In partnership with Expanded, Select Plant Hire recently completed a detailed trial operation in advance of a major lifting scheme on one of our key bridge and infrastructure projects. With works taking place within a highly restricted central reservation environment, the trial formed a critical part of the planning process, allowing our teams to test, refine and validate their approach ahead of the live operation.
The exercise provided valuable insight into how complex lifts can be delivered safely and efficiently in constrained environments, while also showcasing the technical capability of our people and the performance of our modern crawler cranes and specialist equipment.
One of the primary learnings focused on optimising transport positioning to ensure loads could be accessed and lifted safely within the limited space available. Digital planning tools played a key role at this stage, with DroneDeploy used to capture high‑quality aerial imagery and orthomosaic outputs. These enabled our technical teams to refine layouts, visualise constraints and make informed decisions well ahead of the works taking place.
The trial also prompted improvements to our chain‑removal process. To improve the space available to operatives, because of the proximity of the central reservation barrier, a dedicated chain‑removal zone has now been incorporated into the next phase of planning. Additionally, the requirement for operatives to access the far side of the transport was eliminated by using two specialist frames to remove the tracks when de-rigging the crane from the test area. These frames remain on the tracks, eliminating the need to work adjacent to the live motorway and delivering a clear step change in safety and efficiency.
Safe and reliable access for transport movements was another key focus area. The planned access route was validated during the trial rig using a combination of traditional surveys, swept‑path analysis and DroneDeploy data. The team also took the opportunity to rehearse lifting a test column, reinforcing the importance of accurate hook block positioning and confirming the most effective placement of slingers during the lift.
Further efficiencies were identified through a review of how transport is positioned when lifting car body counterweights. By adjusting the transport location, the team established a more efficient lift path that will now be adopted during the live operation, reducing unnecessary movement and improving sequencing.
All learnings from the trial have been fully integrated into the next phase of planning, strengthening our overall methodology and ensuring the operation can be delivered with enhanced safety, precision and control.
Select Plant Hire would like to thank everyone involved for their professionalism, attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement, qualities that play a vital role in the successful delivery of complex infrastructure schemes. We look forward to sharing further updates as the project progresses.
