The rail industry’s search for lightweight, long-lasting material with minimal maintenance has fueled widespread adoption of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composite platforms and pedestrian bridge decks. In 2020 Creative Composites Group (CCG) contributed to a makeover of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority’s (MARTA) circa-1970s Inman Park rail station by supplying two FRP bridge decks that were designed to connect travelers to parking lots and transport them over railroad tracks. FRP’s performance prompted MARTA to source the composite material for its East Lake Rail Station North and South bridges which were installed in October 2024.
Starting Point
The Inman Park MARTA station is a hub for visitors. The Blue and Green lines run seven days a week with a train stopping every 20 minutes. It is the closest rail station to BeltLine Eastside Trail, PATH Stone Mountain Trail, Edgewood Retail District, Krog Street Market and civil war historic sites, parks and restaurants. The rail station also sees a steady stream of commuters. CCG’s FiberSpan™ bridge decks replaced heavy, decaying concrete despite the worksite’s limited access. Tight ingress prohibited the use of precast concrete. FRP deck panels made it easy for contractors to maneuver while minimizing repair and labor costs associated with steel upgrades. The North bridge deck was installed with nine deck panels. The South bridge deck consisted of 17 panels.
FRP’s light weight allowed designers to use the original steel trusses. The material’s light weight and high strength also helped to reduce vibrations in the bridges generated by the heavy rail system and the CSX railroad lines that run parallel to the MARTA tracks. Designers prioritized aesthetics. In addition to the prefabricated FiberSpan panels’ integrally molded curbs, crowns and built-in trenches, the decks’ non-slip surface received an attractive pattern and a two-tone color scheme of brick red and beige.
Mirror Image
MARTA tapped CCG again in 2024 for Phase one of its renovation project for East Lake station which includes new pedestrian bridges and a new elevator on the North side. The existing pedestrian bridge was removed and replaced in July 2024 with an FRP bridge deck comprised of nine deck panels installed on a steel truss. Work is ongoing with the installation of flooring, lighting and elevator foundations. Construction work began on the South side pedestrian bridge in October 2024. Aside from a few slight differences, the new project is almost a mirror image of the 2020 renovation. The repeat business demonstrates both customer satisfaction and the design and performance advantages of FRP.
