Portable bridges are essential when permanent installations aren’t feasible and avoiding a crossing isn’t possible. TerraCross bridges provide an engineered solution to quickly and easily bypass small rivers and ditches to maintain seamless access for equipment, materials, and personnel throughout the duration of your project. Additionally, they can protect underground equipment, such as buried gas pipelines by providing an air-bridged pathway over the impacted area.
Unlike commonly used timber mat bridges that are made from mixed woods of different grades and quality, the engineered TerraCross bridge is made from welded structural steel. It has certified weight specifications and provides consistent performance. It isn’t susceptible to deterioration like wood so sudden bridge failure due to accidental overloading or internal unseen wood rot is no longer a concern. And the durable qualities of the TerraCross means it can be relocated and reused across different projects, providing a flexible solution for various construction needs.
TerraCross 40 clear spans 35′ with a total length of 40′. TerraCross 56 clear spans 50′ with a total length of 56′. These bridges use TerraLam® 500 bearing mats and TerraLam® 700 decking mats.
For crossing underground utilities, such as buried pipeline. Clear spans 12′ with a total length of 28′. This bridge uses TerraLam® 500 decking mats and optional bearing mats are available if needed.
TerraCross is a highly versatile temporary bridge system that can be utilized to provide access over a range of obstacles, such as the ones listed below. If you have a different use case or questions regarding how TerraCross can work for your project, please contact us.
TerraCross is ideal for spanning small to mid-size crossings, up to 50ft. These can be streams, small rivers, ditches, or other gapped obstacles. Traditional culverts and stone fills can damage ecosystems and trigger additional costly environmental permits. TerraCross allows you to go right over the top—fast, clean, and with minimal site disturbance.
In situations where infrastructure runs underground, standard matting often isn’t enough. TerraCross can “Airbridge” (up tp 50ft) over those areas to safely cross over even large-diameter gas or water pipelines. Utility companies prefer engineered bridge systems like TerraCross because they offer verified load ratings.
Some smaller bridges are not rated to carry heavy loads so TerraCross can be used to “bridge over-the-top” of existing structures to provide the capability needed for large construction projects. It’s a practical solution to increase capacity without needing to re-engineer existing infrastructure—and when engineers won’t sign off on timber mats or steel plates.
EASY DELIVERY
TerraCross 28 and 40 ships using just one truck, reducing fuel and CO2, and the TerraCross 56 ships on two trucks.
REDUCED TRANSPORT PERMITTING
TerraCross ships on standard trucks—no oversized loads, no overweight permits— so you avoid hassle and costs associated with special road permits.
FAST DEPLOYMENT
TerraCross bridges are installed with construction equipment commonly on-site and can be rapidly set up to help save time and save money.
LESS ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING
Conventional solutions like culverts often require months of waiting for environmental approvals. TerraCross helps avoid the need for digging or placing materials in waterways, possibly reducing environmental permitting requirements.
LOWER ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
With minimal excavation and fewer vehicle trips for delivery anbd install, less foreign contaminants are left at the jobsite.
HIGHLY ENGINEERED
TerraCross is a fully engineered solution that comes with real specifications and load tables. That assurance matters, especially when protecting buried infrastructure or navigating regulatory requirements.
SHORT TERM RENTALS AVAILABLE
TerraCross is available as a short-term rental—ideal for temporary access or one-time projects where ownership isn’t necessary.
Lightweight TerraCross temporary bridges require fewer trucks for delivery, reducing fuel usage and CO2 emissions compared to other solutions. The TerraCross 28 and 40 can be shipped to your site using just one truck, and the TerraCross 56 and 56x ships on two trucks.
Prior to deploying the portable bridge to your site, our quality assurance team uses a 26-point inspection to ensure it is field ready.
In addition to providing a safer solution to creek, ditch, or ravine crossings, the TerraCross Portable Bridge can be utilized as an airbridge when crossing underground pipelines with heavy equipment.
Yes. OSHA-compliant handrails are pinned to the temporary bridge.
Due to the critical importance of proper installation, it is recommended that the TerraCross system be installed by a Sterling field operations team. If you want your crew to install the TerraCross portable bridge, a Sterling site advisor must be on site to supervise the installation and breakdown.
All sites must be reviewed and/or inspected by trained Sterling personnel prior to rental agreement.
The TerraCross Temporary Bridging system is easily installed with standard equipment used to create temporary access roads like excavators and front-end loaders.
Depending on the soil conditions and grade change, additional bearing components, soil testing, and/or site preparation may be required. These conditions will be identified during the site review and inspection.
The strength and integrity of the TerraCross design are based on the engineering properties of the TerraLam mat, therefore, it is an integral component of the TerraCross Temporary Bridge system relative to both the bearing surface and the main travel deck. Installing TerraLam with other mats will compromise the safety of the unit.
Installation time depends on several factors, such as site access, soil conditions, and geography. Under ideal installation conditions, the complete system can be installed in as little as two hours to less than one full day.
All components of the TerraCross 40 can be shipped on a single standard flat bed. The TerraCross 56 will ship on two standard flatbeds.
TerraCross portable bridges are available to purchase or rent. Rentals do carry a minimum rental duration. Your Sterling Account Manager can discuss all available options with you to ensure your bridge and crossing needs are met.
The TerraCross Temporary Bridge system is an engineered and certified product. Your Sterling Account Manager can provide proof of certification as needed prior to installation.
Ensure your site or passage remains accessible and operations continue without interruption with TerraCross bridges from Sterling Site Access Solutions. Contact us today to learn more about how our innovative bridge solutions can benefit your project. Contact us at 708.388.2223.