Even masterpieces of engineering get on in years. This was proven once again by a historic bridge in Sweden that could no longer withstand the ravages of time. Time for a new start! Cometto self-propelled modular transporters showed what modern transport technology can achieve when transporting the new parts weighing several tonnes.
A regionally important railway line runs between the Swedish towns of Vänersborg and Djupedalen, crossing the last stretch of Lake Vänern. It is Sweden's largest lake, an impressive ten times the size of Lake Constance. Around 100 years ago, German engineers constructed a folding railway bridge to allow sailing boats to pass through. ‘That's why this bridge still bears the name ‘Tysk Bro’ - the German bridge,’ explains Joachim Kolb, Sales Manager at Cometto.
Through the harbour by SPMT
‘But even German technology comes to an end at some point,’ says Joakim Andersson, SPMT Transport Manager at Swedish company Jinert. The historic ‘Tysk Bro’ had completed its service and had to be dismantled and scrapped due to its age - a step that was meticulously planned. ‘In order to maintain rail traffic without interruption as far as possible, the construction of new bridge sections began early on,’ explains Andersson. These elements, weighing several tonnes, were finally moved in three challenging night transports over around 500 metres from the production site to the ship's pier without disrupting port operations.
Three challenging night transports
The real challenge was not the route, but the size of the bridge elements. The bridge bearing weighed 120 tonnes, was 14 metres long, 9 metres wide and 11 metres high. The counterweight cantilever also weighed 120 tonnes and was an impressive 20 metres high. The bridge stood out once again with 147 tonnes and a length of 42 metres. For these loads, the experts at Jinert relied on a 10-axle combination in side-by-side mode. Thanks to the compact design of the Cometto self-propelled transporters, even tight 90-degree turning manoeuvres in the hall and the tricky exit through the hall door were mastered with precision.
‘Such manoeuvres are only possible thanks to electronic steering,’ explains Joachim Kolb and emphasises: ’The Cometto Night-Light-Kit also proves once again to be an invaluable advantage for maximum safety when driving at night.’ After the precise night drive, the components were loaded onto a barge by crane. Jinert not only took care of the challenging land and river transport, but also ensured the professional installation on site. An all-round service that proves it: Everything from a single source and ... propelled to the MAX.
Publication date: 01/2025