New Pilot Program Aims To Improve Safety Along Sligo Creek Trail

From Montgomery Parks:

Montgomery Parks, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is piloting a new program to improve safety on wood bridges and boardwalks along park trails. Wood bridges and boardwalks can become slippery during and following periods of rain or snow creating hazardous conditions for trail users. Parks staff are applying a slip resistant coating, DeckCorrect, to increase traction on the surfaces. If the pilot is successful, the environmentally-safe coating may be applied to bridges and boardwalks throughout Montgomery Park’ system – more than 100,000 square feet of surfaces. DeckCorrect, was chosen after staff conducted several research-based trials testing various solutions.

"We needed an anti-slip solution that could keep all types of trail users safe, that would remain in place for a long time, and most importantly, could be applied in environmentally-sensitive areas," said Jim Poore, Facilities Management Division Chief. "We are thrilled to report that user feedback has been positive."

Parks staff began applying the coating to the dozens of bridges and boardwalks along the heavily-used Sligo Creek Trail this past August.

"It's been a real safety issue, I've heard it from runners and bikers," said Aaron Cohen, a Takoma Park resident and frequent user of Sligo Creek Trail. In May, Cohen suffered a fall, when his bike skidded off a wet bridge. "I'm really glad that Montgomery Parks has made this a priority."

The coating is expected to withstand heavy use for five to seven years. Staff will monitor how well the coating withstands this winter’s conditions, and if all goes well, will apply the coating to additional trails in 2019. Applications are weather-dependent but performed in stages that allow for most trails to remain open during the treatment.

In addition, Montgomery Parks has updated construction specifications to require concrete surfacing or incised Douglas fir decking on new bridge or boardwalk installations or replacements. Both products offer a naturally slip resistant surface and have been highly effective in reducing maintenance on bridges and boardwalks.

Photo Credit: Montgomery Parks

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