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.

The Southcliff Community: Connecting through Bridges

York Bridge Concepts Vehicular with attached pedestrian timber bridge in Asheville, NC

Enhancing Nature, Functionality, & Community Living

Overview of the Southcliff Community & the Project

Nestled in the scenic hills of Asheville, North Carolina, Southcliff is a unique residential community known for its commitment to nature conservation and luxurious living. With a focus on preserving the natural landscape, Southcliff offers its residents the best of both worlds—a peaceful, nature-centric environment and modern conveniences. As the community expanded, it required enhanced infrastructure that complemented its aesthetic and functional needs.

This is where York Bridge Concepts (YBC) stepped in. As the nation’s premier timber bridge builder, YBC was entrusted with designing and constructing multiple timber bridges across the Southcliff community. These bridges were essential for vehicular and pedestrian movement while reflecting the beauty of the natural surroundings.

The project involved the construction of vehicular bridges with attached pedestrian walkways, varying in lengths from 23' to 70', as well as standalone vehicular bridges ranging between 25' and 45' in length. In addition, the community benefited from a stunning 66' pedestrian bridge designed for walkers, joggers, and nature lovers. These timber bridges would seamlessly blend with the forested landscape, enhancing the community's charm while meeting all functional requirements.

Specifications

Construction:
Ground Up
Span Type:
Free Span
Material:
CCA Treated Southern Yellow Pine & Douglas Fir
Foundation:
SYP Timber Piles & Abutments (Translucent Coated where exposed)
Stringers:
Douglas Fir Glulam Stringers (Acrylic/Polymer Coated where exposed)
Vehicular Deck System:
5" Translucent Coated Timber Deck
Pedestrian Deck System:
2.5" Translucent Coated Timber Deck
Guard Rail:
Decero™ Classic Design Series
Handrail:
Decero™ Picket Design Series
Crossing:
Streams

Vehicular w/ Ped Walkway

Vehicular Widths:
23'- 26'
(21' - 24' clear)
Pedestrian Widths:
6' (5' clear)
Lengths:
23' - 70'
Heights:
6'- 8' above grade
Capacity:
HS20-44 & 85 PSF

Vehicular

Widths:
23' (21' 5" clear)
Lengths:
25' - 45'
Heights:
8'- 12' above grade
Capacity:
HS20-44

Pedestrian

Width:
6' (5'7" clear)
Length:
66'
Height:
22' above grade
Capacity:
85 PSF
Construction:
Ground Up

Timber Bridges in the Southcliff Community: A Sustainable Choice

One of the most compelling reasons for selecting timber bridges for the Southcliff project was the need for sustainability. As a community that prioritizes the environment, it was essential that all new infrastructure align with its eco-friendly ethos. Timber, as a renewable and biodegradable material, was the ideal choice for bridge construction, offering not only structural strength but also minimal environmental impact.

York Bridge Concepts, known for its expertise in timber bridge construction, emphasized the environmental benefits of using timber. The material is harvested from sustainably managed forests, ensuring that the construction process leaves a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional materials like steel or concrete. Timber bridges also offer superior adaptability to natural settings, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the lush, wooded landscape of Southcliff.

Beyond environmental concerns, timber's durability and aesthetic appeal made it the preferred material. Timber’s natural beauty complements Southcliff’s outdoor aesthetic, providing an organic yet sturdy infrastructure solution that supports the community’s lifestyle and environmental values.

Southcliff community vehicular bridge in Asheville, NC design-built by York Bridge Concepts

Vehicular and Pedestrian Bridges: Engineering and Design Excellence

York Bridge Concepts designed and constructed multiple bridges across the Southcliff community to serve both vehicular and pedestrian needs.

Vehicular Bridges with Pedestrian Walkways: The range of vehicular bridges, spanning lengths between 23' to 70', played a critical role in ensuring smooth traffic flow within the community. These bridges were designed not only for durability and safety but also for aesthetic integration with their surroundings. Many of these vehicular bridges included attached pedestrian walkways, enhancing accessibility for residents who enjoy walking through the neighborhood while ensuring they remain safe from vehicle traffic.
Standalone Vehicular Bridges: The project also included standalone bridges that were specifically designed for vehicles, ranging from 25' to 45'. These bridges were engineered to withstand the weight of various types of vehicles while providing a smooth driving experience.
66' Pedestrian Bridge: One of the highlights of the project was the 66' pedestrian bridge, which became a centerpiece of Southcliff’s walking trail network. Designed for safety and comfort, this bridge allowed residents to enjoy scenic views while staying connected to various parts of the community. The pedestrian bridge, like all YBC structures, was crafted to withstand weather conditions while requiring minimal maintenance.

Each bridge in the Southcliff project exemplified YBC’s attention to design excellence and structural integrity. Using the natural beauty of timber, the bridges enhanced the overall aesthetic of the community while being engineered to meet the rigorous safety and functional requirements of modern infrastructure.

Southcliff Vehicular Timber Bridge in Asheville, NC

York Bridge Concepts’ Signature Design and Construction Methods

YBC is renowned for its custom timber bridge systems, which use a combination of advanced engineering and superior craftsmanship to create bridges that are as durable as they are beautiful. For the Southcliff project, YBC collaborated closely with architects, engineers, and community planners to design bridges that met Southcliff’s specific needs while maintaining environmental harmony.

York Bridge Concepts employed its patented bridge-building techniques, which involved the use of specially treated timber designed to resist rot, insects, and harsh weather conditions. This advanced treatment process ensures that the timber bridges are highly durable and require little maintenance, making them a cost-effective solution for long-term infrastructure development.

Furthermore, YBC’s commitment to reducing environmental impact during construction meant that the bridges were built with minimal disruption to the natural landscape. This aligned perfectly with Southcliff’s vision of creating a residential community that works in harmony with nature.

Durability and Longevity: Built for Generations

The timber bridges at Southcliff were constructed with durability as a top priority. YBC’s proprietary wood treatment methods ensure that the timber used is highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, significantly extending the lifespan of each bridge. This is particularly important in Asheville, where the climate can vary from hot and humid summers to cold and wet winters.

YBC's timber bridges are also designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including heavy rainstorms and fluctuating temperatures. This weather-resistant quality, combined with the use of sustainably sourced timber, ensures that the Southcliff bridges will serve the community for many years with minimal maintenance costs.

Connecting the Southcliff infrastructure with York Bridge Concepts

A Community Asset: Enhancing Southcliff’s Infrastructure and Lifestyle

The timber bridges constructed by YBC are more than just infrastructure; they are community assets that enhance the overall lifestyle of Southcliff residents. Not only do these bridges make the community more accessible, but they also elevate property values by adding to the aesthetic appeal of the area.

These bridges contribute to the Southcliff residents' outdoor lifestyle, encouraging more walking, jogging, and leisurely drives through the scenic neighborhood. The pedestrian bridge, in particular, has become a popular feature, allowing residents to safely traverse the community while enjoying the beauty of the natural surroundings.

The timber pedestrian bridge in Southcliff Community design-built by YBC

Conclusion: York Bridge Concepts’ Continued Commitment to Excellence

York Bridge Concepts' work at Southcliff represents the perfect blend of engineering excellence and environmental responsibility. With a focus on sustainability, durability, and aesthetic appeal, YBC’s timber bridges are a testament to the company’s dedication to building infrastructure that harmonizes with the natural world. Southcliff residents can enjoy these beautiful, functional bridges for generations to come, thanks to the innovative work of YBC.