Successful bridge lift in Sunne
06.09.2008
Replacement of railway bridges by lifting from land over water is an increasingly accepted method in the industry. In Sunne in Värmland in early September, Scandinavia's biggest crane, Havator's CC/PC 6800 Terex Demag, lifted away the old truss bridge construction dating from 1913. It was replaced by one single-span and one twin-span bridge, which were placed on the existing bridge supports in stone.
"This method is fantastic. To be able to carry out such heavy lifts from a single position on land simplifies bridge replacements like this. This is the way to go with heavy bridge replacements," says Johan Astgård, project manager from the turnkey contractor Lecor AB Stålteknik.
The faithful old servant in central Sunne did not meet the requirements to be part of the modern railway network being put in place by the National Rail Administration. Therefore, the bridge had to be replaced in view of future traffic requirements such as higher speed, greater safety etc.
The gigantic crane arrived in parts on trailers and the different sections were assembled on Stora Torget, the main square in Sunne. The boom was 126 metres long, to reach over Frykensundet sound, (main boom 60 m + jib 66m). A 130 ton auxiliary crane was used to lift other objects in connection with the bridge replacement.
In Sunne, the talk is about the historic bridge lift, and nobody within kilometres has been able to miss the sight of the crane boom silhouetted against the sky. Many people had gathered here then, when on 1 September the 95-year-old bridge was to be lifted off its foundations. It was a historic moment, and they wanted to be there. The lift off the foundations was slow but sure, and the old bridge was carefully laid on a railway wagon. It was driven off a short way to be cut up, smelted down and eventually recycled.
The following days saw intensive preparations for lifting the new bridge. Old bridge parts were lifted away, three new abutments were to be put in place and personnel from the National Road Administration laid new tracks to the abutments. However, gusty conditions on Thursday afternoon stopped the lift, which was postponed until early on the Friday morning.
Weather conditions were perfect when the lift of the 100 ton twin-span bridge began. The lift went smoothly, and the bridge was lowered into place after adjustments. Then preparations began to lift bridge number two - more counterweights on the crane, new rails laid - and good wind conditions.
"It's going well. We're looking to lift bridge two this afternoon," said Johan Astgård.
Railway traffic across the bridge is due to start on Monday morning 8 September at 7 o'clock. Havator's gigantic crane is to be disassembled after a job well done. There is keen interest in the crane in the industry and there are already firm inquiries about new projects.
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