

Anyone have any experience putting in a course that needed a foot bridge? I'm wondering what the costs are for like a 30-40 footer with no support posts in the middle.

[MrFixIt]

We used old phone poles (free, just had to pick them up from the local electric co). The trick was getting them across the creek. We rigged up some heavy ropes at the bases of trees, and used a tractor to winch them across.
Pressure treated 2x6 was then nailed across them for a sturdy bridge that will hold the weight of a small utility vehicle.

[Lewis]

PM Craigd in these forums. He is a deck builder and has experience building at least one bridge on a disc golf course this year.

[Amenz]

We used old phone poles (free, just had to pick them up from the local electric co). The trick was getting them across the creek. We rigged up some heavy ropes at the bases of trees, and used a tractor to winch them across.
Pressure treated 2x6 was then nailed across them for a sturdy bridge that will hold the weight of a small utility vehicle.

Did you have side rails? The water can be fast and deep under this proposed bridge.

[1978]

You'll want to secure it in case of flooding (fence stakes/rebar, concreted footers...and some park systems have rules based on the height of a bridge, what type of railings are needed...however, the power/phone pole works great and lasts forever. It is cheap and railings aren't much additional expense...less than $200 for nails/screws and the 2x6 pressure treated material (poles free) for a non railing bridge.

[Amenz]

So you're saying a few grand could get something sturdy and pretty?

[bwiese]

bridges need to be secured some how. I have seen bridges made of wood that are very heavy get picked up by flooding waters and taken 200 yds down stream.

[Amenz]

And this creek has been known to flood....

[ChrisKramer]

Is erosion of the banks a factor?

[Amenz]

Perhaps, it is a bit sandy.

[Timber]

Google your city, county or states GIS mapping service. They may have 100 year flood levels associated with their topographical information. Placing the footers two or three feet above the maximum flood stage will prevent wash outs.

If this span is too long for your poles, consider placing them on rock cribs with steps or access ramps. The water will flow around the cribs while the span stays high and dry. Several trail design, construction and maintenence websites should have info on stone filled wooden crib construction for single span stringer bridges.