English
Tuotian provides modular bridge solutions for temporary traffic, construction access and infrastructure projects where a dedicated crossing is needed before permanent access becomes available. From product selection and component supply to installation guidance, we help customers configure temporary bridges around vehicle requirements, site conditions and the planned period of use.
When Do You Need a Temporary Access Bridge?
Temporary access bridges connect people, equipment and working areas when existing infrastructure is unavailable, under construction or temporarily disrupted. The appropriate solution depends on what needs to cross, where supports can be installed and how the route will be used.
Construction Site Access
Establish a temporary route for personnel, materials and approved construction vehicles across drainage channels, uneven ground or waterlogged areas. A dedicated crossing can connect the existing road network with site entrances and work fronts.
Temporary Traffic Diversion
Maintain an alternative crossing during bridge replacement, road improvements or maintenance. Planning considers the permitted vehicles, approach connections, pedestrian needs and traffic arrangements throughout the diversion period.
Remote Project Access
Provide temporary connections where existing roads do not reach the project site. For remote infrastructure or resource development projects, bridge planning must account for component transport, available assembly space and local installation equipment.
Infrastructure Construction
Connect construction areas during road, water infrastructure and energy projects. Temporary access routes can be coordinated with the construction programme and, where designed accordingly, extended or removed in stages as work progresses.
Bridge Systems for Temporary Access Projects
Tuotian selects bridge systems according to the crossing geometry, loading requirements and available support conditions. The following options describe related structural systems and applications; the final configuration is developed for the individual project.
Bailey Bridges
CB100 (Type 321) and CB200/HD200 Bailey bridges use modular steel truss components assembled into a project-specific arrangement. Truss configuration, reinforcement, decking and connections are selected according to span lengths, clear width and design loading.
These systems can be considered for temporary road connections and construction access where their verified structural capacity and installation requirements suit the site.
Modular Steel Bridges
Modular steel bridge solutions combine steel trusses or girders with deck units, transverse members and bracing. They allow the structural arrangement and associated components to be coordinated with the project’s access requirements, approach levels and support layout.
This option can be assessed where a project requires a configuration beyond a standard Bailey bridge arrangement.
Temporary Steel Access Bridges and Trestles
Temporary steel bridges and trestles provide access across construction areas, shallow water or a sequence of supported spans. Depending on the design, Bailey girders may be positioned beneath the deck and supported on engineered foundations or steel pipe piles.
These arrangements can connect the shore with work locations or link separate sections of a construction site. Equipment operation on the bridge or an attached platform requires assessment in addition to vehicle access loading.
Configured Around Your Project Requirements
A suitable temporary bridge starts with clearly defined site and operating requirements. Tuotian reviews the following information to support product selection and supply planning.
Project Parameter | Information Required |
Span Arrangement | Overall crossing length, individual clear spans and whether intermediate supports are permitted |
Bridge Width | Pedestrian access, single-lane traffic or another project-specific clear width |
Design Loading | Vehicle types, axle loads, axle spacing, equipment requirements and traffic frequency |
Site Conditions | Terrain, waterway or road conditions, ground information, support locations and approach access |
Project Duration | Intended service period, maintenance access and any planned relocation |
Applicable Standards | Project design criteria, structural standards and approval requirements |
Installation Conditions | Transport restrictions, assembly areas, available lifting equipment and construction sequence |
Based on these requirements, Tuotian’s engineering team can recommend an appropriate bridge type, structural configuration and component arrangement for further project review.
Our manufacturing capability, with annual production capacity of up to 60,000 tonnes, supports coordinated component supply. Production and delivery schedules are confirmed against the agreed configuration, order quantity and project programme.
Why Use Modular Bridges for Temporary Access?
Prefabrication Supports Efficient Installation
Factory-produced components reduce the amount of fabrication required at the crossing. Components can be identified, packed and delivered to suit the installation sequence, helping site teams organize assembly. Actual installation time depends on foundations, access, equipment and the approved erection method.
Configurations Can Be Matched to the Site
Modular systems offer configuration options for different spans, widths and loading requirements. Truss arrangements, decking, reinforcement and supports are coordinated as a complete system, allowing the solution to respond to the crossing conditions.
Defined Components Simplify Site Management
After temporary service, modular components can be dismantled, inspected and stored for potential reuse. Suitability for another project depends on their condition, the new design requirements and any repairs or replacements needed. Planning for removal and storage at the outset helps customers manage components beyond the first installation.
Temporary Bridge Projects
Hefei 60 m Construction Access Bridge
Location: Hefei, Anhui, China
Bridge Type: Bailey truss construction trestle bridge
Total Length: 60 m
Application: Temporary access across a shallow-water construction area
This project provides a temporary route between working areas separated by shallow water and uneven ground. Steel decking is carried by Bailey truss girders beneath the roadway, with multiple steel pipe pile supports forming a series of spans.
The below-deck truss arrangement leaves the sides of the roadway free from raised main trusses, while red-and-white railings define the access corridor. The crossing supports the movement of personnel, materials and construction vehicles within the project’s approved loading requirements.
The Hefei installation demonstrates how a supported Bailey trestle can establish a dedicated temporary access route through a construction area with difficult ground
Chenzhou 450 m Temporary Steel Access Bridge
Location: Chenzhou, Hunan, China
Bridge Type: Bailey steel access bridge with steel pipe pile supports
Total Length: 450 m
Application: Temporary access from the bank to over-water work locations
This multi-span temporary bridge extends from the bank into the water, connecting land-based access with construction work locations. Successive steel pipe pile groups support the Bailey trusses and deck along the route.
The project photograph shows the bridge during extension works, with a crawler crane positioned on an erected section and a further pile group prepared ahead of the superstructure. The arrangement illustrates the coordination of support installation, truss erection and deck assembly as the access route advances.
The Chenzhou project provides a practical example of a long temporary access route developed in stages to serve equipment movement and material transport over water.
Temporary Access Bridge FAQs
What is a temporary access bridge?
A temporary access bridge is a crossing installed for a defined period to support traffic, personnel or construction activities. It may be used during roadworks, bridge replacement or project construction and removed when it is no longer required. Its temporary status does not remove the need for appropriate design, inspection and operating controls.
What bridge type is suitable for temporary construction access?
Bailey bridges, other modular steel bridges and supported steel trestles may all be suitable, depending on the span arrangement, vehicle loading, ground conditions and installation resources. Tuotian reviews these inputs to help identify a suitable system.
How is the required temporary bridge capacity determined?
Capacity is assessed for the complete bridge system, including the main members, deck, connections, bearings and supports. The assessment considers vehicle axle loads and spacing, relevant load combinations and operating conditions. Gross vehicle weight alone is not enough to determine a suitable configuration. Crane or drilling operations require separate consideration where applicable.
What information is needed to develop a temporary bridge solution?
Please provide the project location, intended application, overall length, individual spans, required clear width and vehicle or equipment details. Site photographs, drawings, ground information, waterway conditions and the expected service period help define the proposal. If some information is unavailable, Tuotian can help identify what needs to be confirmed next.
Can a modular bridge be relocated after the project is completed?
Yes, provided the components are suitable for dismantling and remain fit for reuse. They should be inspected for damage, deformation, corrosion and connection wear, then checked against the requirements of the next project. Repairs, replacement components or a different configuration may be necessary.
Need a Temporary Bridge for Your Project?
Share your required span arrangement, bridge width, vehicle loading, intended use and site conditions with Tuotian. We can help evaluate a suitable temporary access bridge solution and define the component supply, technical documentation and installation support required.
