Designed in conjunction with US Bridge, the 157 foot [48 metre] long footbridge, part of Seattle’s waterfront redevelopment at Colman Dock, saw SPS deck panels utilised to give Seattle residents the ability to walk from downtown onto a ferry without having to cross heavy local traffic. The ferry is a key connection for commuters from local islands as well as a hub for visitors to Victoria, British Columbia and San Juan Islands.

SPS, the perfect choice for bridge construction and renovation

SPS deck panels were delivered to the bridge fabricators, Jesse-Co Metal Fabrication and Machinery, on one truck, with a light wearing surface already factory applied by SPS Technology Network Partner, US Bridge. The assembled bridge was then shipped via barge to Colman Dock and lifted and bolted into position in just 35 minutes.

The harbour is the gateway to downtown Seattle for surrounding islands from where many commute on a daily basis and is a hub for visitors to Victoria BC and San Juan Islands.

Sandwich Plate System, SPS, provides a cost-effective, strong, fast, durable, and safe alternative to reinforced concrete and stiffened steel, which can be used in the extension, strengthening and reinstatement of highway and pedestrian bridge deck construction. The SPS solution delivers a high strength-to-weight ratio, increasing live-load capacity, despite it being 70% lighter than concrete.

Architecturally versatile, an SPS pedestrian footbridge is adaptable to multiple configurations – cambered girders, constant cross-section and vertical or horizontal curves. SPS can also be skewed up to 45degrees. A variety of material options and wearing surfaces increase SPS’s versatility. With an essentially infinite fatigue life, SPS panels are designed for 100+ year design life, can also be recommissioned and provide substantial sustainability advantages over concrete decks.