The Bridge
The Swiss railway line between Montreux and Lenk in Simmental is now over 100 years old. The oldest section between Montreux and Les Avants was already opened in 1901 and even the youngest between Zweisimmen and Lenk in Simmental has been in use since 1912. Operated by the Montreux Bernese Oberland Bahn, this single track narrow meter gauge line overcomes a difference of altitude of more than 850 m.
This mountainous terrain requires several tunnels and bridges as well as an avalanche protection gallery. Since these constructions are very old, the desired structural safety is no longer given which is why they are currently under renovation or being rebuilt in accordance with the applicable standards. This includes the bridge Lanciau at Rossinière.
The Task
At the Pont du Lanceau, the old bridge construction must be completely replaced by a new steel construction. To do this the existing bridge pillars must also be refurbished. The framework conditions are demanding; due to the cramped, hilly terrain, not only the delivery of the crane but also the assembly is extremely difficult. Furthermore, the old steel structure should be removed in one piece in a tandem lift with a mobile crane.
Our Partner Kaufmann took on the overall planning and implementation, including delivery, crane assembly and tandem lift, in cooperation with the customer.
The Implementation
Our WT 650 e.tronic was mounted with an 8.0 m cross frame on the lead-out of the adjacent dam’s support wall.
Rails, sleepers, ballast and high cable channels were removed and the foundations of the high-line poles taken away. For the tandem lift of the steel construction, the necessary mobile crane had to be secured with a special support. Currently, the new steel structure is being built and mounted and the existing bridge pillars have been refurbished. Subsequently new cable trays must be installed, the appropriate cable laid and the foundations of the catenary masts will be renewed.
The Swiss railway line between Montreux and Lenk in Simmental is now over 100 years old. The oldest section between Montreux and Les Avants was already opened in 1901 and even the youngest between Zweisimmen and Lenk in Simmental has been in use since 1912. Operated by the Montreux Bernese Oberland Bahn, this single track narrow meter gauge line overcomes a difference of altitude of more than 850 m.
This mountainous terrain requires several tunnels and bridges as well as an avalanche protection gallery. Since these constructions are very old, the desired structural safety is no longer given which is why they are currently under renovation or being rebuilt in accordance with the applicable standards. This includes the bridge Lanciau at Rossinière.
The Task
At the Pont du Lanceau, the old bridge construction must be completely replaced by a new steel construction. To do this the existing bridge pillars must also be refurbished. The framework conditions are demanding; due to the cramped, hilly terrain, not only the delivery of the crane but also the assembly is extremely difficult. Furthermore, the old steel structure should be removed in one piece in a tandem lift with a mobile crane.
Our Partner Kaufmann took on the overall planning and implementation, including delivery, crane assembly and tandem lift, in cooperation with the customer.
The Implementation
Our WT 650 e.tronic was mounted with an 8.0 m cross frame on the lead-out of the adjacent dam’s support wall.
Rails, sleepers, ballast and high cable channels were removed and the foundations of the high-line poles taken away. For the tandem lift of the steel construction, the necessary mobile crane had to be secured with a special support. Currently, the new steel structure is being built and mounted and the existing bridge pillars have been refurbished. Subsequently new cable trays must be installed, the appropriate cable laid and the foundations of the catenary masts will be renewed.
