Raised Composite Bridge Over a Flood-Prone Creek in Malvern, PA
See how Sunny Ridge Construction built a raised TimberTech composite footbridge over a flood-prone creek in Malvern, PA, engineered to beat the high water that took out two previous bridges.
More Case Studies
Raised Composite Bridge Over a Flood-Prone Creek in Malvern, PA
After two earlier bridges from other builders washed away in high water, a Malvern, PA homeowner asked Sunny Ridge Construction for a crossing that would last. We raised the span, set it on four concrete-filled sonotube footings, and finished it in TimberTech composite decking with black railings.
The Challenge: Building a Flood-Proof Creek Bridge
The creek behind this home had already claimed two bridges built by other companies, both of which were washed away when the water rose. The homeowner needed dependable access to the far side of the creek for parties and for routine property maintenance, and a third washout was not an option.
What We Built: A Raised Composite Bridge Built to Beat High Water
We attacked the washout problem two ways: height and foundation. The deck was raised well above the creek's high-water line, typically about six feet above the water and still more than a foot above the highest water this property has ever seen, and each of the four corners sits on a large concrete-filled sonotube, 12 inches in diameter and 36 inches deep, so rising water passes under the span instead of carrying it off. The finished span runs 18 feet long by 5 feet wide. Because the crossing lives in a high-moisture environment, the decking and matching handrail are TimberTech composite rather than wood, paired with black railings, and the gently arched profile ties into the property's dry-stacked stone abutments and stone-lined paths, which were part of our scope on this project.
The Result: A Flood-Resistant Crossing Built to Last
The homeowner now has reliable creek-side access for gatherings and maintenance, on a raised deck and concrete footings built to shrug off the high water that took the first two bridges. Stan Pittman left a 5-star Google review calling out the craftsmanship and the match to his existing TimberTech deck: "Sunny Ridge Construction did an outstanding job building a footbridge over the creek on my property. The craftsmanship is excellent — they matched the Timbertech composite decking and black railing perfectly to my existing deck. The arched design gives it a really polished look. The whole project came out better than I expected at a reasonable price. I highly recommend them for any outdoor construction work."
Project at a Glance: Raised Composite Bridge in Malvern, PA
- Location: Malvern, PA
- Project: raised custom bridge over a flood-prone creek
- Foundation: four concrete-filled sonotubes, 12-inch diameter by 36-inch depth, one at each corner
- Decking and handrail: TimberTech composite, chosen for the high-moisture environment and matched to the home's existing deck
- Railings: black
- Span and width: 18 feet long, 5 feet wide
- Height above water: roughly 6 feet above the creek under normal conditions, and more than 1 foot above the highest water level the property has experienced
- Design driver: two previous bridges from other builders washed away in high water
- Timeline: completed in 5 days
- Cost range: projects like this one typically run $8,000 to $12,000; a simpler, budget composite bridge runs closer to $3,000 to $5,000
Optional Upgrades to Consider for a Composite Creek Bridge
Composite steps and landings on the approaches extend the all-weather build. Low-voltage rail lighting earns its keep for evening gatherings. Creek-bank stabilization, whether rip-rap or plantings, protects the approaches from erosion. We would skip exotic hardwood decking near water; composite already outperforms it there.
Composite Creek Bridge FAQs
What decking is best for a bridge over water?
Composite. It will not rot, splinter, or need staining in a high-moisture environment; here TimberTech was also matched to the homeowner's existing deck for one consistent look.
Why do backyard bridges wash away?
Usually a low deck and shallow footings: high water catches the span and lifts it. This bridge counters both, with a raised deck and four concrete-filled sonotube footings 36 inches deep.
How much does a composite bridge cost?
Composite costs more than pressure-treated wood up front but saves on refinishing and replacement near water. A project like this one typically runs $8,000 to $12,000, though a simpler, budget composite bridge can run closer to $3,000 to $5,000.
Can you match an existing deck?
Yes. The decking, handrail, and black railing on this bridge were matched to the homeowner's existing TimberTech deck, a detail the client called out in his review.
How long does composite decking last?
Decades; TimberTech products carry multi-decade warranties, and there is no annual staining or sealing to keep up with.
What areas do you serve?
Sunny Ridge Construction is based in Narvon, PA and serves Malvern, Chester County, and the surrounding region.
More Case Studies
