Tag Archive: Bridge Inspection Equipment

1. The Vital Role of Bridge Repair Travelers

   July 11, 2024 7:00 am Leave a Comment

   

   Maintaining and repairing bridges is essential for public safety and infrastructure longevity. At American Crane & Equipment Corporation (ACECO), we offer advanced solutions for these critical tasks, including our specialized bridge maintenance and repair travelers. Bridge repair travelers play a vital role providing safe and efficient access to the undersides of bridges, surpassing traditional scaffolding methods.

   What are Bridge Maintenance and Repair Travelers?

   Bridge repair travelers are movable platforms that enable technicians to inspect and maintain bride structures from beneath. These platforms are designed to move along the bridge, allowing uninterrupted traffic flow while work is being done. They come equipped with numerous features to ensure safety and efficiency, such as:

   • Anti-skewing technology: Ensures stable operation on uneven or misaligned runways.
   • Fully enclosed work platforms: Provides a secure environment to prevent falls.
   • Non-slip surfaces: Reduces the risk of slipping and accidents.
   • On-board personnel lifts: Enhances accessibility to various bridge areas.
   • Portable controls: Facilitates easy and precise operation.
   • Redundant drop capture systems: Prevents separation from the bridge for added safety.

   Features of ACECO’s Bridge Travelers

   ACECO’s bridge maintenance and repair travelers are available in several configurations, including self-propelled, gas, diesel, and electric versions. We custom design each traveler to meet specific project needs and incorporate durable materials like stainless, galvanized, or plated steel construction to withstand harsh environmental conditions.

   Optional features can further enhance the functionality and safety of these travelers, such as:

   • Personnel seating
   • Telescopic extensions
   • Coast Guard-approved navigation lights
   • Diagnostic equipment
   • Backup motors
   • Emergency stop buttons
   • Warning devices

   The Advantage of SAFTRACK® Technology

   ACECO’s bridge travelers are equipped with the proprietary SAFTRACK® technology, which integrates advanced control software with reliable bridge crane components. Benefits include:

   • Enhanced stability: Anti-skewing technology accommodates uneven runways.
   • Custom solutions: Tailored designs using conventional crane components.
   • Independent drive control: Allows precise and flexible maneuvering.
   • Smooth operation: Controlled acceleration and deceleration for safe use.

   Partner with ACECO for Superior Bridge Maintenance Solutions

   At ACECO, we combine expertise, craftsmanship and partnership to deliver exceptional bridge maintenance equipment. Our custom bridge maintenance and repair travelers provide safe and efficient access to critical bridge points, minimizing the need for road or lane closures. For more information or to discuss your specific requirements, contact us or request a quote today.

   Choosing ACECO ensures that your bridge maintenance operations are conducted safely and efficiently, supported by our extensive industry experience and high-quality resources.

2. Technology to Fix America’s Failing Infrastructure

   January 6, 2015 12:06 pm Leave a Comment

   The New Year is always a time of reflection and self-improvement, but it’s also a great time to consider public sector improvements that are long overdue. Recently, much attention has been drawn to the declining infrastructure in the U.S. From roads and bridges, to pipes and other vital structures, the whole country is in a general state of disrepair.

   According to a USA Today article, “Six states have 30% or more of their major rural roads with pavement in poor condition, and in five states, at least one-fifth of rural bridges are structurally deficient.” In particular, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island have the highest percentage of structurally deficient bridges in rural areas, with a quarter of them falling into this category. In the article, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation clarifies by stating that the bridges are not unsafe, but they will require significant repair and/or eventual replacement to meet recommended standards.

   An article in The Week further examines the true costs associated with infrastructures that were not upgraded and cited numerous structural failures that resulted in avoidable fatalities. According to the American Society of Civil Engineer’s (ASCE) most recent U.S. infrastructure report card, the country received a D+ overall; and with many pipelines and roadways nearing a century in age, this grade is no surprise.

   But with increased attention drawn to this issue, it’s likely that improvements will start to be made. Roads and bridges are used on a daily basis, so it’s imperative to repair known problems and regularly inspect and maintain functional structures. Some structures are harder to examine than others, but there is equipment available to ensure that all sites are accessible to crews.

   For example, American Crane’s bridge travelers are movable platforms that provide safe access to the underside of bridges for inspection and maintenance. These bridge travelers are crucial in providing a safe and effective work environment in an otherwise difficult to navigate location. There are self-propelled gas, diesel and electric powered travelers available to suit all needs.

   Currently, American Crane travelers are being used on the Queensborough, Mid-Hudson and Thousand Island bridges in New York, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington State, and the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan. Our project for the Mackinac Bridge included eight of the most sophisticated travelers in the Western Hemisphere, and featured telescopic platform extensions.

   We welcome the opportunity to discuss the applications of ACECO bridge traveler technology for your bridge project. Together we can improve America’s failing infrastructures.