Duck Creek for Universal Cranes

Brisbane-based crane service provider Universal Cranes helped with the construction of a new bridge over Duck Creek, in New South Wales, Australia.

Main contractor is Leighton Contractors. The 117 metre-long Duck Creek Bridge forms part of the Pacific Highway update project commissioned by the Australian and New South Wales governments. The Pacific Highway is 965 km long and runs along the central east coast. It is one of the busiest roads in Australia.

The bridge beams were transported by Universal Cranes 200 km to site from Coffs Harbour using special beam transportation trailers. On site a 450 tonne capacity Grove GMK7450 all terrain crane with MegaWingLift attachment and a 275 tonne capacity Manitowoc M-250T lattice boom truck crane were used to install the beams. The two cranes worked in tandem to install 21 bridge beams, each weighing up to 82 tonnes.

To equalise the weight distribution between the two cranes, a custom-built load triangle was engineered as part of the rigging. The design of the load triangle allowed each beam to be lifted between the two cranes as they were placed. In addition to the two main lift cranes, Universal also used its new 60 tonne capacity Grove GMK3060 all terrain to assist with rigging and general material handling duties.

Nick Morris, Universal Cranes engineering and sales manager, said, “There were many factors to consider in the transportation and lifting work for this job. Particularly the logistics of the transportation work, the design of the load triangle and the positioning of the cranes. In the end the combined lifting power of the Grove and Manitowoc cranes ensured the project was completed efficiently and within budget.”

The project was completed in two weeks. The new road will be a dual carriageway, with a four-lane divided road. Work is expected to complete in 2020.