Bridges are some of the most photographed structures in many cities. With their arches, sweeping curves, or impressive spans, they draw the eye and command attention. It’s not a surprise that a community’s bridges are often seen as a core part of its identity.
When designing and building bridges, communities that think beyond pure function can reap many benefits. By investing in a bridge’s aesthetics, communities can turn their vital infrastructure into a landmark that inspires local pride and attracts more visitors.
County Prestress & Precast offers customizable bridge components to meet the structural and aesthetic goals of a community. Design elements can be incorporated during the casting process, such as using formliners to create the appearance of natural stone or hand-laid brick.
These custom formwork solutions allow for striking designs without sacrificing durability or installation efficiency.
Our production teams are experienced with custom formwork, and our bridge solutions add character to the infrastructure of many communities.
For example, the Galesburg community in Northern Illinois chose to use custom forms for the three-track East Main Street Underpass. Visitors to the downtown business district are greeted by the message “Welcome to Galesburg,” cast into the concrete of the center bridge girder. The pier caps were also cast with a natural stone texture that enhances the town’s Midwest charm.
Similarly, the Third Street Bridge in Hobart, Indiana, made aesthetics a high priority in the replacement of a low bridge leading into the town center. They relied on County Prestress & Precast’s ArchCast Precast Bridge System to improve boating access and mitigate flood risk. The wing walls and head walls include a red brick exterior made with custom formliners to complement the rustic character of the town.
The ability to enhance prestressed and precast components with textures and design elements is just one of many reasons Departments of Transportation and industry professionals turn to concrete as their bridge material of choice.
Learn more about County Prestress & Precast’s bridge and prestress products by contacting our Customer Service Team
