Can PermaTrak's Concrete Boardwalk System Be Used on a DOT Project?

Last Updated: August 12, 2024

White-Oak-Greenway-1When designers working on trail projects, pedestrian bridges, or commercial boardwalks approach us, a common question is whether PermaTrak can be approved for use by state Departments of Transportation (DOT). 

With our background in precast concrete bridges for publicly funded projects, we're familiar with the various arrangements different states have for approved product listings (APL) and similar processes.

Avoiding the Highway Bridge Specification Pitfall

Before we discuss the approval process, it's critical to address a common misconception. 

Many DOTs, lacking a specific precast concrete boardwalk specification, might default to using vehicular bridge specs. This approach can lead to overdesign, unnecessary complications, and increased costs. 

Instead, we recommend a more simplified method using PermaTrak's standard specification as the basis for a special provision or supplemental specification.

 

DOT Approval: Specifying PermaTrak Concrete Boardwalks on DOT-Funded Projects

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PermaTrak has been part of numerous projects funded by state or federal agencies. 

Our concrete boardwalk system has been approved by multiple state DOTs following a standard review process, similar to how a precast concrete bridge would be evaluated.

Key points to remember:
  1. PermaTrak is a boardwalk system made of reinforced concrete components, a material DOT engineers are very familiar with.
  2. We follow AASHTO LRFD Pedestrian Bridge Guidelines, which aligns with many DOT standards and facilitates approval.
  3. Our performance-based specification can serve as the basis for a special provision or supplemental specification when DOTs lack specific precast concrete boardwalk specs.
PermaTrak is a unique product without many direct competitors, unlike timber companies or composite decking manufacturers. 

But that doesn't prevent designers and owners from specifying a PermaTrak system to be approved and procured by public agencies for publicly funded projects. 

In fact, 99% of installed PermaTrak projects have followed this public bid process. 
 

DOT-Approved PermaTrak Projects

 
The following are some examples of installed PermaTrak projects with DOT approval (see carousel of images below): 
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Upper Tampa Bay Trail Phase IV in Florida
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Norwottuck Rail Trail in Hadley in Massachusetts
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Elliott Way in New York (cantilever)
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Cedar Trails Greenway in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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Smith & Sanford Creek Greenway Pedestrian Bridges in North Carolina
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White Oak Greenway in North Carolina
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Farmington Canal Heritage Trail in Connecticut
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Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia

 

Navigating DOT Material Specifications

While some DOTs may reference their material specifications for elements like concrete or reinforcing steel, it's important to clarify which specs apply specifically to the boardwalk versus other project elements. 

This approach can prevent confusion and ensure the appropriate standards are applied to the precast concrete boardwalk.

 

DOT Approval Case Study: Upper Tampa Bay Trail Phase IV (FDOT)

To illustrate the approval process, let's look at a project in Hillsborough County, FL, where FDOT District 7 approved PermaTrak as a sole-source product for use in a trail system.

Richard Sanders, Project Manager with Hillsborough County, submitted a letter to FDOT District 7 requesting approval to sole-source products for Hillsborough County Local Agency Program (LAP) projects. 

The letter outlined several reasons for the request, including durability and minimal maintenance requirements. FDOT District 7 granted the request, allowing Hillsborough County to purchase a boardwalk system that wouldn't require frequent maintenance or replacement in Florida's harsh climate.

This case demonstrates how a local agency successfully navigated the DOT process, even when the DOT lacked a standard precast concrete boardwalk specification.

 

 

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Summary & Next Steps

Specifying PermaTrak for a DOT project or a project requiring DOT approval is entirely possible. The key is determining the owner's requirements and then designing the boardwalk system and technical specifications to meet those needs. 


Our performance-based specification can serve as an excellent starting point for creating the necessary special provisions or supplemental specifications.


For more information on our performance-based specification or to discuss your DOT project needs, please contact PermaTrak.

Topics: Boardwalk Construction, Concrete Boardwalk Questions, Boardwalks