How quickly can temporary bridges be installed and removed?

The short answer: faster than you expect

A temporary bridge can often be installed and removed much faster than initially anticipated. Thanks to modular bridge systems and a well-prepared site, the actual installation time is usually limited to hours or just a few days. Below you’ll find clear time indications per bridge type, including the key conditions required for realistic planning.

Janson Bridging supports projects throughout Belgium and the Netherlands, from engineering and preparation to on-site installation and dismantling.

Fast timing for decision-makers

Modular pedestrian bridge

• Installation: 4–10 hours

• Removal: 3–8 hours

Modular steel traffic bridge (temporary diversion bridge)

• Installation: 1–2 days

• Removal: 0.5–1.5 days

Pontoon bridge over a waterway

• Installation: 6–12 hours

• Removal: 4–10 hours

These times are indicative and apply under normal accessibility, standard spans, pre-engineered designs, and available permits.
Limited access, long lifting distances, night or weekend work, and complex traffic measures may increase the overall duration.

Indicative installation times by situation

Actual installation and dismantling times are always project- and location-specific. Factors such as soil conditions, foundations, lifting capacity, traffic situation, and permitting processes play a major role.

Note: the times mentioned are guidelines, not fixed guarantees.

What influences the installation and removal time of a temporary bridge?

Accessibility and lifting distance

Sites in city centres or hard-to-reach locations require heavier cranes and additional logistics, increasing the time needed.

Foundations and abutments

Existing foundations or supports speed up installation. New temporary structures require extra preparation.

Work windows

Night or weekend work can shorten the calendar duration but requires more intensive planning and coordination.

Traffic and safety measures

Closures, diversions, and crowd management influence the execution sequence and safety framework.

Permits and coordination

Coordination with municipalities, waterway authorities, utility companies, or rail operators mainly affects the lead time before installation.

Example schedule: from request to opening

• Intake & site inspection: 0–2 days

• Preliminary design and calculations: 2–7 days

• Permits and coordination (in parallel): 1–4 weeks

• Logistical preparation & crane planning: 2–5 days

• On-site installation: 4 hours – 2 days

• Inspection, handover & commissioning: 1–3 hours

• Removal after use: 3 hours – 1.5 days

When should you choose which type of temporary bridge?

Modular steel pedestrian bridge

Ideal for events, utility works, and temporary pedestrian and cyclist diversions.

• Very fast installation

• Compact transport

• High flow capacity

Temporary traffic bridge (diversion bridge)

Suitable for cars, construction traffic, and emergency situations.

• Robust and safe for heavy traffic

• Installation typically within 1–2 days

• Requires higher lifting capacity

Pontoon bridge

Applicable for waterways without fixed abutments or for seasonal crossings.

• Fast installation on water

• Dependent on water level, current, and navigation

• Installation usually within 6–12 hours

Checklist for a predictable project timeline

• Exact location data and span length

• Soil conditions, foundations, and obstacles

• Crane and transport access

• Permits and involved authorities

• Traffic and crowd management plan

• Approved work windows (day/night/weekend)

• Safety documentation (risk assessment, H&S plan, emergency response)

Why choose Janson Bridging?

• Proven modular bridge systems with short lead times

• Single point of contact for engineering, installation, and removal

• Flexible deployment, including night and weekend work

• Realistic schedules with transparent resource planning

• Extensive experience in Belgium and the Benelux

Discover our solutions, view reference projects, or explore our product range.
Need to move fast? Contact us directly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How quickly can a temporary pedestrian bridge be installed?
Usually within 4–10 hours for spans up to 24 m. Larger bridges require slightly more time. Removal is typically 20–40% faster.

What is the installation time of a temporary traffic bridge?
On average 1–2 days, depending on length, crane setup, and traffic measures.

How quickly can the bridge be removed after use?
Removal is usually faster than installation: from 3 hours up to 1.5 days.

Is night or weekend work possible?
Yes, in consultation with the client and relevant authorities.

Are permits required for a temporary bridge?
In most cases, yes. We support the technical substantiation and coordination.

Which is faster: a pontoon bridge or a modular bridge?
On water, a pontoon bridge is often the fastest option (6–12 hours). On land, a modular pedestrian bridge is usually the quickest.

Do you also supply emergency bridges in case of incidents?
Yes. In urgent situations, we can act quickly. Contact us directly for availability and timing.

Want a concrete timeline and resource estimate for your location?

Schedule a consultation with Janson Bridging and quickly gain clarity on feasibility, planning, and execution.

Contact us

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