120|RT excels on $2.25B New York mega project

A Link-Belt Cranes 120|RT 120-ton rough terrain crane is working on a $2.25 billion road construction project, the largest infrastructure investment in the history of the New York State Department of Transportation. The project commenced in spring 2024 and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, replacing Interstate 481 with Interstate 81 and providing safe and efficient connections to the Inner Harbor area of eastern Syracuse, New York.

As part of the project, Salt City Constructors, a joint venture comprised of contractors Cold Spring Construction, D. A. Collins Construction, and L&T Construction, received the contract of the estimated $219 million I-81 Viaduct Project. It includes the reconstruction of city streets, creating a new interchange, widening and realigning multiple on- and off-ramps, replacing three bridges, and adding a new ramp bridge. The 120|RT primarily assists with the construction of abutments for new bridges while two Link-Belt telecrawlers, a TCC-550 and a TCC-500, handle concrete paneling for retaining walls, which includes rebar handling and formwork.

Structural superintendent Joe Falta said the group is utilizing the 120|RT at this job because of its long reach and strong capacities. Accordingly, the crane showcased its advantage while setting premade rebar panels and large gang forms weighing up to 14,000 pounds, picking them from as far as 85 feet away.

Operator Pat Farrell added that he uses the 120|RT’s impressive reach to hoist loads over the forms and rebar that make up the 83-foot-long abutment. He said the crane’s operator-customizable Pulse 2.0 RCL system is both easy to operate and allows him to establish his working radius and swing settings, simplifying the job.

“This crane has a very good chart and is user friendly,” Farrell said. “It’s also a rugged machine. When you get into one, you can expect reliable performance.”

He continued to say the 120|RT has excelled throughout the job and met every expectation. With years of operating experience to his name, he’s come to associate Link-Belt cranes with quality, noting their unmatched consistency and dependable operation.

“I like Link-Belt cranes, and I’ve operated Link-Belts from a 30 ton up to the 348 model crawlers,” Farrell said. “This machine is what I expect in a Link-Belt.”