Virginia Creeper Trail Pedestrian Bridges

The Virginia Creeper Trail is a 34-mile multi-use trail in southwestern Virginia, stretching from Abingdon to Whitetop. In 2024, Hurricane Helene destroyed a 17-mile stretch of trail from Damascus to Whitetop. The closure of the trail devastated the community of Damascus which relies heavily on the ~250,000 visitors a year for support.

This extensive repair project for the US Forest Service includes the design, engineering, and construction of six new timber pedestrian bridges, set for substantial completion in November of 2026. Three primary structure typologies were utilized, creating a family of related timber structures along the historic VCT trail. The mix of timber trusses, signature glulam arches, and rehabilitated timber decks gives the corridor a consistent visual language while directly supporting the Forest Service’s goal of showcasing the beauty, strength, and versatility of sustainably sourced wood.

Timber Trusses 40’ | Bridge #16, #17, & #48

Repeated, prefabricated module of 40’ trusses balanced structural efficiency and economy by minimizing the substructure supports and keeping a shallow superstructure to maintain sufficient hydraulic clearance. The truss typology was chosen to complement the historic truss crossings. The trusses feature glulam top and bottom chords, with steel webs and diaphragm bracing. The Glulam top chord is protected with copper flashing protecting its surface from UV and rain.

Parabolic Stepped Glulam Arch | Bridge #20 & #38

In response to the USFS’s desire for signature Glulam arches at these sites, each superstructure features a parabolic arch structure with a hanger-suspended deck, elegantly and efficiently spanning over the river. Each arch is ‘tied’ with the bottom chord in tension, taking the arch’s outward thrust, otherwise imposed on the foundations. This scheme offers an elegant and visually striking structure for trail users.

Glulam Girder Bridge | Bridge #39

Given the relatively short span and constructibility constraints related to site access and laydown area, a simple girder system provides the most economical solution at this bridge location.