The classic bridge design of Burlington Northern Santa Fe is now proudly on display at their corporate headquarters in Ft. Worth, Texas. The bridge is highly visible to all employees and visitors as they enter the facilities, and for years to come it will serve as a visual reminder of what has fashioned BNSF Railway into an industry leader over the past 160 years. Early in the companys existence, the forefathers of BNSF Railway understood that transcontinental trains and rail were needed in order to open coast-to-coast commerce in the burgeoning United States. The enduring legacy of these visionary thinkers is, quite simply, responsibility for the development of an entire region.

Today, BNSF Railway serves the western two-thirds of the United States as well as portions of Canada and Mexico with 32,500 route miles. The BNSF Railway Bridge is a showpiece located over the oft-driven Lou Menk Drive. Due to the high-traffic location, any future work done to the bridge can create lane disruptions and possibly multi-lane closures; therefore, yearly renovations or repairs were not an option. Furthermore, the unpredictability of the North Texas environment can create weather patterns ranging from freezing temperatures with sleet to humid, 80-degree weather, often times all within a weeks span. This instability can be problematic for specifiers.

Architect and specifier Bennett, Benner Partners understood the need for a reliable, durable coating for the showpiece. Therefore, a duplex coating system was chosen for 100% of the steel on the BNSF Bridge. This decision provided the desired low-maintenance functionality, structural integrity and mitigation of future repair costs that was required for this project. Many aspects of the BNSF Bridge had to be carefully coordinated between engineer, architect, fabricator and galvanizer. The bridge features massive girders that required progressive dipping, cross members featuring a classic rivet appearance, a 120 clear span and a 4 elevation change which required the bridge to be set on an incline. Additionally, there was the desire of all parties involved to maintain the traditional, black BNSF through-truss bridge design featuring open members and strapping. Therefore, sharing information and discussion of proper steel preparation for painting after galvanizing was crucial. From the inception of this project to its completion, communication was the key to success. This beautifully fabricated and artistically designed bridge is proof positive of the long-term value of duplex coating systems and will continue to be the benchmark for decades to come.