How Natina colored the guardrail in the Lake Tahoe Region
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January 14, 2019
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April 2, 2019El Dorado County in California Uses Natina to Color Wall Parapet and Guardrail to Complement Lake Tahoe’s Beauty
Natina Steel Solution applied to guardrail at Echo Summit in the Lake Tahoe Region
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in conjunction with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and C.C. Myers, Inc. (general contractor) completed work on the Highway 50, Echo Summit Wall Parapet* Replacement and Water Quality Improvement Project (Contract Number 03-1E14U4). They replaced the existing 18-inch rock wall at a scenic viewpoint in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The barrier wall, originally built in 1939 and located in El Dorado County from Echo Summit eastbound to Johnson Pass Road, was deteriorating due to wear over time.
Since the existing rock parapet and the associated retaining wall are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, TRPA required that special measures were taken to maintain the aesthetics of the current structures and surrounding areas. For instance, the new barrier was required to mimic the original wall in color and texture — although some modifications to the new design were needed for motorist safety to preserve its visual characteristics.
Guardrail before it was treated with Natina Steel Solution at Echo Summit in the Lake Tahoe Region
To accomplish this, the new barrier design used elastomeric formliner to match the previous barrier wall. The new barrier now replicates the shape, colors and pattern of the historic parapet to the greatest practical extent while meeting motorist safety requirements. Steps, like these, taken to preserve the region are appreciated by visitors and residents alike who enjoy the lake year-round.
Another enhancement was to replace old guardrail with a new metal guardrail and apply Natina Steel Solution. Natina was specified for its mottled and rustic brown finish on the otherwise shiny galvanized guardrails and end terminals. Natina Steel Solution is an environmentally-safe formula and was applied to metal surfaces at the Lake Tahoe Region including but not limited to: guardrails, steel posts, signposts, culvert and mile markers, grates and isolation casings. Natina’s beautiful brown finish blends and complements with Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty. The rustic brown guardrails look great.
General Contractor: C.C. Myers, Inc.
Agencies: Caltrans and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA)
Uses: Rustic brown color for galvanized surfaces
* Parapet is a low wall or railing to protect the edge of a platform, roof, or bridge (source: Merriam-Webster)
Natina Steel Solution applied to galvanized metal along the highway in the Lake Tahoe Region
About Natina
Natina is corporate headquarters is in Casa Grande, Arizona and a patented formula for galvanized steel. Natina develops into a mottled and rustic brown finish without compromising the protection offered by the galvanized layer.
Natina Steel Solution is a non-toxic color solution for galvanized steel.
We’re dedicated to customer service and ready to help you at every stage of your commercial project. We want to transform the world you are seeing into color that complements the surrounding environment.
Let us be part of your next project. To learn more about Natina’s reactive color treatment or set up a presentation, contact us.
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Natina is the perfect treatment for many landscape projects. When metalwork and concrete are a part of our exterior landscape designs, Natina offers an ideal way to create a natural look for introduced elements. Our office has specified Natina on metal, concrete, and even boulders to achieve the right color for natural landscapes. We’ve used Natina on items that need to function within the urban landscape as barriers and to direct pedestrian movement. The clients also like the low maintenance or need for sealers on the finished product. Natina reps are so helpful in ensuring that the details are addressed for the perfect end result!
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I have worked with Natina for years on many guardrail projects throughout Colorado. My team and I have recommended their steel color because of its natural finish. Natina’s environmental stain is a wonderful color alternative to blend in with Colorado’s beautiful mountains. Natina is easy to work with and we have enjoyed our long relationship.
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We have been using Natina for almost 10 years. They have an extraordinary team supporting us with any questions, orders and logistics. The Natina Rock Solution is environmentally-safe and works great on naturalizing and blending the color into its surroundings. The earthy browns created with Natina help us and our clients' projects look beautiful. We look forward to continuing our exceptional relationship with Natina!
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We have used Natina Steel Solutions on several of our cell tower sites to help blend them into the surrounding terrain. We are very impressed with the rustic, natural color. Our clients really appreciate the impact Natina has on the project aesthetics. Natina is a great company to work with, has always met all construction deadlines and is very prompt in getting back to us.
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