Railways, Girders, and Precision Planning

At a Glance

We were tasked with replacing steel girders on 5600 West—a major roadway in Roy, Utah—while navigating strict safety protocols and working over active railway lines. The project demanded not just heavy lifting, but also intricate planning and specialized equipment to ensure public safety.

Overcoming Unique Obstacles

Working above active railway lines introduced specific hurdles. The project involved the UTA tracks [Utah Transit Authority], a critical public transit line, and a railroad freight line. Safety and compliance were paramount, requiring detailed permits, specialized training, and extensive pre-planning.

• Railway Compliance: We had to submit crane details—including make and model—60 days in advance, ensuring adherence to railway requirements. Failure to comply could lead to project shutdowns.
• Crew Training: Our operators underwent two days of training on railway protocols to gain certifications required for working over active tracks.

The Plan in Action

The project involved two cranes, a 200-ton all-terrain crane on the east side and a 275-ton all-terrain crane on the west side. Crews executed the work early on a Sunday morning to minimize traffic disruption on 5600 West.

• Lifting the Steel Girders

  • Two steel girders, each 151 feet long and weighing 65,000 pounds, were carefully lifted.
  • Crews meticulously cut the girders free, removed debris, and ensured they were safe for transport.

• Transporting the Girders

  • Using extendable three-axle trailers, the girders were transported 15 miles down I-15 to a laydown yard in Ogden, Utah.
  • Navigation required coordination with 14 traffic control personnel and three pilot vehicles per truck due to the sheer size of the girders.

• Precision Execution

  • By 2 p.m., the girders were delivered and offloaded.
  • All equipment and personnel returned to the yard by 4 p.m., completing the project in daylight hours for maximum efficiency.

Team Effort & Expertise

This project was a true team effort. From engineering precision to field execution, every member played a critical role. Special thanks to Jordan Goff, who led the trucking operations, and our operators, who executed the crane lifts.