The Juneau Creek Bridge, spanning 290 metres, is the flagship structure in one of Alaska’s largest infrastructure projects. Once completed, the bridge will substantially increase traffic capacity on the Sterling Highway between Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula, while also improving safety for road users.
A key role in the build is being played by Traylor Bros, Inc., which is relying on two Liebherr LR 1300.1 SX crawler cranes to support critical lifting operations during the assembly of the bridge sections.
The bridge’s steel girders are assembled on one side of the canyon and then progressively pushed across the deep Juneau Creek Canyon toward Cooper Landing. This is achieved using the bridge launch technique, where hydraulic presses guide the structure forward. The method allows extremely heavy components to be positioned with high precision without the need for complex scaffolding across the gorge.
According to Traylor Bros crane operator Travis Ludlow, wind conditions have been one of the toughest challenges on site. During early stages, gusts reached up to 40 miles per hour, making stable lifting operations highly dependent on close coordination with ground teams. Ludlow said having two crawler cranes—one positioned on each side of the canyon—has been essential for handling the heaviest girder lifts safely.
He also highlighted the value of Liebherr’s Gradient Travel Aid, a system designed to support safe crane movement on slopes. The technology continuously calculates the crane’s centre of gravity and warns the operator if the machine approaches unsafe operating limits. Operators receive real-time updates on permissible versus actual gradients and can adjust boom angles when needed to keep the crane within a safe operating range—an important advantage in the steep and demanding terrain of the project area.
Only solid steel girders are being used for the Juneau Creek Bridge, chosen for their ability to deliver wide spans and high load-bearing capacity while keeping material weight efficient. To ensure long-term structural integrity, the girders must be aligned with millimetre accuracy during installation.
Traylor Bros is using its pair of LR 1300.1 SX crawler cranes to support this precision work, allowing the bridge structure to extend across the canyon in a controlled and efficient sequence. Tyler Becker, Senior Field Engineer at Traylor Bros, said reliability was a decisive factor, noting the limited working season available before harsh weather conditions disrupt operations. Any equipment failure could cause major delays, making dependable lifting capacity critical. Becker added that the LR 1300.1 SX provides both the versatility and lifting performance needed to handle all required operations on the project.
The bridge is being engineered to withstand severe Alaskan weather, including heavy snow loads, strong winds and significant temperature fluctuations. Seismic activity in the region has also been factored into the design calculations to ensure safety during earthquakes.
Beyond the technical challenges, Traylor Bros has had to plan carefully due to the site’s remote location and sensitive surrounding habitats. Limited access roads, steep slopes and rugged terrain make transporting and positioning large components especially complex.
To manage these risks, the company has planned crane deployment and lifting operations using Liebherr’s 3D simulation software Crane Planner 2.0. By modelling lift scenarios in advance, the team can assess constraints, prepare solutions ahead of time and support safer execution, helping to keep the bridge project efficient and on schedule.
