Tower cranes up for bridge building challenge

Liebherr saddle jib tower cranes helping to build the Ytre Steinsund bridge in Norway. Photo: Liebherr

A quartet of tower cranes helping to build a bridge in Norway have to contend with, among other things, bad weather and a tight schedule.

Construction of the Ytre Steinsund Bridge across the Sognefjord, underway on the west coast of Norway, called for strong and reliable equipment with a range of options for assembly. The area is notorious for high wind and rough seas, neither of which are exactly crane-friendly.

On site are three Liebherr 280 EC-H 12 Litronic conventional saddle jib tower cranes, erected to hook heights up to 60.3 metres, plus a 132 EC-H at a hook height of 27.5 metres. Jib lengths are up to 60 metres.

Flexible installation

Three of the cranes are installed on cross bases in addition to their solid concrete foundations with anchoring. The fourth crane is over the water, mounted on a steel frame, partially cantilevered out and anchored to the seabed.

Steel and concrete elements are being lifted from the delivery boats onto the bridge. The Litronic system helps to accurately control the cranes under the changeable weather conditions.

Work on the cantilever bridge is due to be finished by the end of 2026.