For local councils and public sector organisations, maintaining safe, accessible public spaces is an ongoing responsibility. Footbridges, public footpaths, stairways, walkways and viewing platforms all need to withstand regular use, challenging weather conditions and the demands of the surrounding environment, but traditional materials such as timber can deteriorate over time, placing additional pressure on tight maintenance budgets.
At Polydeck, we design, manufacture, supply and install GRP access solutions for councils and public sector organisations to maintain and improve their infrastructure in a variety of applications.
GRP solutions for public infrastructure
Every site presents a different set of challenges, so choosing the right solution means considering the environment, intended users, safety requirements and the long-term maintenance needs for each individual project.
Bridges, boardwalks and public walkways
Footbridges and boardwalks provide important routes across rivers, wetlands, woodland and coastal paths. However, regular exposure to moisture and changing weather can cause traditional timber structures to rot, warp or become slippery. Polydeck’s POLYbridge and POLYwalk systems use GRP products with a timber-effect finish, allowing them to blend into natural surroundings without the same susceptibility to rot as timber.
With a design life exceeding 75 years, these systems offer a long-term alternative for councils planning new access routes or replacing deteriorating structures.
One example is the Brancaster Boardwalk project for Norfolk County Council. Faced with a deteriorating existing structure along a protected coastal route, the council needed a replacement that could withstand the exposed environment while providing safe, accessible access for visitors. Polydeck supplied and installed 1.7km of boardwalk, incorporating passing places, viewing platforms, seating and handrails on elevated sections.
Anti-slip stair treads and access panels
In some cases, improving the safety of an existing staircase, walkway or platform is the more practical option than a full replacement structure.
Polydeck’s POLYstep anti-slip panels and stair treads can be fitted to existing timber, concrete and steel surfaces to improve slip resistance without necessarily requiring the underlying structure to be replaced.
Available in made-to-measure sizes, a range of colours and finishes, and with contrasting nosings to help highlight step edges, POLYstep products can be used across a variety of internal and external environments.
For local authorities responsible for public buildings, access routes and maintenance facilities, these products provide another option when assessing how existing structures can be made safer and kept in service.
Replacement decking for existing structures
Sometimes the supporting structure is suitable for use, but the decking has reached the end of its service life, so replacing the walking surface can offer a more targeted and cost effective alternative to rebuilding the entire structure.
Polydeck’s POLYplank GRP decking planks are designed to replace traditional timber planks, providing a durable, slip-resistant walking surface for bridges, walkways and other access routes.
This approach can be particularly useful for councils looking to address specific areas of deterioration while making better long-term use of existing infrastructure.
At Charmouth Bridge in Devon, Polydeck worked with Devon County Council to replace the timber decking on an existing bridge over a waterway where slip resistance was a key consideration. POLYplank provided a durable replacement walking surface with a timber-effect finish, addressing the condition of the decking without requiring the entire structure to be replaced.
Technical support for local authority projects
Selecting the right product is only part of delivering a successful infrastructure project. Site conditions, measurements, loading requirements and installation logistics all need to be considered, particularly when working with existing structures or locations that are difficult to access.
Polydeck’s work on Kingerby Bridge for Lincolnshire County Council demonstrated this wider project support. The existing steel and timber footbridge had deteriorated and needed replacing,so Polydeck carried out a site survey and provided design calculations and drawings to support the replacement, taking account of the requirements for equestrian users. The lightweight GRP bridge was installed in just two days, including removal of the existing structure.
Discuss your next project with Polydeck
Whether you’re planning a new footbridge, replacing a deteriorating boardwalk, upgrading
existing decking or improving slip resistance on steps and walkways, Polydeck can help you explore suitable GRP solutions.
With a wealth of experience supporting local authorities on projects, we can provide support at any stage of your project.
Contact Polydeck to discuss your project