After repeated flooding destroyed their only access road, three homeowners installed a 40-ft timber bridge over the failing structure—saving hundreds of thousands of dollars.
SL40-12
Model
40 ft × 13 ft
Span × Width
Overlay
Install Method
HS-20 (40-ton)
Design Load
After repeated severe flooding, three homeowners in the Baltimore suburbs installed a 40-ft stress-laminated timber bridge overtop of the failing 19-ft structure—saving hundreds of thousands of dollars compared to on-site construction.
Three residences in the suburbs of Baltimore, MD all share a common private driveway that crosses a stream feeding into the Patapsco River.
After historic regional flooding in 2016 and 2018, the homeowners' only right-of-way was in jeopardy of being cut off by an impending failure of a badly damaged 19-foot bridge. Visitors and delivery trucks expressed concern about crossing, and the local fire marshal could no longer certify the bridge as safe for emergency access.
Phase 1
The Failing Structure
The original 19-foot bridge was showing advanced structural failure after years of severe flooding, leaving the homeowners' only access road at risk of collapse.
The Search for a Solution
Over the next several years, the homeowners spent thousands of dollars in engineering suitability studies and preliminary design drawings.
Contractors submitted quotes ranging from $400k to over $1 million to construct a custom bridge on site.
Finding the quotes incompatible with their budget, the homeowners began investigating alternatives. They inquired about used bridges, and even considered purchasing two decommissioned flatbed rail cars to install as a makeshift crossing. They also contacted contractors who build bridges for golf courses and parks.
One homeowner, Alex, eventually stumbled upon the concept of portable timber bridges designed to service commercial operations. Alex submitted an inquiry to E&H Manufacturing as to whether the portable bridge decks were suitable for permanent installation.
Alex worked with Mike Hackl on the plausibility of the installation and the concrete work and site prep that would be required to affix the bridge decks to permanent abutments. The homeowners were quoted a price much more in line with their budgets.
Upon further research and discussions, the homeowners selected a 40-ft SL40-12 pre-engineered timber-and-steel bridge from E&H Manufacturing—an approach that would allow permanent installation over the existing structure while avoiding complex permitting and major in-stream construction.
Mike even drove 3+ hours to the site and spoke with the local general contractor who was selected to perform the concrete and installation work.
Phase 2
Site Prep & Concrete Approaches
Crews built reinforced concrete approaches on both sides of the existing crossing, raising the grade and creating solid bearing seats for the new panels.
Fabrication & Delivery
Back in West Virginia, Mike sent frequent updates and pictures as the decks were tensioned and painted.
In accordance with the homeowners' wishes, Mike arranged for 4×4″ steel box tubing to be welded to the sides of the bridge decks at 8-foot-on-center intervals to account for posts and railings to be added. He also arranged for a third-party transport company to deliver the bridge decks.
Mike was a pleasure to work with and an attentive thought partner throughout the project.
Two excavators work in tandem to set the bridge panels directly over the existing structure, avoiding the need for full removal and complex permitting.
Phase 3
Panel Placement & Finished Bridge
Each pre-engineered panel was lifted into place using excavators and secured to the new concrete footings, forming a continuous 13-ft deck width with a 12-ft drivable surface.
The Result
Construction concluded in November 2022 with three satisfied households who spent only a fraction of what they feared they might spend on in situ construction.
Three years later, the structure shows no meaningful signs of wear, and has carried everything from everyday residential traffic to moving trucks to heavy construction equipment and cranes.
The local fire marshal has certified the crossing as AASHTO rated for heavy fire equipment.
With the bridge panels fully installed and secured, the final result is a permanent, low-maintenance crossing that restores safe access for the residents while blending naturally into the wooded setting.
The homeowners could not be happier with their choice and fully endorse E&H's solution for permanent residential bridge installations.
Facing a similar access problem?
Our pre-engineered timber bridges can overlay existing structures, install in days, and are rated for up to 80,000 lbs. Get a quote for your project.
