When conditions on the site are challenging for construction teams—such as soft earth, wetlands, streams, or sensitive sites—safe, stable access is a priority concern. That is where Select Mat’s Air Bridges come in. Built for performance and safety, air bridges provide elevated, load-bearing access above gaps, trenches, or sensitive terrain, getting projects moving while keeping crews protected.
At Select Mat, we are the heavy-duty site access specialists for the demanding applications in the oil & gas, pipeline, utility, and infrastructure industries. Our Air Bridges are the newest innovation in temporary access, offering a crucial alternative to conventional methods where terrain cannot accommodate conventional ground-level support.
What Is an Air Bridge?
An air bridge or ground crossing structure or elevated access mat system is a prefabricated or modular platform that allows vehicle, machine, or crew travel over obstructions or terrain that cannot be compacted or safely crossed at grade. These types of bridges are a critical component of a complete site access plan, especially where ground integrity is being compromised or interrupted by regulation.
Air Bridges are designed to be combined with other ground protection solutions like composite mats, timber mats, or laminated mats. Together, they create unbroken and safe routes over any type of work area—swamps and marshes, wetlands, ditches, and culverts.
Applications for Air Bridges
From power transmission to wind farm development, pipeline installation, or environmental remediation, Select Mat’s Air Bridges facilitate the work to be efficient and safe. Following are just a few typical uses:
Why Choose Select Mat’s Air Bridges?
At Select Mat, we’ve built a reputation for reliable construction mats and custom ground access products that deliver results. Our Air Bridges are no exception. Here’s why construction crews choose us:
1. Engineered for Strength and Stability
Each air bridge is constructed using high-grade materials, such as treated hardwood, laminated timber, or engineered steel, depending on your load requirements. These bridges are tested to support the weight of cranes, tracked excavators, pipe haulers, and other heavy equipment—providing peace of mind for any terrain.
2. Modular and Scalable Design
Our air bridges are also modular and can be joined in multiples for bridges broader than they are by themselves. Whether traversing a narrow trench or broad washout, we’ll be able to pair you up with a solution that is suited to your needs and project requirements.
3. Quick Deployment
Time is precious on job sites. Our team can deliver and install air bridges in a rush, limiting downtime and keeping your crew working. Units arrive pre-assembled for simple set-up on the ground.
4. Environmentally Friendly
Your chosen Mat’s air bridges help you remain in environmental compliance by minimizing ground disruption, eliminating rutting, and minimizing the impact of heavy traffic on sensitive ground.
5. Seamless Integration with Ground Protection Mats
Air Bridges are the perfect complement to our full range of construction mat products, including:
Design and Built to Endure Harsh Conditions
We understand the conditions in which our customers conduct business are less than predictable. That’s why every air bridge is rot-proof, weather-resistant, and designed to function all year round. From Gulf Coast wetlands to frigid north oilfields, Select Mat has solutions you can count on.
Our bridges are also tested to withstand non-slip sliding, UV, and secure anchoring options—so they perform for temporary and semi-permanent applications.
Safety Is Always First
The safety of your team and equipment is non-negotiable. Air bridges provide a secure path of travel, helping prevent incidents related to unstable ground or makeshift crossings. With Select Mat, you’re not just buying a bridge—you’re investing in a safer, more efficient job site.
We also offer accessories like guardrails, handrails, anti-skid surfacing, and edge markers to further enhance site safety.
Turnkey Solutions and Expert Support
Choose Mat doesn’t just deliver products—we deliver peace of mind. Our experienced support team works hand-in-hand with customers from planning to implementation, offering:
From a single bridge to an entire fleet, we will have your solution customized, tested, and ready to deliver.
Rent or Purchase Options Available
Every project is different, and so are yours. That’s why we offer flexible rental or purchase options for air bridges. If you’re working on a short-term project or a one-time job, rent may be the solution. For regular use or repetitive operations, ownership is the most economical.
Trusted by Industry Leaders
Mat customers include those in a wide range of industries, including:
Our products are counted on by safety managers, engineers, and contractors who need performance and reliability when pressure is applied.
Let’s Bridge the Gap—Safely and Efficiently
Whether you’re building over water or need to cross over a trench of uneven ground, Select Mat’s Air Bridges are the elevated solution you’ve been looking for. Backed by the strength of our greater selection of ground protection products and by an organization committed to your success, we’ll help you get across obstacles with confidence.
Let’s get started
Obtain a quote or talk to one of our project experts today about your air bridge needs by giving us a call.
It’s bound to happen to you eventually, if it hasn’t already. You’re getting geared up for a project when you learn a pipeline runs through a critical area of your jobsite that you will have to cross. Chances are you won’t be able to drive anything other than an F150 or equivalent size truck over […]
