Why Choose Timber for Your Vehicular Bridge?

The longevity and durability of timber is unparalleled: properly treated timber will not crack or crumble like concrete, will not rust like steel and can be used in any environment, regardless of climate. 

Timber has been used for hundreds of years to build bridges.  Fortunately, treatments and craftsmanship methods have greatly improved during that time.  Unfortunately, the stigma remains that timber is not durable and doesn't survive years of repeated use.   If you have only seen old, decaying structures built using less-than-adequate craftsmanship methods, York bridges may just change your mind about timber. 

YBC puts to use the newest technology in treatments, which protect your wood against rotting, shrinking, twisting, insect attack and everyday exposure to the elements.  Our experienced field carpenters adhere to the highest standards of craftsmanship when building your bridge - nothing less than excellent is acceptable for our team.  YBC is so confident in the longevity and durability of timber that we offer an industry leading 10 year written structural warranty on all products.  Some of the other benefits of timber are clear:

Low maintenance

No bridge is maintenance-free.  However, the maintenance required on a York Timber Bridge is greatly minimized and easy to perform.  You will never have to paint or worry about rusting rebar that you cannot repair.  Our use of the proper materials means that rusty connections or any rotting, shrinking, twisting, cracking, or cupping is at the absolute minimum.

Longevity

Timber is a time-tested solution.  More than 1,000 Timber Vehicular Bridges at least 90 years old are still in service throughout the U.S. 

Durability

Timber can meet the same structural requirements as any other building material, such as conformance with AASHTO HS20-44 or HL-93 standards and greater when required.  This designation means that York Timber Vehicular bridges are suitable for continuous traffic of 3-4 axle vehicles. 

Versatility

A York Timber Vehicular Bridge can be built with various types of guiderails, roof designs, lumber types (including composites), span types, as well as numerous other options.  YBC can easily incorporate elevation changes into the design.  You will not be limited to only a few options due to the inflexibility of the material.

Cost competitive

Industry analysts report that global demand has caused the prices of steel and concrete to skyrocket, while the price of timber has remained relatively stable.  Adding to the cost savings is the flexibility in design that timber offers.  When permitted, YBC designs and builds a cost-effective combination span, saving valuable budgetary dollars. 

Aesthetics

Timber Vehicular Bridges add a naturally beautiful element; the warm look and feel of timber cannot be duplicated by steel or concrete.  A Timber Bridge easily blends into the existing environment and enriches the surrounding area, making it the signature for your development.

Time savings

The lead times and limited availability of concrete is constraining; steel must be fabricated.  Timber, a readily available resource, will not delay your project.

Environmentally friendly

Studies show that reserves of Southern Yellow Pine and Douglas Fir, our most common building materials, are being replaced at 4 times the rate at which they are being consumed.  Wood contributes far fewer greenhouse gas emissions than steel and concrete.  Our timber pilings can be driven into almost any environment, and are often approved for permits when steel pilings are not.