Enerpac strand jacks lower bridge span in NY
13 June 2017 by Sotiris KanarisA joint venture of Kiewit/Skanska will use Enerpac HSL 50006 strand jacks to lower the largest span of the 1,828m Kosciuszko Bridge in New York.
The Kosciuszko bridge opened in 1939 and comprises two bridges that span Newtown Creek between the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens. It was named after Polish Army officer and statesman and American Revolutionary War volunteer Tadeusz Kosciuszko.
To reduce congestion and traffic delays, and increase traffic capacity, the New York State Department of Transportation is spending $554m to replace the aging truss bridge with a cable-stayed bridge. The new bridge began accommodating two-way traffic early this year, and demolition of the old spans will take place mid-2017.
Bigge Crane and Rigging was selected to supply the equipment to remove the largest span, which is 125ft (38m) high, and 300ft in length. Among the equipment supplied are eight 500t HSL 50006 strand jacks.
Truss demolition will require building strong lifting points on the existing structure. The largest span will be supported via strand jacks before being cut, lowered to the ground and dismantled.
Enerpac delivered the strand jacks in March 2017 and provided training and support for two Kiewit/Skanska operators in April. The Enerpac/Bigge team will also provide on-site support during equipment set up at the Kosciuszko Bridge, and when the span is lowered in June 2017.
