Help with slick bridges

[Andy Hodson]

Gang
I need suggestions on how best to "treat" a humpback bridge to make it less slippery, or have more traction (whatever the semantics). The bridge is wooden and gets really slick after a rain, making it perilous to walkers due to the downhill side.

We've thought of scratch tape but know it gets torn and ragged quickly. Looks are to be considered.

Any suggestions from anyone who has had to address this problem? The bridge is wide enough to accomodate a cart and walkers at the same time.

Thanks

[Dave_Miller]

Andy:
Have you thought of trying an anti-slip safety paint.  It can be formulated in an appropriate color and might solve your problem, particularly with the walkers.
Best
Dave

[Andy Hodson]

Dave
Great idea! Thanks.
Would you happen to know if it comes in clear, or just colors. Meaning could we "varnish" the bridge a natural color?

[Dave_Miller]

Andy:
I'd have to check with our technical people but I think it could be formulated in a clear type of varnish but I'm not 100% sure.
Best,
Dave

[John Foley]

Can't recall the course, but I remeber a similar scenario where the bridge was covered with sheets of roofing shingle (asphalt based).

[Mike Benham]

I have seen where there is "walking path" of a rubberized material (1/2 inch thick or so) screwed to the wood bridge.  It had some texture to it so that it wasn't slippery when wet.

I have also seen the same material used on bridges as noise abatement device for the carts ...

[Michael Dugger]

Perhaps you could use the rubber mats that they use in kitchens.  I'm sure an industrial supplier would have some.  Most of them have a ton of holes in them so you could afix them using bolts or screws with large washers.  They are pretty tough and would last quite a while.  

[Steve Lang]

Hey Andy,

Which bridge at WP?  You may want to go over to a marine supply store and check out their non-slip type epoxy coatings for boat decks. I assume you'll need a primer as well as a final coating for it to last.  

I know of some industrial grade surface treatments where they put in anti-skid powder to the final coat. The degree of courseness can be adjusted by adding more or less, one must then take into consideration that cleaning becomes more difficult the courser the surface is.

The poor-man's approach would be to put some sand in the paint or sealant mix and see how long it lasts.

 

[Patrick_Mucci]

Andy,

With plastic soft spikes or metal spikes coming in contact with the wet, hump back surface, you may need more than a covering application of anti-slip material.

The black rubber tire quilt strips are highly effective anti-slip devices with plastic cleats and metal spikes.

Good Luck and let us know the final selection and ongoing results.

[Andy Hodson]

Thanks guys for the input. I'll pass it along and keep ya'll informed.

Steve, its the bridge to 16 green (or back to 17 tee). Its a ski ramp when wet.

[johnk]

Stanford has one of the nicest solutions for its many
bridges: A wire mesh down the middle.  The mesh is
like mini-chicken wire. it's nailed down - even over
a rubber layer, I think.

Works great with soft spikes.

[Tyler Kearns]

Andy,
    They have tried a similar technique to that suggested by Mike at by home course. 1/2" thick strips of rubber have been screwed into a wooden path that ascends a small hill at a regular interval of a few feet. It seems to be effective (ie: I haven't fallen and broken anything yet!!).

Tyler Kearns

[archie]

I have seen the asphalt roof shingles used effectively. They wear pretty well and don't look too bad also!