$200 DIY Heavy Duty Bridge

WARNING: USE THIS INFORMATION AT YOUR OWN RISK. We are obviously not bridge experts, so we do not know all of the accurate information on how to create an expert bridge. Building a bridge like this can break and cause harm to equipment and serious injury or even death. We do not advise you to replicate this bridge or attempt to build any bridge without an expert engineer's advice. This video simply shows how we built our own bridge to access different parts of our property. If you use this video as an example to build your own bridge you are doing it at your own risk, and we will not be responsible for any harm or injuries that may have occurred from you trying to replicate. FOR YOUR SAFETY DO NOT TRY TO REPLICATE THIS PROJECT.
We built this bridge to access different parts of our property. The bridge turned out better than we expected and was strong enough for us to cross with a tractor. This will be a very nice addition to our property that will allow us to get to places we couldn't access with atv's in the past. As stated before, we do not advise any of you to try to replicate this project, this was just an example of our bridge we built by using treated wood we had laying around and buying a couple more materials for the project totaling $200.
This video was intended for entertainment purposes, information taken from this video is not recommended.
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[@Johannes00]

You can think of the negative comments as your very own special bridge trolls! Haha! :o)

[@tonysimmons5953]

Stumbling upon this comment enriched my day!

[@AsianRedneck239]

You sly fox

[@killkrazy9913]

2023 this comment deserves more likes haha

[@AnthonyLeighDunstan]

Surprised this comment didn’t get more attention 😂

[@ThisTall]

How the heck can somebody want to pick this apart? They’re 100% humble and upfront about their claims the whole way through. It’s a back yard bridge that’s built for 6000lb if you look up the post rating and has a far FAR liter machine rolling across it 10x in the video with ZERO flex or sign of load showing whatsoever. By what standards do ppl claim this isn’t good enough for what THEY are using it for?

[@BrunkOutdoors]

Kermit thank you we appreciate the nice comment. We wish more people would understand that we built the bridge for our needs, not anyone else’s and it works flawlessly.

[@pandnh4]

Because most people who feel like they must say something are usually dicks

[@calic3538]

with the span of that wood...would be more like 10--12 thousand pounds. only major flaw is not getting the post below the frost line..that's only if this is a colder climate

[@steveg1667]

Probably Tesla drivers angry that they didn't install a charging station.

[@believeitlandscapemaintena7636]

@@steveg1667 Lol Is the wood rot resistant or pressure treated?

[@chartliner]

I am rebuilding a 20 ft. bridge now because it rotted on top, the planks did not have spaces (another bridge video used 1/2 inch spaces) that could be pressure washed so rotted leaves got in between and promoted rot and also it had dirt touching it at the end so that caused rot to start at the ends of the planks which ran lengthwise, so it is better to use crushed gravel at the ends so wet dirt won't cause rot where it touches the planks.

[@jenniferscott3176]

$200 man I miss those good old day prices would probably cost me $1200 in today's pricing

[@TheYamahog12]

Easily. Oh, plus you gotta buy a tractor if you don’t have one.

[@kapperoutdoors]

awesome man, thanks! A bridge is on my list for our new lake project to cross a new channel I just dug! thanks for sharing.

[@BrunkOutdoors]

Kapper Outdoors glad we could help!

[@tummypen99]

Kapper Outdoors j

[@ReyReyloads]

You skipped over how you set the posts in the water.

[@10acreplayground71]

This is great thank you for the ideas. We have a much smaller creek to cross, but im sure we can use a lot of your idea's to help just get it done.

[@marymary4868]

it must be grand to build such a structure straight forward neat and true - even if it's on some old bush road out towards the back of the property and seldom used. fine job.

[@roostercogburn3771]

Thanks for the bridge building class! I built my bridge, which is equivalent to that, much cheaper. A neighbor up the creek had a I-beam which was too big for him. So we cut it in half and loaded it on a trailer, then brought it home. I got 2 rail-road ties. My creek was a few feet wide and a few feet below. Maybe about an 11 foot span. Cut a couple trees on each side, (or syde for our Blimey buds). I dug behind the stumps and placed the rail-road ties behind the stumps where I dug it out. Then did the same on the other side, on the bank. Then hooked a chain to my Oliver 70 and launched the I-beams across the creek and adjusted them on the stumps and ties. Then filled with dirt up to the beams. Used the bridge for a long time! A couple lustrums and a heptad. Over 45 years, maybe 50, never painted and still usable! Plus held up to some major floods, to include the 1993 mid-west floods! In all those years, only one person ever messed up when driving across the beams. And the beams held every load, to include cords of wood. Not bad, for under a tenth of Mr. Brunk's price. It pays to have good buddies! Take care and have a good & Godly day!

[@deborahyahysrael5033]

Wow. I would like to know more on how you did this or see pics.

[@itptires]

You can't brag about the cost when it was done 50 years ago. A tenth of the cost wouldn't hardly buy you a 2x4x16 these days. And getting stuff for free only works for you not everyones neighbor has a free giant I beam

[@cindyskillman544]

Thanks bunches! Very entertaining! 😂 We don't need that much bridge, but it's really helpful to see what ya'll did there! 🥰

[@joelonderee2872]

Excellent video. We had a pro build a 20' bridge across our creek, and it is basically the same construction you used. Thanks!

[@BrunkOutdoors]

Joe Londeree thanks for the feedback!

[@BrianPhillipsRC]

Awesome bridge!

[@MikeD-lo9yb]

Cool bridge man, and I must admit I only made it to 5 mins. All I would add is to add some running boards perpendicular to your 6x2 decking, where your wheel tracks would be. This would transfer the weight onto of the vehicle onto 2 or 3 or 4 of the 6x2s, and help stop them flexing (in much the same way as the edge board did). I'm no builder or engineer but I believe with decking or flooring there is normally 3 layers; bearers (your 12x2), joists( your 6x2), decking( your edge board)

[@fishingwithtimmy]

Oh what's that? You like my bridge? Great intro...I watched that 5 times.

[@dgb5820]

Looks awesome and very simple and easy to understand, great video

[@CherylCold]

I like it. Thanks for the insight. Need to build across a small creak to my woodland for garden house and extra garage. I'm cheap haha

[@PaulLadendorf]

Nice work. One thing I would do is put 4x4's on top of each end of the decking as bumpers to keep vehicles from going over the edge.

[@theweekendhomestead]

I have been looking for ideas for a bridge thanks

[@GolightlyAnimations]

Nice bridge design! It worked great!

[@joshrosa8164]

That is awesome! How did we do anything before youtube? Great job guys!

[@chrisneal7567]

Thanks for this video. Definitely what we need to get ATV's & tractors across a creek on our land. What size are the bolts use on the main beams & the 4×4 supports?

[@gauthy]

Very nicely done. I want to build one similar

[@loyaltyparker.1659]

Great idea! Thank you..

[@pamelaka7681]

Built this last summer.Excellent instructions. Unfortunately with Covid price was closer to 2000.00.

[@ceruleanc505]

Beast bridge guys. Sa-weet!

[@sam.man.TX22]

Love it. Well done fellas.

[@cutweldngrind]

I was going to do the same but decided to fill the creek in and was doing good till last week. I know have a 5 ft wide by 4 ft deep chunk of dirt missing. I am getting ready yo place some culverts in there.

[@houndsmanone4563]

Nice job.

[@threetreesfarm]

I have 2 ravines on my property, this was helpful, since I have to cross one of them to get to the garden

[@bellyache4860]

Nice one fellas! Simple design and functional. I thought it would be cool to fell a few trees and use logs on mine. Wish I watched this first :)

[@davidb.beasley7359]

good job.

[@marckrevo1970]

So how did you install the posts in the actual creek? How were you able to dig out when there was actual water in the creek?

[@overlandingtundrak9833]

I like this bridge. Good job. I only want to ask is it still standing?? After 3 years???

[@Pur_ple_taken]

Would this design of bridge work in a faster flowing river

[@stanroberts4820]

Great job, and cheaper than a culvert setup.

[@sherischneider2672]

The best idea I have seen for this is to use the frame of an old semi trailer flatbed.

[@brittnchargmail]

Great disclaimer at the end I'm sure it'll work fine for hunting and access purposes

[@Nimatodes]

Nice video! Only recommendation I have is to place stick-on flashing on top of the joists and wherever else there's wood-to-wood contact to help them last longer. It's like a $10 cost and will extend the life of your bridge.

[@natsirim499]

Well.. I like it. Good job

[@garymccarver5006]

Excellent job. You'll get many years of trouble free service out of it. Built to last.

[@johnnorris9874]

that was cool, thanks

[@NeedsMoreToys]

Good job guys

[@pacodefrancis7235]

Do you reckon if you use 6x6 with this design instead of the 4x it will hold up to 4-5 ton?

[@navarrobedoya]

Great Video. Can you please show how you make it in the middle? The part that is in the water.

[@countryboycharlie9793]

Put runners were u drive 1 by 12 and off set them the way we us to build for county Rd makes it a lot stronger.. u did a great job👍

[@BrunkOutdoors]

charlie knight thanks!

[@SithLord2066]

Bridge is too low, there's no way I can pass my yacht under it. Thumbs down!

[@g.r7255]

Oh come on! that yacht only draws an inch anyway.

[@dougnutter8452]

Maybe you should consider a draw bridge to go with your yacht!

[@ernestlmorellsr]

... Hahaha, yeah, water under the bridge...

[@alexandra.willitts6988]

Sith Lord, If you can't get an RC yacht underneath that bridge you got problems..........HHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAA......(8^P

[@faraz007]

But your submarine can...

[@tenzwoser1]

Enjoyed it!

[@dobson777a]

Great job I would have used 6 by 6 post supports in the middle of the bridge though.

[@johnnorris9874]

that's what I was thinking...or at least a 4x6

[@TeamRinaldi3]

Not exactly how I would do it, but a lot of great ideas that I'm going to incorporate into mine. Good work!

[@BrunkOutdoors]

TeamRinaldi3 thanks glad you liked it!

[@michaelfordjr.9289]

This is the EXACT bridge I have been thinking of building! Thank you so much for sharing it! 1 question.. How did you put the center support 4x4s into the creek? Did you drive them down as far as possible or did you block off the creek for some time and concrete them in??

[@BrunkOutdoors]

Michael Ford Jr. glad we could help! We just post hole dug them as far down as we could down to rock and poured concrete into the hole, never diverged the creek. Seemed to work fine!

[@lsebuharara]

@@BrunkOutdoors pardon my ignorance, as i've never built something like this. so you had no problems with the whole filling back up with mud as you dug? i envision the water just washing more dirt into the hole as you're digging, no?

[@DavidSmith-lp5tz]

That creek doesn’t appear to be flowing. I have the same question about how to dig post holes in a running creek. I think I’m going to use an excavator to dig the hole and concrete tubes with rebar to block off the water while I pour in the concrete. I have about a 40’ span and need a brace in the middle to keep the utility poles from bowing.

[@polarbear5740]

Looks good to me

[@farukservice1767]

nice bridge

[@philthelawnman]

You learn as you go. Good enough for farm work and better than 30% of the bridges in the world.

[@BrunkOutdoors]

ROYAL LAWN CARE that’s what we think, it’ll last plenty long enough for us. And if it needs fixing, we will take some time to repair. Thanks for the comment!

[@therock8224]

@@BrunkOutdoors Looks about what I need, I have two creeks on my property, they are about the same width and depth below the ground as yours. However, I live in the tropics, we have a very dry dry season that lasts for 6 months and a very wet wet season that lasts for 4 months. Not sure how long wood would last under these conditions...torrential rain for weeks on end doesn't bode well for timber. How much rain do you get where you guys are?

[@BrunkOutdoors]

The Rock we get steady rain every few days in the spring but the summer gets really dry. The bridge is pretty wet though all winter under snow that melts and re freezes

[@therock8224]

@@BrunkOutdoors How many years do you think it will last?

[@BrunkOutdoors]

The Rock I’m not sure how it would fair. We use green treated wood to help the weather elements. Where we are the weather went from snow and -40 to 60 degrees last weekend. Spring has snow run off and brings some rain, summer is usually pretty dry with some rain if we are lucky. And fall either brings rain or snow. The only thing we would worry about is trees flowing through the creek nocking it out. We know this bridge won’t last forever, so you’ll just want to be prepared if in 5-10 years it may go out . I think it would work well for you, you may want to modify the idea using other videos that look like it is in your area.

[@farmordie3485]

That sir is now about a $4,000 dollar bridge due to the current costs of building supplies . 😂

[@ktthao5224]

😂

[@MLGtroll365]

😂😂

[@TommyK0180]

I clicked on this video just to look for this comment

[@andrewchapman2024]

I'm definitely going to do this at home. XD

[@christophersoberg2627]

Awesome

[@SerenaAlonzi]

I like your bridge

[@oby-1607]

If the bridge breaks and they fall into the creek, they will build it better. Never depend on bolts. Load path should always be to ground. Hope it lasts.

[@martinacarter3050]

Nice!

[@zedwpd]

Add runners. Insurance in case any individual cross board ever fails. Place the cross anchors high enough not to lay in the ground it will last forever.

[@6013kmb]

I volunteer at my local snowmobile club and we use telephone poles that can handle a 10 ton groomer. I'm sure your 2X12 will handle a truck. Nice job

[@BrunkOutdoors]

Ken Bearce thanks!

[@MrTaps1234]

Thank you. For the video. Maybe missed the part. How did you put the poles in the water so concrete dries?

[@itptires]

Concrete cures underwater just fine you just have to make sure not to wash away the cement which is the fine powdery portion of concrete

[@themakersden6799]

Cool video man

[@bradleybunt6556]

Bad ass man, I would definatly put in another 4x4 post for support, even long term look into upgrading to synthetic post because the water rot is real...

[@ScottWorthington]

If you think that's overbuilt, you should check out Wranglerstar's Bridge Over Creek For Tractor series. Not that yours isn't serviceable for your needs. 😃 Great work. Appreciate the video.

[@Agustin-jo8mv]

Sweet!

[@DaveWillison13]

This looks great and I'd like to try this at home. I'm wondering how you got the posts into the middle of the creek (where the water is). Did you just dig and fill with cement while the creek was running?

[@jesussantillan898]

😂

[@stonephillips7535]

Any update on the condition of the bridge? I’ve been thinking about a bridge like this, my main concern is where the dirt and wood meet. Do you not have rot issues with that?

[@ImplantedMemories]

After 5-10 years he will see some problems. 20 years should be a rebuild. If you want to make the bridge last forever. Use galvanized steel for the earth contact parts. And paint the wood parts every 5 years with decent products. I have a 54 years old Wood bridge on my land.

[@Day12My]

@@ImplantedMemories I think the point of this was building it at low cost. Of course you can build a better, longer lasting bridge but not everyone can afford it. If I get 20 years out of a bridge that cost $200 -$300 I feel it would have been WELL worth it.

[@EinsteinTeachedYou]

How didnyou set and concrete the 2 in the water?

[@pakozak4123]

Doing this bridge right now, 800 on wood 100 on bolts etc..Hope I get this right!

[@Zzus321]

Fact!!!

[@kylekitchen5152]

Nice job. Works well. Just out of curiosity, what model John Deere is that? I have one similar, but can't tell if it's the same. Mine weighs 3400 lbs.

[@ericblabla9655]

Thanks for the ideas ! But 1 thing I'm not sure , How do you do the holes in the water ( creek ) ? And how does the cement stick when its under water ? And the 4X4 under water will rotten , no ?

[@itptires]

All of the 4x4s in the ground will rot. Even pressure treated will only last a decade or so

[@dr4109]

That would be a pretty good atv bridge. 👍

[@enchantedmountain5354]

I really like your tractor 🚜

[@jayesh5131]

That's why I clicked 🙈

[@daveraymondCA]

How did you get those middle beems in the creek?

[@darrenharris1320]

Nice

[@jeffmilroy9345]

Its amazing the power of a creek in flood. Trespassers built a bridge looking much like this one on my farm. I was annoyed until I saw the wreckage stacked up downstream.... Even my granddads 200 lb each railroad tie farm bridges met that same fate. They must have weighed at least a couple tons chained together and anchored. Not a sign of them left...

[@doc3584]

But a good vid!!!

[@dt-paz516]

You can't even buy a piece of plywood for $300 anymore.

[@linzierogers5024]

Was there any problem putting the posts in the creek?

[@joeearley3351]

The power of water is what you have to worry about. When it rains it pours. My wet weather Creek gets about 5 feet or more high and it is powerful.

[@snowbird29803]

Pretty nice for "trial and error." And looks like a lot more fun than building a Grand piano.

[@calic3538]

With that span and size of wood that bridge should easily hold 5 tons. only thing is i would have made sure the posts were below the frost line and belled out the bottoms to make sure they don't heave and knock everything out a level.

[@lordsandwich2309]

Great work. My concern is that since the two 2×4s are in the water they might rot a bit too quickly. Hope I'm wrong.

[@Day12My]

You mean 4X4's

[@andrew3633]

How far down did you dig for the 4x4 posts? I know you dug until you hit rock (cause it's an old creek bed), but about how far would you say it is. I've dug holes around my neighborhood that were atleast 6 feet deep (& could've gone farther), so I don't have the benefit of having a rock foundation. What would you say would be a good depth to dig to? I would say 6 feet is a bit too much for a post.

[@BrunkOutdoors]

Andrew Horowitz it’s hard to say for sure, I would say 4 ft is plenty and seems to be what we use in situations like you’re describing whenever we build things like decs or docs. We have never tried it on a bridge in that situation but I would think it would be okay

[@delk43]

I would also suggest adding a layer of gravel (1-2 ft deep depending on how frequently you'll be taking heavy equipment or vehicles over it) at the bottom of the hole to help minimize uneven settling over time. Tamp it in as good as you can a little at a time and it'll be rock solid to support the 4x4s.

[@danoneill2846]

the 2X12 should be on a shelf .. not held by bolts only ... should be 6x6 .... my 1500 chevy is 4000 lbs . That is OK for light duty ONLY

[@g.r7255]

you did not mention if the lumber was pressure treated, but I surmise it was. Did you consider 5/4 instead of the 2 x 6?

[@BrunkOutdoors]

G. R it was pressure treated. We definitely wouldn’t want any small boards then the 2 x 6

[@bradleyj.fortner2203]

I think it's cool as hell. How's it holding up 5 years later?

[@cfrahmy8008]

Howd this hold up through floods?

[@briannanicole6395]

How many pounds can it hold.. Pretty cool.

[@mailmannb7970]

What's the distance from end to end?

[@overlandingtundrak9833]

Is the bridge still standing after 3 years??

[@sarahkosto]

Not how I would have done it but it gets you across the krik

[@ezrakidega3493]

Amazing...thanks for the show. But how did u reinforce the poles under the water

[@BrunkOutdoors]

Ezra Kidega just dug down to the rock layer and poured concrete mix in the hole

[@markcourtney]

There’s a shot in the video about 7:20.

[@CaptainRon13]

When the time comes to replace the 4 x 4’s, and it will, fill your holes with concrete, set Simpson-like saddle anchors, and secure the posts to the concrete piers. This will keep the moisture away from the posts, allowing them to last longer. We all want to last longer.

[@BrunkOutdoors]

Captain Ron thanks for the advice, we will look into it when the time comes

[@ricardogmz5646]

I did never see how you’ll sat the collums on the middle, I’m working on my property building I bridge, that’s 30’ feet , the leand is really soft, I got about 15 poust sat up already, I’m working on the beems , as soon I get those done I will go to star witch the last step witch is 2”x6”c10”all of treading wood’ it’s going to taking me a long time to get it done but I’m sure I will get it done, and it’s going to look pretty when I’m finished.

[@neiljoy4402]

maybe you could use a preservative coating on it if its used for over a year soil on wood is not good but temperary ok thanks

[@johngerlach79]

Might want to add Tire Runners on the bridge kind of like the board's you put on the outside.

[@jonearle2049]

Seen those on other bridges... what's the main purpose of those?

[@andrew3633]

I want to make a little bridge like this 1. I'm curious why you cut the 4x4's only 11 inches above the cross member & not 12 inches. I don't know much about making bridges. I just want some input for when I make mine.

[@BrunkOutdoors]

Andrew Horowitz that was just to make sure we had room for error to make sure they weren't sticking up blocking the platform. When you are using a chainsaw it is easy to make mistakes lol

[@scnomad3626]

Andrew Horowitz a 2 by 12 is 11-1/4” tall.

[@sticks7971]

How long will they last when flooded several times a year?