Prevent Costly Collapses & Other Calamities

Each year, local news stations across the country broadcast the same scenes: emergency crews blocking traffic at undermined bridge approaches, repair equipment rushing to failed embankments after spring rains, and frustrated commuters facing detours around washed-out roadways.

This is dangerous, costly, and often avoidable. The next step is usually a search for someone to blame.

While no one can stop the seasons, it is possible to reinforce bridges and roads with effective erosion control systems.

Proper erosion control can often extend infrastructure life by 20+ years, help prevent emergency repairs costing six or even seven figures, and protect water quality through natural filtration.

2 Ways to Protect Bridges and Roads from Erosion

We can install one of two proven solutions for protecting critical infrastructure against water damage and erosion. Each system has advantages for different situations and environments.

Option 1: Riprap

We use specially sourced riprap stone (6-18 inches) to create an armor layer that breaks up water’s erosive force. Each stone is carefully placed on specialized filter fabric, creating an engineered 3:1 slope that prevents concentrated water flow and scour damage.

Riprap withstands water velocities up to 15 feet per second, making it great for bridge abutment protection and slope stabilization in high-stress areas like steep embankments. Our installation process includes careful subsurface preparation and drainage planning to maximize the system’s effectiveness. The natural appearance of riprap often makes it the preferred choice for irregularly shaped or environmentally sensitive areas.

Option 2: Concrete Mats

Where water flow threatens to undercut roads or bridge approaches, our concrete mat systems give immediate protection that grows stronger over time.

These sheets of interconnected concrete blocks roll out like heavily weighted blankets, protecting against erosive forces. As vegetation grows between the blocks, root systems form a natural anchor that further stabilizes the area. The resulting surface easily supports maintenance vehicles while preventing soil loss which often leads to expensive emergency repairs.

Both riprap and concrete mats work by dispersing water’s energy before it can concentrate into destructive force, to turn potential crisis points into stable, maintainable infrastructure. Riprap has a classic upscale look and can be fitted precisely into unusual shapes where needed. Concrete mats are more efficient at covering large surface areas. 

Environmental Benefits of Riprap and Concrete Mats for Bridges & Roads

• Natural filtration of road salt, automotive fluids, and sediment helps meet MS4 permit requirements.
• These systems reduce peak stormwater flow by up to 30%, preventing downstream erosion.
• Native vegetation naturally grows in concrete mats, strengthening them over time and creating microhabitats.
• Permeable surfaces allow up to 70% of rainfall to recharge groundwater, meeting green infrastructure requirements.
• These systems reduce sediment transport to nearby waterways, protecting aquatic ecosystems.

Projects often qualify for EPA Clean Water Act Section 319 grants and state stormwater management funding programs.

Project Timeline & Traffic Management

Typical installations are complete in 2-4 weeks. We can handle all utility coordination and traffic control permitting. Critical bridge and road sections can be completed during off-peak hours, typically 7 PM to 5 AM, to keep commuter disruption to a minimum.

Our Experience & Qualifications

• DOT and ASTM compliance on all projects
• Unlimited bonding capacity with all necessary insurance
• Approved government/SAM vendor status
• Quality staff and experienced installation crews.

Don’t wait for erosion issues to become news headlines or budget emergencies. We can review your infrastructure and develop a protection strategy that works for bridges and roads.  Check out our photos, our videos, and what customers say about us.  We’re registered federal contractors, and restore embankments to DNR specifications.  Contact Lakeshore Guys^®  any time for a consultation.