FAQs About Trench Bridges
A trench crossing bridge, also known as a trench platform or crossover walkway, is essential for maintaining a safe and accessible worksite. United Rentals offers a variety of trench bridge rentals from trusted brands like GME and BTS. Our selection includes aluminum and steel trench crossing bridge rentals in 8, 10, and 12-foot lengths to fit your jobsite requirements. The aluminum personnel-crossing bridges are lightweight and feature anti-slip flooring and guardrails for fall protection, making them ideal for workers traversing trenches on foot. For heavier applications, our one-piece steel trench bridges can be easily installed with an excavator and are designed to support crew and heavy equipment.
Learn more about our trench crossing bridges in our FAQ section below.
Weight capacity varies depending on the model. Our aluminum trench bridges are designed for personnel, supporting up to 500 pounds. Our heavy-duty steel bridges have much higher weight capacities and can support personnel and heavy equipment. Please refer to the specifications for each individual product or contact a United Rentals representative to ensure you select the right bridge for your load requirements.
According to OSHA standard 1926.651(c)(2), a safe means of egress, such as a walkway or bridge, is required for trenches that are 4 feet or more in depth. These crossings must be provided every 25 feet for trenches that employees are required to cross. We recommend consulting official OSHA guidelines to ensure full compliance on your specific worksite.
Whether you can link trench bridges together depends on the specific model design and manufacturer recommendations. Some systems are designed to be connected to create a continuous path, while others are not. For safety, always check the product specifications or consult with a United Rentals expert to determine if a bridge can be linked.