DESIGNING WITH VELPONT: MODULAR CROSSINGS MADE SIMPLE

Design using a single, modular system that replaces many one-off bridge alternatives engineers are typically forced to detail from scratch.

Resources for these components are currently in development and scheduled for availability later this year: - Foundation blocks - Slab beams - Backwall units - Coping

Engineering Resources

Block Library PDF | DWG

AutoCAD 3D Block Models DWG

SketchUp 3D Block Models .zip

Designed for the crossing, not the catalog

Velpont supports small to medium-span crossings up to 75 ft (22.8 m) long and provides up to a 20 ft (6.1 m) rise, depending on site conditions.

Skewed Crossings

Standard abutment blocks can be paired with 45° or 90° corner blocks, allowing the layout to follow skewed road or stream alignments without introducing custom geometry or complex detailing.

Variable-Width Roadways

With versatile abutment lengths and superstructure configurations, Velpont supports non-standard roadway widths, eliminating the need to rework approaches or over-design the deck.

Constrained Locations

When access is limited or the site is tight, Velpont’s modularity allows the crossing to be built with minimal impact on the streambed and banks.

Alternatives Just Aren't Engineered Like Velpont

Velpont

Aquatic Organism Passage Maintained

Natural depths and velocities are preserved, supporting fish movement and habitat connectivity.

Natural Sediment Transport Preserved

Sediment moves through the channel without upstream buildup or downstream erosion.

Minimal Scour and Channel Incision

Open-bottom design avoids concentrated outlet velocities that lower the streambed.

Natural Streambed and Banks Preserved

Abutments sit outside the stream, maintaining substrate and habitat complexity.

Reduced Debris Blockage Risk

Spanning the channel limits debris accumulation and sudden flow disruptions.

Velpont spans the channel instead of narrowing it, allowing the waterway to function naturally across a wide range of conditions.

Alternatives

Restricted Aquatic Organism Passage

High velocities, shallow flow, or outlet drops can block fish and fragment habitat.

Altered Sediment Transport

Narrowed channels cause upstream deposition and downstream erosion.

Scour and Channel Incision

Increased outlet velocities scour the bed and deepen the downstream channel.

Loss of Natural Streambed and Banks

Excavation and armoring remove natural substrate and reduce habitat value.

Debris Blockage and Flow Disruption

Debris buildup can trigger flooding and erosive surges during high flows.

Over time, these impacts can reduce biodiversity, simplify stream structure, and require costly remediation or replacement.

Rooted in Best Practices

Stream Smart is a crossing design strategy that prioritizes preserving natural waterway width, grade, and sediment movement while still delivering safe, durable crossings.

Velpont is rooted in Stream Smart best practices and offers a responsible way to design crossings that perform hydraulically, structurally, and environmentally over the long term.

Quote Your Crossing

Define your site parameters and receive a clear, engineer-focused quote built around standardized Velpont components, not assumptions.

Request Your Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the longest stream crossing that can host a Velpont bridge?

Velpont modular bridges can be used on crossings spanning up to 75 ft (22.8 m). Bridge designers will appreciate the flexibility this span offers when working with tricky sites.

How tall can Velpont bridges be built?

Velpont abutments can be constructed to allow up to a 20 ft (6.1 m) rise, depending on specific site conditions.

Does Velpont reduce permitting complexity?

Often, yes. The minimal in-stream work needed for installation can ease permitting requirements on contractors and bridge designers/engineers.

Why are Velpont abutment blocks crafted with voids?

The hollow core block design reduces weight for easier shipping and handling and allows additional concrete and rebar reinforcement during installation, creating a stronger, fully reinforced bridge.