Ainscough Crane completes bridge removal

Ainscough Crane Hire completed the removal of the old Matlock STW bridge, which crossed the River Derwent in Derbyshire, UK.

To lift the 117.5 tonne, 34 metre bridge, which has a width of 4.5 metres, in a single lift, the company used a 600 tonne capacity Terex-Demag TC 2800 wheeled mobile crane and a 250 tonne capacity Liebherr LTM 1250-5.1 five-axle all terrain wheeled mobile telescopic boom crane.

The TC 2800 lattice boom truck crane completed the primary lift, with the Liebherr acting as a secondary crane.

A 17 metre, 150 tonne capacity Modulift spreader beam was rigged above two 60 tonne CMOD70 10.0 x 3.0 metre spreader frames, offering four pick points each.

Removing the disused bridge in Derbyshire, UK (Photo: Rope and Sling Specialists)

Collar chains were basketed through the bridge and connected to the shackles on 6.0 metre, 30 tonne capacity slings.

Stephen Littler, regional manager at Rope and Sling Specialists (RSS) said, “We worked closely with Beaver Bridges and Ainscough to make sure the below the hook equipment was delivered and ready for the lift.

“With a 117 tonne bridge being removed in a single piece, it was a rewarding project to see through to completion.”

While the project shared many of the same planning and safety considerations as a contract lift, the cranes were hired by Beaver Bridges under the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) crane hire terms.

Under CPA crane hire arrangements, responsibility for planning and managing the lifting operation remains with the hiring company, whereas a contract lift places those responsibilities with the crane rental company.