A comparison of Lafayette Heritage Trail’s covered bridge and approach in 2014 and 2025, Lafayette Heritage Trail Park, Tallahassee, FL

2014 Photo credit: Lou Kellenberger 2025 Photo credit: Ryan Ketterman Photography

Nature Bridges has been designing and constructing beautiful outdoor structures in sensitive environments since 1997, and we’ve always been proud of our durable, eco-friendly structures and our talent for connecting people with delicate natural habitats. Recently, we had the opportunity to look back at a project we completed in 2014. We build every project for durability, but we’re still always amazed at how stunning our construction looks and feels years later.

Lafayette Heritage Trail

A comparison of Lafayette Heritage Trail’s multi-use trail in 2014 and 2025, Lafayette Heritage Trail Park, Tallahassee, FL

2014 Photo credit: Lou Kellenberger 2025 Photo credit: Ryan Ketterman Photography

The multi-use railroad overpass at Lafayette Heritage Trail is a work of art that truly immerses pedestrians and cyclists into the environment. This 10-foot wide trail takes park visitors 40 feet into the tree canopy, allowing them a unique view of the majestic old-growth oak forest. The awe-inspiring stroll includes 715 feet of gently sloping approaches to the boardwalk. As part of the Tallahassee-Leon County Greenway, it helps to link more than 1600 acres of greenway while providing convenient educational opportunities to nearby Swift Creek Middle School and other schools.

The central masterpiece of the trail, however, is the covered free-span bridge. Where previously, visitors had a potentially dangerous railroad crossing at ground level, the bridge provides a safe overpass. The magnificent structure allows park goers to walk the trail without worry from passing trains while enjoying the spectacular views. And if the timing is just right, they can even watch trains travel the CSX railroad while enjoying the shade and cool breeze from treetop level! If you’d like a closer look at the trail and bridge, watch our new video.

 

Construction for Durability

A comparison of Lafayette Heritage Trail’s covered bridge in 2014 and 2025, Lafayette Heritage Trail Park, Tallahassee, FL

2014 Photo credit: Lou Kellenberger 2025 Photo credit: Ryan Ketterman Photography

Nature Bridges won the contract from the city of Tallahassee in May, 2014 with a commitment to finish out the 15 years of planning with a stunning, functional bridge and walkway. Parker Consulting Services provided engineering insights, and Excel Bridge Manufacturing Company also assisted with the project. Nature Bridges coordinated the effort to ensure the design – and then construction – was completed to code, the city’s specifications, and to lessen environmental impact. Every aspect of the project was designed for longevity and sustainability.

A comparison of Lafayette Heritage Trail’s boardwalk, Lafayette Heritage Trail Park, Tallahassee, FL

2014 Photo credit: Lou Kellenberger 2025 Photo credit: Ryan Ketterman Photography

The free-span bridge required the most consideration. This type of bridge doesn’t have middle supports, allowing a clear passage beneath it. This type of design was critical for allowing trains to travel freely along the railroad. Because of the railway, though, durability and minimal maintenance were also important. The bridge is constructed primarily of steel, with steel and concrete foundations and supports. These materials provide long-term strength to a project and rarely need maintenance and repair. Once the pre-constructed bridge was set in place using a crane, the stainless steel safety net and gabled roof system were installed.

A comparison of Lafayette Heritage Trail’s elevated walkway supports, Lafayette Heritage Trail Park, Tallahassee, FL

2014 Photo credit: Lou Kellenberger 2025 Photo credit: Ryan Ketterman Photography

As with every outdoor construction project, Nature Bridges is honored to be able to partner with government agencies, communities, and private entities that care about the well-being and safety of both people and nature. The city of Tallahassee is one of these. Lafayette Heritage Trail’s boardwalk and bridge still look as beautiful today as they did eleven years ago, and we anticipate many, many more years of strength and style from this charming structure. Contact us when you’re ready for your next bridge, boardwalk, or other project.