The Cape Cod Rail Trail (CCRT) is a paved bike-way that runs 25 miles from South Dennis to Wellfleet, Massachusetts. The history of the trail stems from the original trail-head in South Dennis, which transported passengers and freight to Cape Cod in the early 1800,’s until around 1960. The CCRT today is a safe and enjoyable spot to spend a day in Cape Cod. The trail is smoothly paved making it ideal for cyclists, walkers, inline skaters, and runners to enjoy.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (MADCR) manages and maintains the trail, which they have been improving and expanding since 2002. The most recent upgrade increased the existing 60’ wide Bass River Bridge to 165’ providing additional space to view the Bass River and its surroundings. This portion of the project will not only serve as a pedestrian bridge for the CCRT, but has been designed to also be a tidal restoration project. As a result this will improve the ecosystem of the upper Bass River as well as improve navigation by deepening the channel and reducing the velocities under the bridge. 

Fortunately, the specifier (MADCR) recognized that galvanizing the pedestrian bridge would protect the steel from rust and corrosion for decades to come. The durability that the galvanized coating offered would be far superior to that of just a regular painted surface and a duplex coating of powder coating over galvanizing would provide an even greater life span. Ultimately, the specifier selected the duplex system, not only for its corrosion protection but also, to maintain that Northeast Trail “feel”. 

The hot dip galvanizer used for this project had to meet lifting capacity, kettle size and Massachusetts specification requirements. In addition, the galvanizer that was selected guaranteed they could smooth the galvanized surface to allow a 3-coat paint system to be applied to the bridge members. Now complete, the beautiful 165’ pedestrian bridge stands proud, eloquently placed over the Bass River for all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.