Link-Belt telecrawler cranes transform US bridges

Renting the TCC-2500s from Lomma Crane & Rigging of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, Lane first used the TCC-2500s to drive piling to build temporary trestles on both sides of the river.

The Lane Construction Corporation is deploying two Link-Belt 250 US ton (227 tonne) TCC-2500 telescopic crawler cranes for the construction of two new bridges over the Wateree River in Kershaw County, South Carolina, USA.

These new bridges will replace outdated overpasses on Interstate 20 as part of a South Carolina Department of Transportation bridge rehabilitation initiative.

Lane was contracted to manage the project, which involves not only building the new bridges but also demolishing the old ones, constructed in the 1970s, and performing rehabilitation work on two additional pairs of I-20 overflow bridges from the same era. Additionally, the project includes updating the approach roadways to seamlessly integrate the new bridges with I-20.

To support this work, Lane has rented the TCC-2500 cranes from Lomma Crane & Rigging in Bridgeville, PA. Initially, the cranes were used to drive piles for temporary trestles on either side of the river. Given that the river is a navigable waterway requiring unobstructed passage through its center, the Lane team is operating the TCC-2500s simultaneously—one on each trestle—to commence foundation work for the replacement bridges.

Project director Eric Pruemer found that while a traditional lattice boom crane was initially used, it proved cumbersome and inefficient in the restricted work area. 

“These cranes allow us to easily maneuver underneath the bridge, facilitating work on both the outer and central sections,” Pruemer explained. “Their sleek design and efficient operation have been invaluable.”

Pruemer highlighted that the cranes’ ability to swiftly retract and extend their booms greatly enhances their versatility, allowing them to operate on either side of the bridge without significant downtime. “Without this capability, we would have faced a substantial delay each time we needed to reposition the crane,” he added.

Lane anticipates using the cranes for six to eight months as the construction progresses. Once completed, the new bridges will significantly benefit the local community by improving roadway safety and functionality.