Key Takeaways –
- You should not take bridge rail installations.
- Florida state has strict laws and regulations regarding bridge rail installation.
- A single miscalculation can lead to hefty fines and serious accidents.
- Hiring substandard bridge railing installation contractors can lead to problems down the line.
- Florida Roadway Guardrail & Signs is a reliable name that you can trust for safe bridge railing installation.
With all the talk about “bridge railings” these days, you might be forgiven for thinking they’re some newfangled invention designed to make bridges safer. But bridge railings are nothing new; they’ve been around for centuries.
Today, bridge railings are an essential safety feature on bridges worldwide. But not all bridge railings are created equal. Some are made from more robust materials, and some are better designed to protect against falls. So, what do you need to know about bridge railings before you install them on your bridge? Read on to find out!
How to Safely Install Bridge Rails?
To keep both drivers and pedestrians safe, it is crucial to consider a few critical factors before installing bridge rails.
The first is height. Depending on the bridge’s location, you’ll need to consider the height of the average person or vehicle. Suppose the bridge is located in an area where tall vehicles are standard. In that case, you will need to adjust the height of the bridge rail accordingly.
The next thing to consider is material. The most common materials used for bridge rails are concrete and metal. However, there are also various plastic options available. Each material has its benefits and drawbacks, so do your research before calling the shots.
You will also need to consider the length of the bridge rail. The size of the bridge determines the bridge rail dimensions. You’ll need a more extended bridge rail for a long bridge. However, if you have a small bridge, you can get away with a shorter rail.
Finally, you’ll need to ensure you follow all relevant state laws. There are stringent requirements for bridge rails in Florida, and if you don’t follow them to the letter, you could face hefty fines. Before starting your project, familiarize yourself with the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) requirements for bridge rails to ensure your project is up to code.
Also, Read – Are You Choosing the Right Guardrail Solution?
What Can Possibly Go Wrong During Bridge Rail Installation?
Believe it or not, many things can go wrong during guardrail installation. Here are just a few examples:
1. The bolts may be too short.
If the bolts used to secure the guardrails are too short, they may not be able to grip the railing. The insecure grip can cause the railing to become loose and eventually fall off the bridge, posing a severe danger to any drivers who are passing underneath at the time.
2. The hardware used to secure the guardrails may not be up to code.
If the hardware used to secure the guardrails is not up to code, it may not be strong enough to hold the railings properly. This could also cause the railings to become loose and eventually fall off the bridge. Not to forget the hefty fines you could potentially face post-investigation.
3. Not Leveling the Scaffolding
The first step in any guardrail installation is to set up the scaffolding. This is usually done by attaching scaffolding brackets to the side of the bridge. But if the scaffolding isn’t level, it will make the entire process challenging—and dangerous.
4. Failing to Inspect the Bridge Deck
Before installing the guardrails, inspect the bridge deck to ensure it’s in good condition. Otherwise, you could end up with weak spots that might not be able to support the weight of the guards.
5. Skipping the Base Coat
Once you’ve inspected the bridge deck, it’s time to apply a base coat of primer. This will help the guardrails adhere better and protect the deck from corrosion.
6. Applying Too Much Pressure
When attaching the guards to the deck, it’s important not to apply too much pressure. Otherwise, you risk damaging both the bridge and the rails themselves.
The Perils of a Substandard Contractor
You might want to think again if you’re considering hiring a professional contractor to help you with handrail installation. That’s because substandard contractors can ruin guardrail installation, leading to many problems down the road. Here’s a look at how substandard contractors can screw up your guardrail installation.
1. They Don’t Follow Safety Regulations
When it comes to safety, there’s no room for error. That’s why ensuring that your contractor is up to date on all the latest safety regulations is essential. Unfortunately, substandard contractors often don’t follow safety regulations, which can risk other workers and commuters.
2. They Use inferior Materials.
Inexperienced unprofessional contractors are content with mediocrity, which is why they are willing to compromise quality in the bid to maximize profits. This can lead to your handrails falling apart or breaking after a few years. Inferior materials also don’t stand up well to the elements, which means they won’t last as long as they should.
3. They Don’t Stand Behind Their Work
If something goes wrong with your handrail installation, you want to be able to count on your contractor to make things right. Unfortunately, substandard contractors often don’t stand behind their work. If something goes wrong, you could be stuck paying for repairs out of your pocket.
A substandard contractor might also try to cut corners by doing a sloppy job. There are a few ways a substandard contractor can ruin your handrail installation. First, they might not measure the area requiring handrail installation. This results in an improperly sized handrail that doesn’t fit well or look good. They might also miss essential details, like sharp turns around corners, leading to an ungainly installation.
You can get quality, secure bridge rail installation by connecting with reliable contractors renowned for their services and trusted by all private and public enterprises.
So, there you have everything you need to know about bridge railings. Now that you are an expert on the subject make sure your establishment is up to code and secure by calling Florida Roadway Guardrail & Signs, Inc for all your guardrail needs in West Palm Beach. We’ll be more than happy to help keep you safe and sound.
Request a free quote today!
