DRS Marine, Inc. utilized Flexifloat S-50 Quadrafloats™ and Duofloats™ to construct a 282’ long floating bridge across a shallow slough in Northern California.
Northern California
What used to be farmland, has long ago become flooded and returned to natural wetlands. Accessing critical infrastructure is now a challenge in these remote areas. Due to changing site conditions and jobsite requirements, additional Flexifloat sections were added to the original bridge design after the initial assembly, showcasing Flexifloat’s modular flexibility. Tugboat Patty K moved heavy equipment via a 40’ x 110’ Series S-70 transport barge from land up the Napa River to the bridge approach location. Once across the marshlands, large cranes and equipment weighing more than 70 tons traveled across the Series S-50 floating bridge system safely and efficiently. The bridge was lined with timber matting for heavy equipment traffic and handrails for safe pedestrian access. Contractor-supplied steel ramps were used in conjunction with Flexifloat Loading Ramps to provide increased access through this unnamed slough.
“The big challenge was getting barges onsite and constructing the bridge prior to the big equipment arriving onsite. The narrow slough access and shallow waters of the wetlands were just wide enough to bring in the Flexifloat sections to the final bridge location and assemble the bridge. The versatility of Flexifloat barges, along with the design and engineering provided made this project a huge success.” – Jeff Williams, Marine Operations Superintendent
