Project Overview

Scenic Hudson engaged Alpine Painting to rehabilitate a pedestrian bridge spanning Black Creek, a sensitive waterway that flows into the Hudson River. The bridge—approximately four feet wide and 110 feet long—had been in service for roughly 25–28 years and was showing clear signs of coating failure and corrosion.

Alpine supported the project from early planning through execution. Initially, we worked alongside consulting engineer Creighton Manning to help develop repair procedures and budget options. In the following year, Scenic Hudson partnered directly with our team to finalize the scope and select a long-term restoration strategy.

Two coating approaches were proposed: an overcoat option and a full abrasive blast-and-paint system. Scenic Hudson selected the full blast and repaint system to maximize durability and extend service life.

Project Execution

Start to Finish

Work began with careful planning and sequencing due to the bridge’s location over water and its role as part of an active public hiking trail. The project included full containment, abrasive blast surface preparation, and installation of a high-performance coating system designed for long-term steel protection.

In addition to coating rehabilitation, Alpine collaborated closely with Scenic Hudson to improve the bridge deck plank attachment method. Previously, wooden planks were fastened through the steel box beams, allowing water intrusion and contributing to internal corrosion. Alpine developed and implemented an alternative solution that eliminated penetrations through the structural steel.

Condition of the Structure

The bridge’s steel exhibited coating breakdown and corrosion in multiple areas, including connection points, beam edges, fasteners, and underside framing—particularly in difficult-to-access locations over the creek.

Surface Preparation and Coating System

Extent of Surface Preparation

All exterior steel surfaces were prepared to SSPC-SP6 Commercial Blast Cleaning.

Because the bridge spans an environmentally sensitive waterway, all preparation activities were carefully sequenced. Full containment was erected prior to surface preparation, and pressure washing was intentionally avoided to prevent runoff into Black Creek.

Products Used

• Primer: Sherwin-Williams Corathene 1 Galva-Pac (1K)

• Intermediate Coat: Sherwin-Williams Macropoxy 646 FC

• Finish Coat: Sherwin-Williams High Solids Polyurethane 250

Client-Driven Adaptability

Top Client Priority

The client’s top priority was long-term durability. Scenic Hudson wanted the bridge to last another 25+ years while eliminating water intrusion into the steel structure. A secondary priority was improving efficiency for plank removal and reinstallation during future maintenance cycles.

Design Coordination and Collaboration

A major differentiator on this project was Alpine’s collaborative problem-solving approach. We engineered a new plank attachment method to address the root cause of internal corrosion:

• Welded flat stock to the top of the steel box beams

• Fabricated custom steel clips to secure planks without penetrating steel members

• Coordinated with Scenic Hudson’s team for plank reinstallation using the new system

Scenic Hudson’s team completed removal and reinstallation significantly faster than prior methods—while also improving long-term protection.

Last-Minute Requests

Yes. Final requests included schedule adjustments due to high water levels and accommodating Scenic Hudson’s safe use of Alpine’s scaffolding during plank removal and reinstallation.

Safety and Environmental Challenges

Key Challenges and How We Overcame Them

Environmental conditions: Elevated water levels delayed initial scaffold installation. Alpine rescheduled installation to ensure safety and protect the creek.

Waterway protection: Full scaffolding with sealed planks, plywood, foam seals, and containment tarping was installed to prevent debris or contaminants from entering Black Creek.

Public access: The bridge is part of an active pedestrian trail. Traffic was safely rerouted to maintain access while work zones remained secure.

Design coordination: Significant planning and collaboration were required to develop and implement the improved plank-securing system that met both structural and maintenance goals.

Each challenge was addressed through careful planning, close collaboration with the owner, and strict adherence to environmental and safety controls.

Safety Plan

A site-specific Health and Safety Plan was developed, addressing:

• Scaffolding erection and daily inspections

• Fall protection and work-at-height procedures

• Waterway protection and environmental containment

• PPE requirements and hazard communication

• Job Hazard Analysis (risk ranking and mitigation)

• Waste management and environmental controls

All personnel were trained and certified for the work performed.

Professional Techniques and Standards (PCA Industry Standards)

Work was completed using professional techniques aligned with PCA Industry Standards to ensure quality, durability, and coordination throughout all phases:

• P3 – Impact of Paint Color: Color/finish decisions maintained the bridge’s natural aesthetic and fit the surrounding environment.

• P4 – Responsibility for Inspection and Acceptance of Surfaces: Steel substrates were inspected and accepted prior to prep/coating to confirm suitability.

• P7 – Job Sequencing: Sequencing prioritized containment, preparation, fabrication, and coating to protect the waterway and maintain safety.

• P9 – Definition of Trade Terms: Clear terminology ensured alignment across proposals, coordination meetings, and field execution.

• P11 – Painter’s Caulk / Implied Requirements: Detailing practices and compatible sealants were applied where required for long-term performance.

• P15 – Painting of Shop-Primed Substrates: Methods accounted for existing shop primer to ensure compatibility, adhesion, and finish performance.

Additional techniques included manufacturer-compliant brush/roll/spray application, certified welding and fabrication practices, comprehensive scaffold inspections, and strict fall-protection compliance.

Results and Impact

End Result for the Client and Community

The project concluded with a fully rehabilitated pedestrian bridge featuring:

• A new high-performance protective coating system

• A redesigned plank attachment method that eliminates steel penetrations and helps prevent water intrusion

• Improved maintenance efficiency for future plank removal/reinstallation

Community response has been very positive, with frequent compliments from trail users familiar with the bridge for years. Scenic Hudson gained peace of mind knowing the bridge is protected for the long term.

Why Alpine Stood Out

Scenic Hudson cited Alpine’s detailed proposal, clear communication, and collaborative problem-solving approach. Our willingness to work through multiple design options—and tailor solutions to long-term asset goals—set us apart from competing bidders.

What Made This Project Stand Out

This project was unique due to:

• An environmentally sensitive location over a waterway

• Limited access and complex containment requirements

• Active public use requiring safe rerouting and tight site control

• Custom engineering and fabrication beyond standard coating work

• A design-build collaboration focused on extending service life for decades

Biggest Takeaway

The biggest takeaway was the importance of deeply understanding a client’s true goals and pain points. By focusing on long-term outcomes rather than a standard service approach, Alpine delivered greater value and strengthened trust—reinforcing our role as a partner, not just a contractor.