Neenah Foundry has been the leading producer of cast-iron bridge scuppers for more than 50 years. Our bridge scuppers ensure that water drains efficiently from the road to an outlet to enable safe driving conditions. We can customize bridge drainage solutions to meet your unique requirements.
Our bridge drainage products are made in the United States and are approved for federally funded projects.
Overview of Bridge Drainage Solutions
Bridge drainage is essential for keeping bridges safe and preventing water accumulation, which can cause hydroplaning and structural issues. Unaddressed water issues can also lead to corrosion over time.
Neenah Foundry has over 50 years of experience producing scuppers and grates for bridges. Our cast-iron bridge drainage solutions are proudly U.S.-made and approved for federally funded projects.
What Is Bridge Drainage?
Bridge drainage refers to the function of any device or design feature intended to remove water from bridge decks. The water is channeled to inlet grates and routed to a safe location.
Scuppers and grates are important components used for bridge drainage. Many scuppers and inlet grates are made of cast iron, as it provides exceptional durability and long-term performance.
What Are Bridge Drainage Products Used For?
Engineers use bridge drainage products to accomplish the following goals:
- Remove rainwater from bridge decks
- Prevent ponding, skid hazards, and freeze-thaw damage
- Direct water away from structural elements to prevent corrosion
- Support safe driving conditions in high-traffic and highway settings
- Ensure compliance with DOT and FHWA drainage requirements
Our products are used on highway bridges, overpasses, pedestrian bridges, and multi-span structures.
Key Features of Neenah Bridge Drainage Products
Neenah Foundry offers a variety of bridge drainage products, which include the following features:
Heavy-Duty, Long-Term Performance
Our top priority is to deliver products with exceptional durability and strength. Our cast-iron solutions can resist high traffic loads. Cast iron is the preferred option, as it offers better corrosion resistance than steel and is more cost-effective.
Engineered for DOT Standards
Our hardware is approved for federally funded projects. We build all of our solutions in accordance with state DOT specifications.
Product Types
Neenah Foundry produces scuppers and inlet grates designed for efficient drainage. Inlet grates capture surface runoff from the roadway, and bridge scuppers, positioned beneath the grates, channel it safely into the designated drainage system.
Customization Options
We can provide custom services to meet your unique project requirements. Our engineering team can customize the following elements:
- Geometry
- Opening size
- Drainage capacity
- Grate style
- Scupper type
While cast iron is the optimal material for most bridge drainage products, we can also accommodate requests for steel drainage systems.
Why Choose Neenah Foundry for Bridge Drainage Systems?
Customers turn to Neenah Foundry for bridge drainage solutions because we provide the following advantages:
- 150-plus years of manufacturing experience
- U.S.-based production and strict quality control
- Customization capabilities for unique bridge requirements
- Direct collaboration with bridge designers
- Proven reliability on federally funded infrastructure projects
Additionally, we maintain long-term partnerships with DOTs, engineers, and contractors. These relationships allow us to effectively support projects with timely guidance and real-world expertise.
FAQ: Bridge Drainage Systems
What Is a Bridge Scupper?
A bridge scupper is an opening casted into a bridge deck that provides drainage so rainwater can run off the roadway. It’s one of the most important components of bridge drainage.
How Do Bridge Drainage Inlet Grates Work?
Bridge drainage inlet grates are installed above bridge scuppers to capture surface runoff, allowing water to flow through the openings into the underlying drainage system.
Inlet grates reduce ponding and improve traction for vehicles. They also protect the structural elements of the bridge by directing water away from joints and bearings and keeping water from pooling along substructures, which promotes longevity.
What Materials Are Best for Bridge Drainage Components?
Common bridge drainage components are made from cast gray iron, ductile iron, or steel. Gray iron and ductile iron offer superior strength and corrosion resistance. Our products also offer high load ratings, making them ideal for traffic-rated bridge environments.
Are Cast-Iron Bridge Drainage Products DOT-Approved?
Many cast-iron bridge drainage products are DOT-approved. Interstate and state projects typically require castings that are traffic-rated and state DOT-approved.
Tell our team about your compliance needs so we can help you find the right products for your project.
How Do I Choose the Right Drainage Product for My Bridge Project?
Our experts can help you identify the right drainage products based on factors like load rating, opening size, and agency specifications. We’ll account for everything from deck geometry to your desired drainage flow path to promote optimal safety.
Can Neenah Foundry Customize Drainage Solutions for Unique Bridge Designs?
Yes. We offer custom solutions to meet various size, structural, and load-rating requirements. Reach out today to discuss your customization needs with our engineering team.
Do Bridge Drainage Systems Require Regular Maintenance?
Maintenance crews should routinely inspect grates and scuppers, remove debris, and clean drainage paths to prevent clogging. Cast iron products are highly durable and typically do not require regular maintenance.
Explore Bridge Drainage Products From Neenah Foundry
Are you searching for a reliable partner for your bridge drainage project? Neenah Foundry has the products and expertise to effectively support you.
Whether you need in-stock items in standard sizes or custom castings, our team can deliver. We provide hands-on engineering support for custom and DOT designs, as well as crucial knowledge to ensure compliance. Contact us today to learn more.