How Liebherr cranes power one of Alaska’s largest infrastructure projects
In the remote wilderness of Southern Alaska, innovation meets determination. The Juneau Creek Bridge, spanning an impressive 951 feet (290 m) is set to become the one of the largest infrastructure projects in the state, transforming traffic flow and safety along the Kenai Peninsula. This two-phase multi-bridge and roadway project near Cooper Landing is more than a construction site; it is a feat of engineering powered by Liebherr LR 1300.1 SX crawler cranes, lifting and assembling the bridge sections.
After deploying two Liebherr LR 1300.1 SX crawler cranes, Traylor Bros., Inc. relied on Liebherr to handle critical lifts throughout bridge assembly. “It starts with having a good crew, many of whom are used to working in remote Alaska,” said Tyler Becker, Senior Field Engineer for Traylor Bros., Inc. Undertaking a major roadway and bridge construction project, Becker noted it takes a great deal of coordination between several parties to coordinate such a large team and maneuver massive equipment including the Liebherr LR 1300.1 SX crawler cranes in such a remote location.
With a population of less than 300, Cooper Landing is a small town on the Kenai Peninsula in southern Alaska. Known for its excellent fishing in the summer, tourism in the area nearly quadruples causing heavy traffic in the area. Due to this seasonal influx, the roadway and bridge expansion provides an ideal solution to reroute the traffic around Cooper Landing more efficiently, effectively, and safely.
Juneau Creek Bridge
Meticulous planning went into this project to ensure maximum safety. The Traylor team utilized two Liebherr LR 1300.1 SX crawler cranes throughout the bridge construction. As the steel girders of the bridge are assembled on one side of the canyon, they are gradually pushed over the deep Juneau Creek Canyon to Cooper Landing with hydraulic presses using the bridge launch technique. Using this technology, the massive individual sections can be positioned precisely without the need for complex scaffolding across the chasm.
As the latest generation crawler crane, the Liebherr LR 1300.1 SX offers an innovative self-assembly and self-loading system as well as a variety of assistance systems to increase safety and efficiency during operation. Offering a comfortable cab and high service availability, even in remote locations, the LR 1300.1 SX provides Traylor Bros. with a multifunctional crane for their massive job site.
Having the right tool for the job is incredibly important for safety and efficiency. This crane works when we need it and does what we ask of it.
“We have several LR 1300s across the company, so there is companywide familiarity with the machine. Additionally, it’s simply the right tool for the job – versatile with the capacity needed for all lifts on the site,” explained Becker. “Having the right tool for the job is incredibly important for safety and efficiency. This crane works when we need it and does what we ask of it.”
Travis Ludlow, Traylor Bros. Operator, also finds the Liebherr crane beneficial. He noted the cranes’ Gradient Travel Aid, which calculates the center of gravity and warns the operator before leaving the safe zone, was especially helpful for safely negotiating slopes, which is critical due to the topographical conditions of the project.
Traylor Bros. also utilized Liebherr’s planning software, Crane Planner 2.0, throughout the project. Due to the remote location and surrounding natural habitats, careful planning was required so that any possible ecological impact could be minimized. Additionally, steep slopes and limited access roads made the positioning of large bridge components extremely difficult. Traylor Bros., Inc. planned the whole deployment of the two crawler cranes in advance. By simulating the lifts, the company can take all scenarios into account and find solutions for them in advance so that the bridge project can be completed safely, efficiently and on time.
Technical benefits of the 1300.1 SX
Precision lift control
Ground pressure visualization
Self loading and assembly system
The most challenging lift for us was the first girders of the bridge. They were very heavy, and I had to rely on a lot of ground people because wind was coming in. We could see winds up to 40 miles per hour. So, I am very happy that we have two Liebherr crawler cranes here – one on each side of the project.
Overcoming obstacles
Due to the project site’s remote location, Traylor had to overcome a variety of challenges to stay on schedule including immense site coordination and complex transport of structural steel from Arizona to Alaska. In addition to logistical challenges, the team had to navigate extreme weather including strong snowfall, heavy winds, and large temperature swings. Seismic activities in the region were also considered in the technical calculations, to provide sufficient safety in the event of earthquakes.
“The most challenging lift for us was the first girders of the bridge. They were very heavy, and I had to rely on a lot of ground people because wind was coming in. We could see winds up to 40 miles per hour. So, I am very happy that we have two Liebherr crawler cranes here – one on each side of the project,” explained Ludlow.
Legacy of innovation
Known for performing some of the most technically challenging and complicated projects across North America, Traylor Bros., Inc. is a household name in the construction industry. Undertaking projects such as Juneau Creek Bridge, the company has proven themselves capable of tackling some of the most difficult bridge, underground, and marine projects across the nation.
Both Traylor Bros., Inc. and Liebherr are third-generation family-owned companies, each with a legacy of 75+ years. Embodying safety, innovation, and collaboration, both their unwavering commitments have been instrumental in establishing themselves as successful leaders in the heavy lifting and construction industries.
As the season comes to completion, the Traylor team can reflect successful lifts and future plans. When asked what he was most proud of regarding this project, Becker noted, “The Traylor team was able to erect and preassemble all the structural steel several weeks early at Juneau Creek Bridge. We are looking very good going into next season.”
