The 'Bridge-in-a-backpack' is a lightweight, corrosion resistant system using FRP composite arch tubes that can be transported to site in a duffle bag. They are then used as reinforcement and formwork for cast-in-situ concrete.

Neal Bridge is one of two bridges already built using the system. It is two lanes wide and spans a small stream. The structure consists of 23 arches of the 300mm-diameter tubes. They were inflated on site, bent to the proper shape and stiffened with a plastic resin before being installed side by side and filled with the concrete. The arches were then covered with composite decking and compacted soil to support a standard roadway.

Six more bridges are planned over the next two years.

The university also announced plans to develop a composite girder that incorporates some concrete, which is added on site.