Axion International Receives Purchase Order to Supply Materials for First Plastic Bridge Used in Public Highway Applications in the U.S. The Entire Bridge to Be Built Using Axion’s 100% Recycled Plastic Composites, the First of Its Kind in the Public Highway System
NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Axion International Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: AXIH.ob - News), a leading producer of industrial building products and railroad ties made from 100% recycled plastic and plastic composites, announced that through the existing relationship with its sales representative, Innovative Green Solutions, LLC (IGS), it has received a purchase order from the town of York, Maine for Axion’s innovative Recycled Structural Composite (RSC) material, which will be used in the construction of a plastic bridge. This bridge will be the first of its kind used in public highway applications in the United States, and the first recycled plastic vehicular bridge in the state of Maine.
The bridge will be approximately 26 feet wide x 15 feet long and will be used to replace an existing concrete box culvert. The bridge has been designed to meet AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) LRFD Specifications for HL-93 vehicular load. The bridge will consist of a single-span, with curbing, abutment headwalls and wingwalls. Upon final installation, the bridge deck will be covered in gravel and surfaced with asphalt pavement. The larger structure will provide a more effective passage for water, fish and aquatic organisms from Shorey Pond under Birch Hill Road, which runs between SR-91 and Beech Ridge Road in the town of York.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this green bridge project in Maine,” stated Steve Silverman, Axion’s President and CEO. “As the first 100% recycled plastic vehicular bridge built on the public highway system in the US, Axion is pleased that our relationship with the town of York could make this bridge a reality. Going forward Axion hopes to see continued acceptance of our recycled plastic products, as our management team remains committed to maintaining a diversified sales pipeline with a growing number of opportunities around the United States, and internationally as well.”
The bridge is adjacent to the historic York River and is located on a town road to the West of York Harbor. It was commissioned by the town of York and designed and reviewed by engineering consulting firms Parsons Brinckerhoff and CLD Consulting Engineers, and will be constructed by Maritime Construction and Engineering. The bridge will be manufactured and prefabricated at Axion’s plant in Portland, Pennsylvania and will be shipped to Maine via flatbed truck before installation. Due to the pre-fab nature of the bridge, it is expected to be assembled onsite with relative ease and speed. The bridge is planned to be fully manufactured and installed before Maine’s winter season in 2011.
Dean Lessard, Director of Public Works for the town of York, Maine, commented, “This bridge will be a great addition to our historic, forward thinking and environmentally conscious town. Our Board of Selectmen were extremely supportive in utilizing recycled plastic technology to replace the undersized culvert that was prone to causing that section of Birch Hill road to flood. I recommended thermoplastic over other options due to the structure’s timber like appearance and the product’s environmental credentials combined with its durability and minimum maintenance requirements. We look forward to working with CLD, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Maritime Construction, IGS and Axion on this thermoplastic project, as well as on other potential development opportunities going forward.”
Vijay Chandra, National Director of Structures and Dr. John Kim, Senior Professional Associate at Parson Brinckerhoff, Inc. said, “We are pleased to have the opportunity to work on the first vehicular bridge in the state of Maine designed from 100% recycled plastic. It’s a pleasure to work with the town of York on this eco-friendly bridge and be given the opportunity to design with Axion’s products, which are some of the most exciting new structural materials in the marketplace today with distinct advantages over conventional alternatives.”
About Innovative Green Solutions
Innovative Green Solutions (IGS) is a woman owned small business and an Axion preferred partner for sales and distribution to the federal government. IGS understands our nation’s need to create sustainable green solutions in our construction, transportation and facilities management projects and is positioned to “Preserve Tomorrow with Today’s Solutions.” For more information please visit: www.igsfederal.com. |
