114-year-old bridge lifted back into place

3 August 2020

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Illinois, USA-based Stevenson Crane Service (SCS) provided the lifting capabilities for the recent Robert Parker Coffin Road Bridge project in Long Grove, Illinois.

The bridge over Buffalo Creek, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was damaged by a traffic accident several years ago. Built in 1906 it survives as an example of a construction method called a ‘pin-connected pony truss’ bridge.

SCS worked with crews from Alliance Contractors and Carmichael Construction on the bridge restoration project. Workers had to lift the 40,000lb (18t) bridge off its foundation and set it temporarily on a flatbed truck while they conducted repairs to the concrete support structures and performed other necessary painting work. SCS used a Liebherr 500USt crane to lift the bridge.

“This was such a great project to be a part of,” said Curt Slipke, vice president, sales at SCS. “I’m not sure many companies get the chance to lift more than 114 years of history – that was a great experience. Our hope is the bridge will continue to serve Long Grove for another 100 years.”

Now that the bridge has been returned to its normal position, workers will be completing the project by installing a new wooden cover. A structural steel skeleton will also be installed to provide additional protection for the future.

Robert Parker Coffin Road Bridge. (Photo by: Mark Welsh, Daily Herald).