Not every bridge is the same. And not every under bridge access job is the same, either. Sometimes a smaller bridge that is being given a routine inspection only requires an engineer and one or two operators for the boom truck.
Other bridge projects involve extensive repairs or maintenance involving several technicians and the use of a long, stable platform placed underneath the bridge deck.
One under bridge vehicle is not suitable for every type of job when it comes to accessing the underside of bridges.
You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Truck
In addition to spanning gaps at different heights, highway bridges are constructed at different widths, as well.
Above, say, 50 or 60 above a roadway, for example, bridge height is not much of a concern for under bridge access as inspection or maintenance crews will likely be accessing the underside of the bridge from the bridge deck. Other options can include specialized scaffolding or rope rigging.
But the number of traffic lanes, width of any sidewalks or traffic barriers, and so on can mean that a highway bridge requires longer horizontal access from the bridge deck. Consequently, this typically means renting a large under bridge inspection unit, or UBIU.
Highway bridges are considered part of the Interstate system if they have at least 12-foot-wide lanes with a 3.5-foot shoulder on the left and a 10-foot shoulder on the right. This means a total width of at least 40 feet or so.
Typically, double-lane road bridges use a 24-foot width as the minimum clear distance between traffic barriers for two-lane bridges. Using a smaller UBIU from both sides of the bridge deck is often sufficient in those scenarios.
On the other side of the scale, however, there are well over a hundred bridges in the United States that exceed 100 feet in width.
In fact, two of the largest active bridges are the Big Bridge in Niagara County, New York with a deck width of 399.3 feet, and the Main/Pearl Streets Bridge in Erie County, New York, boasting a massive bridge deck that is just over 453 feet in width.
Under bridge inspections on structures this size requires the largest under bridge access equipment available.
When Your Bridge is Big, Consider the HPT66 Truck-Mounted Under Bridge Platform
When the bridge you need to work on is big, the Anderson Hydra Platforms model HPT66 is all the under bridge access and work platform you’ll likely need.
At Under Bridge Platforms we offer this giant of a vehicle that can give you the access and workspace you need with a 66-foot long platform. The platform can be lowered down to 22 feet from the bridge deck and offers a maximum platform swing clearance of just under 18 feet.
Once in place, the platform’s 180 degree rotation capability, combined with nearly a 70 foot under bridge reach, will provide up to 4,100 square-feet of under bridge access.
And this is just from one placement.
In addition, the HPT66 has dual side deployment capability which adds to the truck’s versatility. And the roomy work platform can hold up to 1,400 pounds so that you can place all the crew and equipment you need for maintenance, repairs, and other under bridge work including routine and special bridge inspections.
A concern for many bridge inspectors, engineers, and contractors is the safety and stability of any under bridge vehicle, but particularly large units such as the HPT66.
Not to worry.
The HPT66 truck-mounted under bridge platform comes with standard Dual-Side Hydraulic Outrigger Stabilizers that provide maximum stability and a high level of safety. Along with all the other features we highlighted here, the HPT66 is a safe, reliable, and effective solution for larger bridge inspection, repair, and maintenance projects that require extensive under bridge access.
When It Comes to Under Bridge Inspections Sometimes Bigger is Better
There are different capabilities with different UBIUs and bridge inspection platform vehicles.
The needs of your project are what best determine the right choice of equipment. Part of that depends on both the structure and the terrain. Part of it is the height, location, and structure of the bridge.
While the cost of renting an under bridge platform is certainly a factor, the vehicle’s capability to meet your project’s specific needs should be the dominant deciding factor.
And having a professional firm you can rely on to guide you through the process of hiring the right under bridge inspection vehicle and bridge inspection platform equipment for your project is key to making the proper selection.
Let Under Bridge Platforms be Your Equipment Partners
We provide quality under bridge equipment throughout all the Western States, including Utah, California, Nevada, Washington, and Oregon. Our inventory of boom lift trucks and under bridge inspection units includes many versatile and high-capacity vehicles, such as the reliable Skyjack SJB-66TK and the nimble Aspen Aerials A-30.
We take a great deal of pride in being the only company in California that offers total under bridge access. By offering high quality customer service, we have managed to build long-lasting relationships with our esteemed customers. And we intend to keep it that way.
Contact us today to discuss the specific needs of your project.
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