Acrow Supplies Permanent Bridge to Reconnect Foothills Trail in Washington

Modular steel solution restores vital link in a 24-mile trail closed for nearly two years

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:04pm

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Acrow, a leading international bridge engineering and supply company, has supplied a modular steel bridge to restore full-route access of the Foothills National Recreation Trail Southeast of Tacoma, Washington. The popular 24-mile trail was closed for nearly two years after an inspection found severe structural deficiencies in the old timber Spiketon Ditch Bridge.

Why it matters

The Foothills Trail is a vital transportation and recreation link for the local community, used by commuters as well as walkers, cyclists, skaters and equestrians. The closure disrupted continuous access, and a stronger, more durable solution was needed to reconnect the trail.

The details

Acrow's new permanent modular steel bridge is 160 feet long and 12 feet wide, designed to AASHTO HS15 loading standards. It has an asphalt overlay deck, camber panels, and Acrow handrails, and was installed using the cantilever launch method. The choice to partner with Acrow provided the engineering expertise and on-site technicians to ensure a safe and successful project.

  • The old timber Spiketon Ditch Bridge was closed in November 2023 after an inspection found severe structural deficiencies.
  • The new Acrow bridge was installed in 2026 to restore full-route access to the 24-mile Foothills Trail.

The players

Acrow

A leading international bridge engineering and supply company that provided the modular steel bridge solution.

AHBL

The design engineer brought in to help select the best option for the project.

Ceccanti, Inc.

The project contractor that installed the new Acrow bridge.

Pierce County Parks Department

The department that purchased the Acrow bridge to restore the Foothills Trail.

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What they’re saying

“We are extremely proud to have been a part of this important project. The choice to partner with Acrow for its deep engineering expertise and experienced on-site technicians helped ensure a safe and successful project to benefit area residents and visitors.”

— Deon Lourens, Acrow's Business Development Manager in the Pacific States

“For almost two years, users of this well-loved trail dealt with interrupted trail access because of the closing of the vital link. Reconnecting the route with an Acrow modular steel bridge provides a strong, permanent structure that is essential for community access and recreation.”

— Russ Parisi, VP North America

What’s next

The new Acrow bridge is now open and providing full-route access to the 24-mile Foothills National Recreation Trail for commuters and recreational users.

The takeaway

Acrow's modular steel bridge solution was able to quickly and effectively restore a vital community asset, the Foothills Trail, after a critical bridge closure disrupted access for nearly two years. The engineering expertise and on-site support from Acrow ensured a successful project outcome that benefits local residents and visitors.