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.

Brookview at Citrus Park Vehicular Bridges - Tampa, FL

Brookview at Citrus Park: A Bridge in Harmony with Nature

It began with a vision in Tampa, Florida. Developers dreamed of a luxury community nestled in the verdant scenery of Brookview at Citrus Park. Yet this serene landscape held a challenge: residents would need a bridge to cross a vibrant ecosystem of wetlands and creeks—natural sanctuaries teeming with life.

This was no simple feat. Typical construction might bulldoze through the beauty, disturbing habitats and uprooting native flora. But York Bridge Concepts (YBC) approached the project differently, not as a disruption but as an invitation to build in harmony with nature. Their plan was bold: a bridge that would do more than connect—it would coexist, honor the landscape, and enhance the lives it touched.

Specifications

Vehicular Width:
30’ (28’ clear)
Pedestrian Width:
6’ 2” (5’ clear)
Length:
120’ & 150’
Height:
11' above grade
Capacity:
HS 20-44 / 85 PSF
Construction:
Deck Level
Span Type:
Multiple Span
Span Lengths:
(2) 14’, (4) 15’, (1) 30’ (2) 14’, (5) 15’, (1) 45’
Material:
CCA/CA-C Treated Southern Yellow Pine
Foundation:
Timber Piles & Abutments (Acrylic/Polymer Coated where exposed)
Stringers:
SYP Rough Sawn & Glulam Stringers (Acrylic/Polymer Coated where exposed)
Vehicular Deck System:
5-1/2” Timber Deck
Pedestrian Deck System:
1-½” Timber Deck
Crossing:
Flood Plain
Guard Rail:
Decero™ Classic Design Series
Handrail:
Decero™ Scenic Wire Mesh Design Series

"Residents and guests are impressed with the superb design and superior execution of these York Bridges. They blend perfectly with the surrounding structures and apartment buildings, adding an aesthetic that we would not have seen with any other material."
Thomas Wright, Development Construction Manager
Arlington Construction Services, LLC

A New Kind of Bridge In Tampa, FL

From the outset, YBC envisioned a timber bridge rooted in sustainability, one that would honor the environment and blend seamlessly with Brookview’s upscale architecture. Rather than clear-cutting or rerouting waterways, YBC adopted Deck-Level Construction, a method they had perfected for projects sensitive to environmental balance. This approach minimized disturbance, preserving delicate habitats and allowing the landscape to breathe even as the bridge took shape.

With this innovative construction method, YBC laid the groundwork—literally. The bridge was carefully assembled at deck level, reducing the need for heavy machinery and sparing the land beneath. In doing so, YBC avoided the costly and invasive environmental mitigation processes that often follow traditional bridge builds.

Brookview at Citrus Park aerial view of timber vehicular bridge in Tampa, FL built by York Bridge Concepts

Colors of the Landscape, Shapes of the Community

As construction progressed, the bridge began to echo the colors and textures of its surroundings. YBC carefully chose hues that matched the warm tans and greys of the natural Tampa palette, with dashes of tropical blues and oranges reminiscent of nearby sunsets and skies. This thoughtful palette meant the bridge wouldn’t stand as a stark reminder of human intervention but rather as a graceful extension of the natural and built environments.

Brookview At Citrus Park colors and features of YBC's Legacy Trim to match Architectural features of the community

Subtle but striking features brought further elegance to the structure: scenic wire mesh railings opened up views of the creek below, and black post caps added sophistication, mirroring the aesthetic of Brookview’s luxury residences. Every detail was designed to make the bridge both beautiful and durable, a reflection of the neighborhood’s quality and the environment’s enduring strength.

A Material Built for the Ages

To meet the Florida climate and the demands of vehicular traffic, YBC selected Southern Yellow Pine—a renewable, resilient wood treated with CCA/CA-C to withstand weather, decay, and even pests. This choice wasn’t just practical but ethical; sourcing sustainable wood aligned with the bridge’s purpose to preserve, not exploit, the environment.

YBC added extra layers of protection through acrylic and polymer coatings, ensuring the bridge could stand strong through Tampa’s seasons, rain, or shine. Through these treatments, the wood would resist decay, promising a lifespan of over 75 years and showing that eco-conscious choices could indeed meet rigorous standards for durability.

Substructure of The Brookview At Citrus Park timber vehicular bridge project by York Bridge Concepts

YBC Is Leading The Engineering the Path Forward For Timber Bridge Building

Underneath this beautiful facade lay a robust engineering feat. YBC’s engineers crafted a bridge strong enough to support HS 20-44 vehicular traffic standards while balancing across the sensitive floodplain. Timber piles and glulam stringers provided foundational strength, distributing the load across multiple spans to safeguard the structure against Florida’s intense weather cycles.

Brookview At Citrus Park HS20-44 timber vehicular bridge with a fully loaded front loader.

The bridge wasn’t just an infrastructure marvel; it was a new kind of bridge for a new era, one that married form with function and strength with sensitivity. Residents could cross knowing their bridge wasn’t merely a path but a partner to the environment.

A Community and Landscape Transformed By York Bridge Concepts & Brookview Companies

As the final touches were placed and the bridge opened, Brookview’s residents found that their commute had become something more—a daily journey over a bridge that felt alive, rooted in the same soil that nourished their community.

This was more than a structure; it was a reflection of Brookview at Citrus Park itself: a harmonious blend of luxury living and ecological respect. YBC’s innovative approach showed what could happen when construction companies see themselves as stewards of the land rather than conquerors. And for YBC, it was another step forward, a commitment to not only build but to honor, preserve, and enhance.