Underground Tank Removal at Pilgrim Nuclear Station
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Our work on the Throgs Neck Bridge is one of the largest platform/access projects in the US totalling 1.2 million square feet of platform to date. Along with installing a double-decker SafeSpan platform system, our team installed a custom-designed 13,000 lineal square foot Swing-Lo Parapet platform to aid in the installation of new fire suppression lines.
We installed Safespan Suspended Shielding Platform across both the side spans and main span of the bridge. In addition, we performed cleaning and painting of various associated steel repairs on the same surfaces. The upper and lower outside trusses and chord boxes were surface-prepared and overcoated to ensure lasting protection.
The platform installation covered both the Bronx and Queens side spans as well as the main span, with two platform levels installed. Each platform was designed to support loads of 75 pounds per square foot, requiring the installation of main cables at 2’6” intervals, totaling 46 main cables spanning the full width of the bridge deck.
In addition to the main platforms, four smaller platforms were installed on both approaches and inside both anchorages to support access and work operations.
Installation of the double-decker platform provided access to the GC for multi-trade use for orthotropic deck replacement and structural repairs at various levels. This also allowed for contract work to continue on the lower platform while the demolition of the bridge deck was in progress.
Installation of Bronx Side Span Lower Level started after the Memorial Day weekend holiday with the mobilization of all main cables, tie up cables, and main cable anchor points from the Bronx abutment to the Bronx tower. All materials were brought to the bridge deck during lane closures, dropped by mobile crane to the lower outside cord boxes, and secured in place for installation. Anchor plates were installed at the Bronx Anchorage and subsequently on the Bronx Tower for termination and tightening. The logistics for the installation of the lower platform were very demanding due to the limited time allowed contractually in the closed lanes, necessitating timely planning and accurate placement of workforce. As this work was taking place during the beginning of the summer, lane closures could be pulled at any time due to traffic volume. It was imperative to take advantage of every minute in the closures.
This sequence for the lower platform installation continued from the Bronx Tower to the Queens Tower, with additional labor being added as cables were tightened and subsequent sheeting installation could begin. Once the lower platform reached the Queens Tower, and then the Queens Anchorage, the same sequence was commenced for the installation of the lower platform. By this time, the logistical kinks had been worked out and the progress of installation was accelerated for the upper shielding platforms.
Platforms were certified and turned over for use to the General Contractor in the following sequence:
Date: 4-15-2020
Prepared: Declan Farrington
Project: TN-49 Rehabilitation/Replacement of Throgs Neck Roadway Deck
General Contractor: Judlau OHL
Customer: TBTA
Access
Platform
While this project was very demanding regarding safety, logistics and schedule Champion Painting SCC believes that this was a successful endeavor in all of the above aspects. All schedules were met and, in most cases, brought in ahead of the designated due dates required by the contract. Difficulties and challenges were addressed head-on and with constant communication from the field to upper management and the owners.
