Using EXTREN for the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Surface

The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in California recently opened a east span biking path, and EXTREN^® plating from Strongwell was used for the walking/biking surface. In the near future, the new Bay Bridge Trail may become a major commuter route between San Francisco and Oakland.

Technical Details

The bridge provides fantastic views of the bay, and runs between Yerba Buena Island and Oakland. Currently, the 15-½ foot path has a 2% grade with built-in belvederes for eastbound cyclists, westbound cyclists, and pedestrians. The three biking/walking lanes are smooth and extend up to three-fourths of the 2.2 mile long bridge and become a dead-end before reaching the island. By late 2014 or early 2015, the bike path will be extended up to the island.

Installation

The 1/8" x 4' x 15' Strongwell EXTREN^® plate was chosen by the bridge engineering group and CalTrans Engineers. An award winning California bridge contractor, MCM Construction, installed the material and noted outstanding results. Medium epoxy non-slip surfacing was applied to ensure several years of service life, despite expected daily use.

The path ensures dependable and safe biking for the cyclists in San Francisco and the Greater Bay area because corrosion will not be an issue. The panel is light in weight and nonconductive, and allows greater flexibility to maintenance workers to access repair locations, if needed.

The product was supplied by Squires Lumber as the public project was complex in nature and had short-lead deadlines to meet. Technical support and quick delivery during the installation phases was undertaken by San Diego Plastics.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Strongwell Corporation.

For more information on this source, please visit Strongwell Corporation.