Have you ever wondered how companies make the stonework patterns in the concrete on area bridges?

If so, the answer can be found locally.Architectural Polymers, a company located along Little Gap Road in Palmerton, is the one-stop shop used by companies around the world to create the look of stone or brickwork without actually using stone and full-sized bricks.Marshall Walters, owner and president of the company, recently told the Times News about the products that will be seen on bridges, such as the new Route 903 bridge in Jim Thorpe, and the turnpike bridge near the Mahoning Valley interchange in Lehighton."We add the aesthetic value to a structure," he said.Architectural Polymers uses plastic to help make form liners used to create an assortment of faux stone finishes.The plastic panels, which are less than an inch thick and are lightweight, yet durable, mimic stone, designs or even brickwork and are used when pouring concrete.In the case of the turnpike and Route 903 bridges, these cast-in-place form liners, which can be either disposable or reusable based on the company's needs, are secured in the forms of the piers and abutments before concrete is poured. Once the concrete is poured, it takes the shape of the form liners inside, creating the look of stone."We are responsible for making bridges look good," Walters said, noting that most of the faux stone is then stained in colors that complement the surrounding area to make it blend into the community.The unique thing about Architectural Polymers though is that the company is one of only a handful in the world that make plastic form liners and specialize in the colorization of concrete.Walters, a graduate of Lehighton Area High School, founded Architectural Polymers in 1993 after graduating college.He has since worked to perfect the product and also expand the available selections. To date, the company has dozens of prefabricated samples of designs available, or can customize form liners to meet any customer's needs.The company has also been expanding operations, opening a second site a short distance away.For more information on Architectural Polymers or to see projects that have been completed, visit

www.apformliner.com.