The US timber industry is again sponsoring a national competition recognising achievements in the design and construction of timber bridges.
The awards, also supported by the US Forest Service, attracted 150 entries in 2003, with 15 awards given for both pedestrian and vehicle bridge designs. About half the prizes were awarded to projects using solid-sawn or glulam southern pine.
Timber bridges are seen as a cost-effective answer to the thousands of highway bridges which are either outdated or needing repair or replacement.
