Custom Bascule Bridge Streamlines Rail Access

Elevating Rail Logistics with a Smarter, Safer, Automated Bridge System

Malarkey Roofing Products, a Portland-based leader in sustainable roofing materials, needed a better way to manage traffic flow across their railway spur. Their manual bridge system was slowing operations, raising safety concerns, and requiring too much manpower for routine movements. They needed a faster, smarter, and more secure solution to keep their busy plant moving.

Autoquip engineered a custom hydraulic bascule bridge system—a fully automated industrial solution designed to support heavy forklift traffic, operate reliably in harsh weather conditions, and lift to allow rail access at the push of a button.

System Highlights:

• Hydraulic-Powered Lift
• Dual hydraulic cylinders raise the bridge smoothly to an upright position, clearing the way for rail traffic in seconds.
• When lowered, it forms a strong, level crossing for forklifts and pedestrian use.
• Counterbalanced Bascule Design
• Constructed of heavy-duty steel to withstand industrial forklift traffic and harsh weather.
• Integrated with the existing concrete foundation for a seamless, secure fit.
• Safety features include safety yellow handrails, emergency stop controls, and secure locking when in raised or lowered position.
• Smart controls powered by OSCO Controls allow simple operations to manage the activation of the bridge effortlessly.

AQ Project#

169586 Dealer: Arbon Equipment Corporation

For Malarkey Roofing Products, this wasn’t just an equipment upgrade, it was a full operational transformation. The custom bascule bridge now enables:

• Faster Railcar Access – Automated bridge movement eliminates delays and manual handling.
• Improved Plant Efficiency – Reduced downtime and faster transitions between pedestrian/forklift traffic and rail movement.
• Safe Vertical Positioning: The hydraulic system raises the bridge to a vertical position, clearing the tracks to allow trains to pass safely. The control system checks that the area is clear before moving the bridge and locks it securely in place when fully raised or lowered.
• Long-Term Reliability – Designed and built for the demands of continuous heavy-duty use.

Autoquip has turned a complex access challenge into a streamlined, automated solution that keeps Malarkey’s operations safe and moving efficiently. This project is another testament to our ability to design and deliver custom equipment that performs under pressure, tailored to your exact needs.