A new part of the new bridge in Ranst is an ecoduct that will enable the animals to cross the highway in a safe way.
Sarens has been directly involved in the works installing the new beams ensuring a safer and more efficient infrastructure.
The new bridge over the E313 highway carried out by the Flemish Roads and Traffic Agency (Agentschap Wegen en Verkeer-AWV) will contribute to improving the circulation over the highway that links Antwerp and Liège. The main purpose of the project was to replace an older structure, thus ensuring a safer and more efficient infrastructure. This project has a key relevance for the Ranst area, where the beams were transported and assembled. An important part of the replacement of the bridge is an ecoduct that enables the animals to cross the highway in a safe way.
Sarens, world leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport and crane rental services, has been involved in this project building the new one ensuring a more secure bridge with a higher gap from the ground to the top. The team had to lift twenty-four concrete beams, each one weighing 41 tons, during two days.
The choice of Sarens as project leader was no accident. The company proved to be the most suitable choice thanks to its track experience and engineering capability. Sarens expertise in managing projects of this scale was a determining factor, and its commitment to quality was also aligned with the client's expectations.
Importantly, a number of critical issues were undertaken during the planning phase. The crane and trailers used for this project had to drive on the highway to get to the jobsite, but in Belgium they are normally not allowed, so Sarens had to organise all the permits to get to their destination. However, Sarens' expertise in risk management and meticulous approach to planning ensured the successful execution of the project.
On site, high-tech equipment was used, including the LTM 1450-8.1 with 104t ballast, which was used to lift the twenty-four pieces. This mobile telescopic crane was selected for its exceptional capabilities - especially useful for the unique needs of the project - and was mobilised as efficiently as possible by road travel. The transportation of the additional counterweights required to carry out the work was precisely coordinated, and their installation took minimal time to implement, demonstrating the operational efficiency of the Sarens team.
Sarens has extensive experience in carrying out large projects in Belgium, such as assisting with the heavy lifting of tanks at the Citrosuco plant in Ghent. Sarens has also assisted Cargill in the maintenance of its facilities, providing the necessary machinery to maximise biodiesel production, and has also been able to assist in the assembly of several of the stages for the last edition of Tomorrowland 2023, consolidating its role as an ideal partner for the economic and social development of the region.
Over the past few years, Sarens has established itself as a strategic player in bridge projects. Recently the company has completed the renovation works of the century-old Colbert bridge in Dieppe (France), and other several major projects, including the installation of the OA14 bridge, weighing 5,850 tons, in Bettembourg (Luxembourg). Sarens has installed a new pedestrian bridge between the Hazebrouck railway station (France) and its car park and an 8,400 ton railway bridge on the A1 motorway in Amsterdam (Netherlands). The company also replaced a railway bridge in Stockholm ‘s (Sweden) city centre using the "floatover" method.
About Sarens
Sarens is the global leader and reference in crane rental, heavy lift and engineered transportation services. With state-of-the-art equipment, value engineering, one of the world's largest inventories of cranes, transporters and special rigging equipment, Sarens offers creative and intelligent solutions to today's heavy lifting and engineering transport challenges.
With more than 100 entities in 65 countries operating without borders, Sarens is an ideal partner for small to large-scale projects. Sarens currently employs 5,000 highly qualified professionals who are ready to serve the needs of any client worldwide and in all market sectors. https://www.sarens.com/