Sterett Crane Executes Critical Bridge Girder Setting Over Active Railroad in Princeton, Indiana
In January 2026, Sterett Crane supported a major bridge construction project in Princeton, Indiana, on Highway 41. This phase of the project required setting mid-span bridge girders directly over an active railroad, making safety, precision, and timing absolutely critical.
Setting girders over an active railroad introduces strict safety requirements and limited work windows. Every pick had to be executed with exact coordination to meet railroad clearance and operational guidelines while keeping the overall project on schedule.
To meet these demands, Sterett Crane built our CC2800 crawler crane onsite with one of our LTM 1400s, deploying the machine configured with full wagon counterweight. This setup provided the stability and lifting capacity necessary to safely handle the mid-span beams while working within tight operational constraints.
Due to the railroad safety percentage requirements, the lift plan called for maximum stability and control. Our CC2800 was equipped with over 1,000,000 pounds of counterweight, ensuring the crane could safely manage the picks at the required radius and height.
This configuration allowed our crew to maintain precise control while lifting and setting the beams into their final position above the rail corridor.
As the work progressed, a weather front moved into the area, bringing dropping temperatures and increasing wind gusts. These conditions added another layer of complexity, requiring constant monitoring and adjustments to ensure safe lifting operations.
Despite the cold and wind challenges, our operators and rigging crews remained focused and disciplined, executing each lift with steady communication and strict adherence to the engineered lift plan.
Sterett Crane is proud to partner with Ragle Inc. on this important infrastructure project. Their continued trust in our team reflects a shared commitment to safety, quality, and reliable execution on complex bridge construction work.
This project’s success is a direct reflection of the dedication and expertise of our mobile crane operations crews and project management team. From detailed lift planning and coordination to precise execution in challenging winter conditions, their professionalism ensures every lift is made safely and on schedule. Their commitment to field leadership is what allows Sterett Crane to consistently deliver reliable results on critical projects like this one.
Through our state-of-the-art equipment and highly skilled team, we have created an impeccable reputation for professionalism, quality service and safety.
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