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.

Connect Nature & Community: Waynesboro’s Virginia Trail Bridge

Waynesboro Pedestrian Trail Bridge

A Timeless Connection Along The South River

In the heart of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, lies the town of Waynesboro--a community rich with natural beauty, history, and ambition. In 2001, Waynesboro began a visionary journey to build a multi-phased greenway system that would blend outdoor recreation, ecological conservation, and small-town charm. That vision found its structural heart in the Waynesboro Pedestrian Trail Bridge--an eco-friendly bridge design-built by York Bridge Concepts (YBC).

The bridge isn't just a crossing over the South River--it's a connection between people, parks, and places. As the Virginia trail bridge continues to grow in prominence, the bridge has become a hallmark of Waynesboro's commitment to sustainability, wellness, and community vibrancy.

Specifications

Width:
12’ (11’ clear)
(2) 2’x8’ Cantilevered Wideouts
Length:
40'
Height:
8' above grade
Capacity:
90 PSF
Construction:
Ground Up
Span Type:
Free Span
Material:
CCA/CA-C Treated Southern Yellow Pine
Foundation:
Timber Piles & Abutments (Acrylic/Polymer Coated where exposed)
Stringers:
SYP Glulam Stringers (Acrylic/Polymer Coated where exposed)
Deck System:
2.5” Timber Deck
Handrail:
Decero™ Picket Design Series
Crossing:
River Inlet

"We have gotten several compliments on the bridge. It really pops with the protective coatings. We will definitely use YBC the next time we have this type of project."
- Pat, S & K Excavating, Inc.

Waynesboro, VA South River Greenway Trail map

bridging a Vision: The South River Greenway

The South River Greenway was born from a dream to increase access to the town's most precious resource: the South River. Home to trout-filled waters, riparian eco-systems, and scenic beauty, the South River provides both recreation and reflection for residents and visitors alike. The greenway project, now expanding annually, is a carefully phased initiative designed to create a continuous pedestrian and bicycle route linking downtown Waynesboro with outlying parks, nature trails, and public amenities.

To realize this dream, the city needed a crossing structure that would reflect the spirit of the community, respect the sensitivity of the riverine environment, and provide reliable, safe passage for generations to come. The found that ideal partner in York Bridge Concepts, the national leader in premium trail bridges and environmentally friendly infrastructure.

Aerial picture of a runner crossing the Waynesboro, Virginia pedestrian trail bridge design-built by York Bridge Concepts

Virginia Trail Bridge: Inspired by Nature, Designed with Intent

The Decero™ Design Studio at York Bridge Concepts approached the Waynesboro Trail Bridge Project with a sense of purpose--and admiration for the town's character. Decero, meaning "from scratch," is YBC's proprietary approach to creating custom-designed bridges from the ground up. For Waynesboro, this meant crafting a solution that would feel organically connected to the surrounding landscape.

The bridge design showcases clean architectural lines with a classic picket rail that glides along the deck edges, giving it a sleek, welcoming appearance. Every detail was chosen to reflect the natural tones of the Blue Ridge Foothills, including a rich earth-tone color palette that visually blends the structure into its environment.

Special attention was given to the central cantilever wideouts--open spaces built into the bridge deck--designed for pedestrians to pause, rest, and take in panoramic views of the South River. These thoughtful design features elevate the bridge from a mere thoroughfare to a destination in its own right.

Environmentally Responsible Construction

One of the hallmarks of a York Bridge Concepts project is its commitment to sustainable construction. In the case of the Waynesboro Trail Bridge, this meant protecting the South River and its banks during every phase of the build.

Using YBC's Ground-Level Construction methodology, the installation minimized impact to the terrain and surround ecosystem. This approach was needed for the free-span design to drop the glulam beams in place. Careful attention was given to only have equipment on the trailway, and then have our master craftsman assemble the structure without disturbing the tributary below. Especially critical in floodplain or narrow-access zones, this technique ensured that sensitive vegetation and wildlife habitats along the river's edge were preserved.

Moreover, the bridge utilized sustainably sourced materials, offering superior environmental benefits. The timber used for this bridge naturally sequester carbon, and when designed and built by experts like YBC, they provide lasting durability with minimal ecological footprint.

A Site With Challenges: Built by Experience

The Waynesboro trail bridge was not without its logistical hurdles. One of the biggest challenges?

Access.

The build site had extremely narrow and low-clearance entry points, making it difficult to mobilize standard construction equipment.

YBC's seasoned field operations team responded with agility and ingenuity. With decades of experience working in limited-access and remote environments, the team procured specialized machinery capable of operating in tight spaces without compromising efficiency or safety. This strategic equipment selection, combined with expert field coordination, enabled a flawless installation process.

The bridge was successfully completed on time and without environmental disruption--a testament to YBC's reputation for excellence in construction under pressure.

Waynesboro, Virginia trail bridge for pedestrian crossing design-built by York Bridge Concepts

A Bridge to Community & Daily Life

For Waynesboro residents and visitors, the new pedestrian bridge has quickly become a vital artery in the South River Greenway system. Whether it's a morning run, a casual bike ride, or an afternoon paddle on the river, the bridge enhances everyday life with its seamless connection between parks, water access points, and Main Street Waynesboro.

The trail and bridge together link families to playgrounds, seniors to riverside benches, and tourists to nature-viewing platforms. Local businesses, too, benefit from the increased foot traffic and eco-tourism that the greenway attracts.

In this way, the Virginia trail bridge has become more than an infrastructure element--it is part of the town's rhythm, a structure of memory and movement.

Waynesboro Virginia trail bridge design-built by York Bridge Concepts

Resilience Meets Aesthetics

While the Waynesboro Trail Bridge is visually elegant, it's also structurally resilient. Every bridge YBC designs meets or exceeds national safety standards for pedestrian loading and wind resistance. In flood-prone areas like Waynesboro, special attention is paid to hydrology, elevation, and anchoring to ensure long-term safety and performance.

The bridge's substructure was engineered to withstand seasonal flooding and to provide high-flow capacity underneath. Its decking and railing systems are treated with protective coatings that resist UV degradation, moisture intrusion, and insect activity--ensuring that beauty is never sacrificed for durability.

A Story Still Being Written

The South River Greenway is a living, growing effort--and so is the story of the Waynesboro Trail Bridge. As the town expands the greenway and welcomes new phases of development, this bridge stands as a physical and symbolic reminder of what happens when vision meets craftsmanship.

It is also a success story for public-private collaboration, showcasing what municipalities and innovative design-build firms can achieve when they work in alignment. For Waynesboro, the bridge is a symbol of progress. For York Bridge Concepts, it's another milestone in a legacy of connecting communities through responsible, artful infrastructure.

Waynesboro Virginia trail bridge picture of river and community

Why YBC for Your Virginia Trail bridge?

The Waynesboro Trail Bridge exemplifies why York Bridge Concepts is the trusted partner for communities seeking to enhance access, beauty, and environmental sensitivity through timber trail infrastructure.

Our fully integrated design-build process, sustainable construction expertise, and one-of-a-kind Decero™ customization mean that no two bridges are alike--but each one is deeply rooted in the place it serves.

If you're a city planner, landscape architect, parks director, or private developer in Virginia (or anywhere in the country), York Bridge Concepts is here to help bring your greenway, park, or trail vision to life--just like we did for Waynesboro.

Let's Build What Connects Us.

To learn more about York Bridge Concepts' design-build capabilities for Virginia trail bridges and beyond, contact our team today or explore our gallery of past projects. From tight-access terrain to legacy-worthy landmarks, we're ready to build the bridge that carries your vision forward.