This project consisted of the inspection and repair of a sheave assembly believed to be the cause of a malfunctioning 115-year-old lift bridge owned by Norfolk Southern Railroad.

ICC found, removed and replaced a fused shaft. Work had to be performed quickly to melt the damaged shaft for removal, replace the shaft and reinstall the assembly, which included a 60,000lb pulley wheel and one-inch steel cables, each weighing approximately 12,000lbs.

The project was completed within the 112-hour operating window despite the unanticipated fused shaft. Because the work was done with the bridge in the “down” position, the project required coordination and approval from the U.S. Coast Guard.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

• Unexpected fused shaft required around-the-clock work to melt and remove within the 112-hour outage window without damaging surrounding sheave components
• Sheave wheel 12 feet diameter, 60,000lbs, 210 feet in the air
• One million-pound concrete counterweight
• One inch steel cables removed and reinstalled—each weighing 12,000lbs
• Repaired sheave assembly, reinstalled and adjusted to restore bridge operation
• Deployed 275-ton crawler crane