Challenge
In New Albany, OH, engineers with EP Ferris and Associates were working to widen the shoulder along Beech Road to provide safe access for pedestrians and cyclists. Beside the road was a downward slope toward a small lake, making it costly and time consuming to widen the road and relocate the sidewalk. Some of the possible solutions to a problem like this include building a retaining wall and sidewalk or installing an elevated boardwalk.
Solution
EP Ferris and Associates ultimately decided that specifying a PermaTrak elevated walkway was more effective than widening the road shoulder, which would require imported backfill and construction on a retaining wall and sidewalk. “The low maintenance and longevity of PermaTrak made it a great fit,” Matt Sloat of EP Ferris and Associates said. PermaTrak has been an effective application for similar sites and gives engineers a durable and customizable option to consider.
“The city is happy with what was provided and (PermaTrak) is a good fit for the industrial area of Beech Road. I would recommend PermaTrak for other projects. Jason was great to work with and provided drawings which made it a good experience as far as plan development,” Sloat said.
