Steel Bridge Erection

Steel bridge erection involves lifting and connecting heavy fabricated steel sections over roads, railways, or rivers.
Bridge steelwork is typically erected using mobile cranes, crawler cranes, or specialist launching equipment.
Each steel section must be temporarily supported and braced until permanent connections are completed.
Erection sequence planning is critical — installing sections out of order can cause structural instability.
Working over live traffic, railways, or waterways adds complexity requiring possessions, closures, or protection.
Wind loading on large bridge sections during lifting can make loads uncontrollable and endanger workers.
Bolted and welded connections must be completed to specification before temporary supports are removed.
LOLER 1998 requires a detailed lift plan for every steel bridge section placed by crane.
Temporary works designs for propping, jacking, and bracing must be approved before erection begins.
Night erection over live roads is common, requiring enhanced lighting and strict traffic management.

Prevent collapse	Incorrect erection sequence or inadequate temporary bracing can cause catastrophic structural collapse.
Protect the public	Steel bridge erection over roads, railways, and waterways puts the travelling public at risk.
Legal compliance	LOLER 1998, CDM 2015, and Work at Height Regulations require formal planning for all bridge erection work.
Worker safety	Falls from height, crush injuries from heavy sections, and crane incidents are primary risks during erection.

Do

Don't

Follow the approved erection sequence precisely — do not change the order without engineering approval
Ensure every crane lift has a specific lift plan approved by the appointed person
Install temporary bracing and supports immediately after each section is landed
Complete all bolted connections to the specified torque before removing temporary supports
Establish exclusion zones beneath all lifting operations and on adjacent roads or tracks
Monitor wind speed and stop lifts when conditions exceed the plan's specified limit
Use tag lines on all suspended steel sections to control swing during placement
Coordinate road or rail possessions and closures well in advance of erection dates
Ensure fall protection is in place for all workers on the bridge structure at height
Brief the full team on the erection plan, lift sequence, and emergency procedures

DON'T erect steel sections out of the approved sequence without engineer authorisation
DON'T remove temporary bracing until permanent connections are fully torqued and checked
DON'T lift bridge steelwork in wind speeds exceeding the crane's rated limits for the load
DON'T allow traffic or trains to pass beneath active lifting operations without protection
DON'T stand beneath suspended loads or within the crane's swing radius during lifts
DON'T use bolts, washers, or connections that do not match the design specification
DON'T carry out erection at night without adequate artificial lighting at the work zone
DON'T skip the lift plan — every bridge section placement requires a specific plan
DON'T walk on unconnected steelwork without a harness attached to a secure anchor
DON'T leave partially connected sections unbraced overnight or during weather breaks

See also: Steel Erection Safety | Bridge Construction Safety Awareness

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