Flydecks allow working full width of bridge, save time
Spider has completed the final stages of powered access work on the Burlington Bristol Bridge in Philadelphia, PA. The truss bridge was in dire need of renovations. The latest inspection revealed extensive wear on all components of the trolley system, some of which dated back to the bridge’s original 1931 completion date. On site renovations took place nearly 130 feet above the roadway (200 feet above the river) with minimal existing walkways to access the work points. The ST-17 Air Spider was the perfect solution, allowing access throughout the project and requiring only a single rigging point. The scaffold system itself involved the attachment of a series of needle beams, fall protection, and a scaffold hand controlled system at the tower’s top level. By adding flydecks, the crew was able to work the full width of the job without having to reposition the Spider basket, saving valuable time.
Spider equipment allowed rigging to be cleared in 15 minutes, so that the project could take place on an active lift span – an essential element to keep the Delaware River’s waterway traffic flowing smoothly. “Spider’s equipment worked flawless-ly,” says Jack DiGiovanna, Field Engineer at Pennoni Associates Inc. “At the end of each shift all we had to do was lower the hoisting wire and raise the two safety lines and the bridge was good to go. The top rigging was easy to install, with very adaptable attachment hardware. Safety was never compromised and the production rate was outstanding.” “Bridge work poses some of the most significant challenges Spider faces in applying standard equipment to access a structure,” comments John Sotiroff, Vice President, Sales & Distribution for Spider. “To execute a bridge restoration job, we configure hoists and platforms to work spans with numerous obstructions, limited power availability and extreme project conditions. We develop custom adjustable rigging solutions, plan for debris accumulation, perform specialized training for the crew, and manage equipment moves around vehicle and shipping lane traffic – all in typically remote locations with high winds and under tremendous schedule pressure to re-open the traffic lanes.”
Spider equipment allowed rigging to be cleared in 15 minutes, so that the project could take place on an active lift span – an essential element to keep the Delaware River’s waterway traffic flowing smoothly. “Spider’s equipment worked flawless-ly,” says Jack DiGiovanna, Field Engineer at Pennoni Associates Inc. “At the end of each shift all we had to do was lower the hoisting wire and raise the two safety lines and the bridge was good to go. The top rigging was easy to install, with very adaptable attachment hardware. Safety was never compromised and the production rate was outstanding.” “Bridge work poses some of the most significant challenges Spider faces in applying standard equipment to access a structure,” comments John Sotiroff, Vice President, Sales & Distribution for Spider. “To execute a bridge restoration job, we configure hoists and platforms to work spans with numerous obstructions, limited power availability and extreme project conditions. We develop custom adjustable rigging solutions, plan for debris accumulation, perform specialized training for the crew, and manage equipment moves around vehicle and shipping lane traffic – all in typically remote locations with high winds and under tremendous schedule pressure to re-open the traffic lanes.”
