BKL tower cranes tackles Elster Viaduct project

The historical Elster Viaduct in Germany is being completely refurbished, with work having already started in 2021.

Each 340 tonne-metre rated tower crane took two days to assemble

Construction company Glass Ingenieurbau Leipzig contracted BKL to assemble two Liebherr 340 EC-B 16 tower cranes at either end of the 270 metre structure at Vogtland in Saxony.

The crane specialists positioned the two flat top cranes at a hook height of 36.8 metres and with a radius of 78 metres.

As trains continue to run on one track during the restoration work, the crane rental company set up the 340 tonne-metre cranes with working area limitations.

The view from the first tower crane of the second 340 EC-B 16 being set up gives an idea of the dimensions of the historical bridge

The additional equipment helps ensure that lifting operations can be carried out safely without disrupting train services.

Top slewing crane

Limited space was available to allow the crane experts from BKL’s Frankfurt depot to install the first top slewing crane on the Jocketa side of the White Elster river.

Therefore, the experienced tower crane technicians and the operator of a 230 tonne capacity Liebherr LTM 1230-5.1 wheeled mobile telescopic crane took advantage of an uphill street at the end of a no-through road to pre-mount the jib on the ground.

The BKL team was able to use a large open space to install the second tower crane on the other side of the bridge and thereby complete the project efficiently.

Built approximately 170 years ago using roughly twelve million bricks, the Elster Viaduct is one of the world’s largest brick bridges.

The impressive regional landmark is being extensively refurbished until 2025 in accordance with the requirements for preserving historical monuments.