Temporary bridges made from Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and structural steel are gaining traction in the construction industry as a fast, durable, and economical solution for overcoming natural and manmade obstacles on active project sites. These engineered crossings help move heavy equipment and materials across ditches, creeks, and underground infrastructure—without requiring permanent installations or major permitting processes.
A Smarter Approach to Site Access
Many construction projects face challenges from inaccessible terrain. Whether it’s a shallow stream, a utility corridor, or a low-lying area with poor drainage, these barriers often delay work and increase costs. CLT-based temporary bridges are designed to be deployed quickly and relocated easily, reducing downtime and minimizing site disruption. Unlike makeshift crossings or conventional timber mats, these bridges are engineered for strength, stability, and repeat use.
Designed for Heavy Loads and Quick Deployment
Modern CLT bridges used in construction site access typically support up to 100 tons and span up to 50 feet. This allows them to carry the weight of cranes, loaders, dump trucks, and other equipment common to infrastructure and development work. Despite their capacity, these bridges can be installed in a matter of hours using machinery that is already available on most job sites, such as mid-size excavators or backhoes.
Because of their modular design, many CLT bridges can be delivered on just one or two trucks and assembled with standard tools and rigging. This makes them especially valuable for projects operating on tight schedules or in remote areas where permanent bridge construction isn’t viable.
Built with Strength and Sustainability
CLT temporary bridges feature layers of sustainably harvested wood bonded together under pressure to form large, high-strength panels. These are then reinforced with structural steel frames that provide added rigidity and load distribution. The result is a bridge that combines the compressive strength of timber with the tensile power of steel—lighter than full-concrete alternatives but strong enough for continuous use.
The engineered design ensures that each bridge meets defined safety specifications and resists weathering and deformation, even under heavy daily traffic. Additionally, the wood used is often sourced from sustainably managed forests, contributing to a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional materials.
Applications Across Development and Utility Sectors
These bridges are proving to be valuable across multiple sectors:
- Residential development: Maintain access across construction zones, creeks, or unfinished roads.
- Infrastructure projects: Provide safe passage for heavy machinery during roadwork or public works construction.
- Utility work: Protect buried pipes or cables by providing above-ground access without excavation.
- Rural or remote construction: Enable crossing of natural obstacles without permanent environmental disturbance.
- Emergency access: Establish quick, temporary routes in disaster recovery zones or during infrastructure repair.
By providing safe, temporary access without requiring permanent changes to the landscape, CLT site bridges help preserve sensitive environments, reduce permitting needs, and keep projects moving on schedule.
Cost Savings Through Reusability
Another major advantage of CLT-based temporary bridges is their potential for reusability. Once a project concludes, the bridge can be dismantled, transported, and stored for future use. This makes them a smart investment for companies managing multiple sites or long-term infrastructure work. The ability to reuse a bridge across several locations significantly reduces the cost per use and helps offset initial procurement expenses.
Why CLT Temporary Bridges Make Sense
- Rapid Installation: Bridges can be set up in less than a day with common site equipment.
- Heavy Load Capacity: Designed to support the largest construction equipment safely and consistently.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: Minimizes ground disturbance and uses sustainable materials.
- Lower Transportation Costs: Ships compactly and requires fewer transport vehicles.
- Flexible Use Cases: Ideal for residential, commercial, utility, and infrastructure projects.
- Long-Term Value: Bridges can be reused on multiple sites for continued return on investment.
Meeting Modern Construction Demands
As construction teams seek ways to minimize costs, reduce delays, and meet environmental standards, engineered temporary access solutions like CLT bridges are emerging as a critical tool. With growing interest in sustainable construction practices and streamlined operations, these bridges are becoming a go-to resource for developers and contractors alike.
Whether enabling site prep for a residential subdivision or facilitating the repair of a remote pipeline, CLT temporary bridges offer a combination of strength, speed, and sustainability that aligns with the future of modern construction.