Can wood be recycled or reused at the end of its life?

Absolutely. Wood is highly recyclable, and timber from decommissioned bridges can be repurposed for new projects. If not repurposed, wood can biodegrade naturally, unlike steel or concrete, which require energy-intensive processes for disposal.

Discover the Timber Bridge at Nicola Pizza in Lewes, Delaware

Nicola Pizza pedestrian bridge in Lewes, DE by York Bridge Concepts

Nicola Pizza Family Restaurant- Lewes, DE

Nicola Pizza pedestrian bridge decking by York Bridge Concepts

Nicola Pizza, Lewes, DE - A Landmark Timber Bridge Experience

From Entryway to Experience

At York Bridge Concepts, we believe infrastructure should delight just as much as it functions. The Nicola Pizza project in Lewes, Delaware, is a perfect embodiment of that philosophy. What began as a straightforward pedestrian access requirement evolved into a signature feature--an inviting timber boardwalk that captivates customers and enhances the ambiance of the retail center.

Rather than merely delivering a crossing, we created an entrance: a pathway over water, a vantage point to pause, rest, and admire. That transformation from necessity to attraction is what sets this project apart. Below, we explore how we achieved it--from the challenge and technical decisions to the user experience, sustainability elements, and broader lessons for retail and landscapes projects.

Specifications

Width:
16' (12' clear)
Length:
32'
Height:
3' above grade
Capacity:
90 PSF
Construction:
Ground Level
Span Type:
Repetitive Span
Material:
Southern Yellow Pine/Jatoba
Foundation:
Timber Piles (Coated where Exposed)
Stringers:
SYP S4S Stringers (Translucent Oil Based Coated where Exposed)
Deck System:
1” Hardwood Deck
Handrail:
Wire Mesh Design Series
Crossing:
Rain Garden

Download Spec Sheet

Project Background & Strategic Goals

Context & Site Conditions

Nicola Pizza sits within a retail center in Lewes, Delaware, part of the Ocean One Plaza development. The site included a small decorative pond or water feature between the parking and the restaurant entrance, creating a natural barrier but also a design opportunity.

In years past, customers might traverse around or via indirect routes, lessening the sense of arrival. The client asked: How can we guide visitors more directly, safely, and memorably from parking to front door, without disturbing the landscape or resorting to intrusive concrete ramps?

Objectives & Client Expectations

Key goals for the project included:

Improved walkability & flow: Enable a direct, ADA-friendly pedestrian route.
Brand enhancement & visual interest: Make the entrance itself part of the experience.
Harmony with existing landscape: Design the bridge to blend with the architecture, water, plantings and site context.
Durability in coastal/humid climate: Select materials and details that will resist decay, moisture, insects, and UV stress.
Sustainable practices: Use responsibly sourced materials, minimize ecological impact, and optimize long-term maintenance.

From day one, we treated the job not as a simple walkway but as a micro-architectural intervention: a small bridge that would deliver big impressions.

Nicola Pizza Timber Materials and Finish

Design & Structural Features

Dimensions and Load Performance

To meet code, usability, and aesthetics, the bridge was designed with these specifications:

Overall width: 16ft (with 12 ft of clear walking space)
Length (span): 32ft
Elevation: Approximately 3ft above grade
Design live load: 90 lbs per square foot (PSF)
Span type: Repetitive span
Crossing type: At ground level, crossing decorative pond/water feature

These numbers reflect how YBC balances human scale, structural robustness, and visual openness.

Structural System & Materials

We drew from a palette of engineered timber and hardwood components selected for performance in humid, coastal settings.

Component

Materials

Details/Treatment

Substructure / stringers

Southern Yellow Pine (SYP), S4S

Oil-coated in exposed areas for added protection

Decking

1" Jatoba hardwood

Dense, wear-resistant, naturally beautiful

Foundation / piles

Timber piles (coated where exposed)

Minimal obstruction, open views to water and landscaping

Stringers & Decking: The SYP stringers carry the primary bending loads, while the hardwood decking sits atop them. To protect against moisture, fungal decay, and insect attack, we applied oil-based coatings to exposed surfaces, and for portions subject to splash or exposure, additional protection or coatings were used.

Foundations & Piles: The timber piles were embedded to an appropriate depth and treated/coated where above grade to resist water exposure. The design ensures that the structure is supported on solid ground or subsoil strata and that long-term stability is maintained.

Handrail & Safety Features: We adopted a wire mesh rail system to keep sightlines open, giving users the sensation of being on a light, airy bridge rather than a bulky crossing. The design meets rail height and safety codes while maximizing transparency.

Integration with Rain Garden & Landscaping

One of the clever, site-sensitive touches was aligning the bridge to cross the pond and simultaneously overlaid with a rain garden beneath. This allowed us to:

Maintain natural hydrology and stormwater capture
Beautify the space beneath with native plantings, attracting interest and softening the visual "underside"
Conceal structural elements and moderate water aesthetics

By weaving the bridge into the landscape rather than imposing over it, we achieved harmony, not intrusion.

Visual & Material Harmony

We paid close attention to the surrounding architecture, color schemes, and landscape palette:

The warm tone of Jatoba and oil-coated pine echoed the warmer accents of the retail center facade.
Minimal visible fasteners and hardware help the bridge feel clean and hand-crafted.
Angles, transitions, and sightlines were studied so that from vehicle, parking, and walkway approaches the structure feels natural and purposeful.
Lighting, seating, and accent features (benches, planters) were carefully coordinated.

Creating An Integration into the Retail Center

York Bridge Concepts designed the bridge to blend seamlessly with the existing architecture and natural elements of the retail center. The timber bridge serves as a natural extension of the walkways, integrating flawlessly with the landscape and enhancing the cohesive look of the environment. Its strategic placement over the decorative pond turns a simple crossing into a highlight of the visit, encouraging patrons to pause and enjoy the scenery.

Construction & Installation

Preconstruction & Detailing

Before arriving on site, we conducted:

Soil and geotechnical investigations to determine bearing capacities for piles
Hydrologic and drainage modeling to align bridge and rain garden above the pond
Detailed shop drawings and 3D modeling so all timber cuts, joinery, fasteners, and anchoring could be pre-coordinated

Because timber elements are susceptible to dimensional changes under moisture swing, we allowed tolerance zones and deliberate spacing for shrinkage/expansion in critical joints.

On-Site Assembly

While the project footprint was modest, construction demanded tight coordination:

Pile driving or preparation was executed first, ensuring solid foundations without disturbing adjacent pavers or landscaping
Structural stringers were placed and aligned carefully, with precise leveling to match approach slabs
Deck boards were installed sequentially, with spacing for drainage and expansion gaps
Handrails, wire mesh, and finishing trim were added last
During installation, protective coverings and logistical staging protected surrounding retail and restaurant operations from debris.

One advantage of working with timber is that elements can be prefabricated and delivered for efficient onsite assembly--reducing construction duration and impact.

Quality Assurance & Finish

To ensure high performance, we implemented:

Moisture content checks on timber upon delivery
Fastener torque checks and inspection
Sealant/coating application according to manufacturer timing (post-assembly where necesary)
Final inspection for code compliance, ADA access, railing integrity, and finish consistency

Even minor elements like bench seating under the bridge were treated as part of the architectural composition.

Nicola Pizza pedestrian bridge/boardwalk built by York Bridge Concepts in Lewes, DE

User Experience & Aesthetics

Arrival & Approach

Visitors arriving by car or foot now see a clear, direct path leading to Nicola Pizza's entrance. The bridge draws attention, signaling "walk this way" rather than hiding or circumventing obstacles.

As they cross, the gentle sound of water beneath, filtered light through handrails, and glimpses of plantings in the rain garden engage the senses. Users don't just transit; they engage.

Pause & Recline

Benches and seating integrated near the bridge encourage patrons to linger--whether waiting for others, enjoying the ambiance, or snapping photos. The bridge becomes not only a connector but a decision.

Visual Appeal & Focal Point

Over time, the bridge has become one of the most photographed features in the retail center. It's a landmark for visitors, a talking point for customer, and a differentiator for Nicola Pizza in Lewes.

Because it blends structure with nature, the bridge works both day and evening (with subtle lighting), enhancing the ambiance of the plaza after dusk.

Safety & Comfort

Pedestrian safety, clear walkways, and railings meet or exceed code requirements. The width ensures two-way traffic without crowding. The wire mesh rail gives security without blocking views.

The use of durable hardwood decking ensures underfoot comfort, traction, and longevity under heavy use and seasonal weather swings.

Sustainability At YBC's Core

Sustainability is a cornerstone of York Bridge Concepts’ philosophy. The timber used in the bridge construction is sourced from responsibly managed forests, and the treatment processes minimize environmental impact. By choosing materials that are both eco-friendly and durable, the bridge minimizes the need for frequent replacements or repairs, further reducing its ecological footprint.

Sustainability & Lifespan Strategy

Responsible Sourcing & Environmental Stewardship

Timber was sourced from responsibly managed forests, minimizing ecological damage and promoting renewable supply chains
Treatments and coatings were selected for low environmental impact, avoiding heavy toxic preservatives where possible
The design's inherent durability reduces the need for frequent replacements, coatings, or treatments, which in turn reduces life-cycle ecological cost.

Maintenance Strategy & Protective Measures

A key component of sustainability is ensuring that the bridge stays strong and appealing over time. Best practices include:

Periodic inspection (biannual or annual) of fasteners, rail connections, deck board integrity
Recoating of exposed surfaces before finish degradation--using oil-based penetrants or appropriate sealants
Replacement of individual deck planks or components rather than full rebuilds when wear is localized
Cleaning of pond, drainage, or rain garden systems to avoid debris accumulation
Monitoring of timber moisture, checking for insect damage or fungal staining

With proper care, a timber bridge of this quality can last 50 to 75+ years--and sometimes longer--provided maintenance is proactive.

Climate Resilience & Durability

Because Lewes, Delaware is subject to coastal humidity, precipitation, freeze-thaw cycles, and possibly storms, the design accommodated:

Elevated clearances to manage flood or stormwater elevation
Water drainage gaps and slope to avoid ponding
Robust anchoring to resist uplift or lateral loads (wind, freeze action)
Use of dense hardwood decking (Jatoba) resistant to wear, fungal attack, and insect intrusion
Regular maintenance to protect coatings from UV degradation

These choices together prolong service life and minimize lifecycle costs.

Becoming a Focal Point for the Ocean One Plaza Center

Since its completion, the bridge has become more than just a pathway to Nicola Pizza—it has evolved into a focal point for the entire retail center. It attracts visitors with its elegant design and the tranquil sounds of the water beneath, making it a popular spot for photographs and relaxation. The added bench seating encourages guests to linger, turning the bridge into a destination in itself and enhancing the overall customer experience.

Nicola Pizza storefront with the pedestrian bridge built by York Bridge Concepts in Lewes, DE

Bringing The Vision Into Reality

Marketing, Branding & Place-making Lessons

The timber bridge boardwalk at Nicola Pizza exemplifies how York Bridge Concepts can transform ordinary pathways into extraordinary experiences. It not only solves practical problems but also enhances the beauty and functionality of public spaces. For architects, engineers, land developers, and business owners looking to elevate a property’s appeal and utility, York Bridge Concepts offers the expertise and creativity needed to turn vision into reality.

Bridge as Brand Statement

By turning the walkway itself into a distinctive asset, Nicola Pizza gains not just functional access but lasting marketing value. Architects, guests, and marketing materials will reference "the bridge" as a unique identifier--an asset in photography, signage, and place identity.

Value Perception & Customer Experience

Walking into a restaurant over water, through a landscaped environment, elevates the customer's perception of that dining experience. The approach feels thoughtful, premium, and cared for--which subtly raises perceived value before customers even sit down.

Social Media "Instagrammable" Appeal

In an era when visitors often share their experience online, a design-rich pedestrian crossing becomes a backdrop for user content: selfies, group shots, ambient lighting, ambient lighting, architecture. The bridge's visual appeal helps make the restaurant and plaza more memorable and shareable.

Replicable Model for Retail & Mixed-Use

For retail developers or restauranteurs considering similar enhancements, the Nicola Pizza bridge illustrates a replicable model:

Elevate a simple walkway to an experiential feature
Use high-quality, weather-appropriate materials
Integrate landscape water features and gardens
Provide for seating, lighting, view corridors
Use the structure as branding, not just utility

In mixed-use, multi-tenant, or redevelopment settings, small architectural gestures like this can distinguish a property in competitive retail markets.

Challenges, Lessons Learned & Best Practices

No project is without challenges. In executing Nicola Pizza's timber bridge, we confronted and resolved several issues that offer lessons for future work:

1. Moisture & Wood Movement

Timber expands and contracts with humidity. It was critical to allow joint tolerances and expansion gaps--especially under Delaware's seasonal humidity swings. Overlooking that leads to cupping, warping, or splitting.

2. Inspection Access & Hidden Components

Some frames, piles, and connectors are inevitably hidden once the bridge is in use. We ensured accessible inspection ports or removable elements so future assessment and maintenance could proceed without destructive demolition.

3. Coating & Finish Timing

Applying finishes too early (before proper curing or moisture equalization) can lock in stresses; waiting too long invites deterioration. We sequenced coating applications to protect surfaces while allowing natural settling, moisture release, and proper adhesion.

4. Construction Tolerances & Alignment

Bridge spans must align precisely with approach slabs or grade changes. Minor misalignment leads to awkward transitions, drainage problems, or visual mismatches. We held tight tolerances, used leveling jigs, and coordinated aggressively with general contractor grade tolerances.

5. Coordination with Landscape & Utilities

We had to coordinate with underground utilities, irrigation lines, lighting conduits, and adjacent plantings. Early collaboration with civil, MEP, and landscape teams prevented costly conflicts during actual build-out.

6. Budget & Stakeholder Buy-In

A bridge of this quality will cost more than a simple ramp or concrete walk. Because the client embraced design as marketing and branding, we were able to justify the investment. In stakeholder discussions, we emphasized long-term value, maintenance savings, and branding lift.

Nicola Pizza X-Frame handrail built by York Bridge Concepts in Lewes, DE

Performance & Legacy Impact

Since its completion, the bridge has delivered well beyond its function:

Foot traffic improvement: More direct, attractive pedestrian routing has increased walk-in traffic to Nicola Pizza.
Perceptual uplift: Visitors often comment on how the approach feels "special," creating a mental brand association of quality.
Photographic focal point: The bridge is a frequent subject in visitors' photos, social media check-ins, and marketing images.
Longevity testing: Over seasons, the bridge continues to perform with minimal maintenance, validating the material selection, coating systems, and drainage design.
Expansion potential: The bridge design has become a reference point for future site enhancements or extensions in adjacent parcels.

For York Bridge Concepts, this project stands not only as a successful case study but as a showcase of how small crossings can carry outsized impact.

Nicola Pizza pedestrian bridge over pond built by York Bridge Concepts in Lewes, DE

Why Choose YBC (York Bridge Concepts) for Projects Like This

Nicola Pizza is one among many--but it exemplifies the robust capabilities and value YBC brings to the table:

Integrated design + construction expertise -- We engineer, fabricate, and install, giving clients streamlined accountability and quality control.
Specialization in timber and composite crossings -- Because we focus deeply in this niche, we bring refined expertise in spanning, detailing, protection, and aesthetics.
Sustainability mindset -- We source responsibly, optimize durability, and reduce lifecycle impact.
Client-driven innovation -- We don't just solve problems; we ask: how could this be better? How might it delight?
Long-term support -- Maintenance plans, inspection regimes, and adaptation have always been part of the handoff.
Proven track record -- From boardwalks through wetland trails to vehicular timber bridges, our portfolio spans many scales and contexts.

If you are an architect, developer, city planner, or property owner looking to elevate your next crossing--whether pedestrian walkway, site connector, boardwalk, or landmark bridge--York Bridge Concepts is ready to bring function, beauty, and longevity into harmony.