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Rail Systems
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Rail Systems

Rural & Moderate-Risk Areas (AASHTO-Based)

Rail systems on trail bridges that can be expected to be used by supervised small children, particularly if the bridge is near a trailhead, must meet the requirements of the AASHTO Bridge Design Code. The rail members must be at least 42 inches high for pedestrian use, or 54 inches high for bicycle or equestrian use. A 6-inch-diameter sphere must not pass through any opening in the bottom 27 inches of the rail system. Above 27 inches, an 8-inch-diameter sphere must not pass through.

Drawing of an AASHTO Pedestrian Rail System.
Click image to enlarge

Timber

Timber-Log

Additional Pictures:

Example sketch of Log Timber AASHTO Photo of a Log Timber AASHTO Rail
ROS Classes: black from U to R to RN to SPM to SPNM, gray from SPNM to P

Timber-Sawn

Additional Pictures:

Example sketch of a sawn timber AASHTO Photo of a Sawn Timber AASHTO Rail
ROS Classes: black from U to R to RN to SPM, gray from SPM to SPNM to P

Steel

Steel-Tube

Photo of a Steel AASHTO Rail
ROS Classes: black from U to R to RN, gray from RN to SPM, white from SPM to SPNM to P

Steel-Mesh

Additional Pictures:

Photo of a Steel Mesh AASHTO Rail
ROS Classes: black from U to R to RN, gray from RN to SPM, white from SPM to SPNM to P

Steel-Cable

Additional Pictures:

Example sketch of a steel Cable AASHTO Rail Photo of a Steel Cable AASHTO Rail
ROS Classes: black from U to R to RN to SPM, gray from SPM to SPNM to P

Fiberglass

Additional Pictures:

Photo of a Fiberglass AASHTO Rail
ROS Classes: black from U to R to RN, gray from RN to SPM to SPNM to P

Wheelchair

A wheelchair rail is required for any accessible trail bridge on a grade steeper than 5 percent.

Additional Pictures:

Example sketch of a wheel chair handrail Photo of a Wheel Chair Handrail