A Slab of Success

By: Roads & Bridges

In 2004, plans were implemented to replace the existing surface of the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge in Niagara Falls with a fifth lane by eliminating the pedestrian access route and middle barrier wall. Since this bridge is a link between the borders of Canada and the U.S., an international team effort was formed between Rankin Construction (CA) and Oak Grove (U.S.). The first step in removing the existing surface would set the pace for the remainder of the project. Cooperation between the two companies was essential.

In order for the work to proceed smoothly, progress on both sides needed to occur at a similar pace. Oak Grove had been using the Kenco Slab Crab for about 10 years. Based on their suggestions, Rankin Construction also purchased a Kenco Slab Crab to use for this project.

The 7-in.-thick concrete was saw-cut into manageable pieces of about 6 ft x 10 ft. (This resulted in over 350 slabs per side.) The teeth of the Slab Crab were slipped under the slab and the bond was broken. Each individual piece was tipped back to secure the load and lifted from the deck. The slab was then loaded onto a waiting truck. This process was repeated at a rate of about six slabs per hour on both sides of the border. By using this technique, the cooperative effort between the U.S. and Canada was accomplished in just eight days.