Jun 15 2006
Pittsburgh-based L.B. Foster Company (Nasdaq: FSTR) announced that it will help form a
rejuvenated Bridge Grid Flooring Manufacturers Association ("BGFMA"), along with Interlocking Deck Systems International, Bailey Bridges Inc. and D.S. Brown Company.
According to Don Foster, Senior Vice President, Construction Products, the BGFMA will focus their efforts on promoting more economically efficientsolutions to address a key infrastructure concern, the rapidly aging and deteriorating state of bridges across the US. "The use of bridge grid reinforced flooring and Exodermic(TM) decking is a cost effective, long term solution to repair or replace bridge structures. This new trade association, which is composed of companies who manufacture these products, along with others interested in the market, will promote this technology through various educational, marketing research and research and development activities."
Per Mike Riley, Marketing Manager, Fabricated Bridge Products, this is an important new initiative. "With an estimated 36% of existing bridges rated as structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, as well as the need for new structures, our association will advance the application of bridge grid reinforced flooring and Exodermic(TM) decking as the long term, economically superior solution to solve this problem." Riley further stated, "This technology has been used in a number of projects undertaken by L.B. Foster, including the recently completed Memorial Bridge in Augusta, ME and the repair underway to the Homestead Gray's Bridge near Pittsburgh, PA. In addition, installation will soon begin on both the Manhattan Bridge in New York City and the 12th Avenue Bridge in Miami, FL using bridge grid reinforced flooring."