Setting beams for each direction of the bridge took only one night each. “We had a lane closure from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. for each night,” said Ronnie Baker, sales representative from Central Rent-A-Crane. “That gave us a 10-hour window to pick and set six precast bridge beams.”
Baker says trucks from the manufacturer began lining up along the highway just prior to the 7 p.m. lane closure so the truck carrying the first beam could drive into position immediately. From there it was a continuous process, with each beam taking 30 to 60 minutes to pick and set.
“The orientation of the jobsite allowed the cranes to be far enough away to pick in tandem, cable up, and swing at the same time,” Baker said. Spotters strategically positioned with a complete view of the work zone were in constant radio communication with the crane operators.
“This went remarkably smoothly,” Baker said. “It’s a credit to the organization of the contractor and the supplier, and the execution of our operators.” Ironworkers returned to the site later to put in deck pans and rebar and pour concrete.
Rigging for the beams was handled by Superior Construction’s crew, with team members able to rig beams in just a few minutes each. Cranes were set up behind concrete barriers, well away from the single lane of traffic that was maintained overnight.
The North Split project will continue through next year and into 2023. Baker says Central has begun discussion with the project’s contractor about the next bridge to be constructed.
