Self-Propelled Modular Transporters
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The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has identified reducing construction-related impacts to the traveling public as a major priority for the nation's highway program.
The use of self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) technology provides agencies and contractors with the ultimate flexibility and speed in removing and installing bridges.
This website is your SPMT resource center. Browse the topics below for more background and detail.
What is a Self-Propelled Modular Transporter – or SPMT?
A Self-Propelled Modular Transporter is a combination of multi-axle platforms operated through a state-of-the-art computer-controlled system that is capable of pivoting 360 degrees as needed to lift, carry, and set very large and heavy loads of many types.
SPMTs are motorized vehicles that move at walking speed and are capable of carrying large structures, such as bridges, from offsite locations, positioning them precisely into final position.The SPMT then exits the site, opening the area to traffic possibly within minutes or certainly within a few hours.
Click here for a downloadable copy of TIG's SPMT brochure.
Key Topics
Introduction to SPMT Bridge Moves PowerPoint Presentation
(3M download; please be patient and save when prompted.)
Best Applications
Where can I see a bridge move, demonstration, or presentation?
Bridge Moves:
2009 UDOT Bridge Moves
SPMT UTDOT 2009 Bridge Moves
March 2009 WSDOT Bridge Moves:
Two WSDOT fully assembled welded tubular trusses for the SR 104 Hood Canal Floating Bridge are being moved with SPMTs from the Oregon Iron Works fabrication plant in Vancouver, Washington onto barges in March 2009 by Bigge Crane & Rigging under contract with Kiewit-General Construction Company. The tubular trusses act as the transition spans between the floating bridge and the fixed piers at each end of the bridge. In early March SPMTs rolled the first truss onto an ocean-going barge, where the truss was jacked up and set on temporary supports; the barge with truss was then towed 350 miles to the Hood Canal bridge site within the Puget Sound.
The Contractor is planning to roll the second truss from the storage site to the barge on March 15, and then roll it out onto the barge on the 16th. There is a slight chance, time permitting, that they will take it all the way onto the barge on the 15th.
In May 2009 the trusses will be erected with derrick cranes during a 4 to 6 week full closure of the Hood Canal Floating Bridge.Click for details: WSDOT and related picture.
For exact move date, contact:
Geoff Swett, P.E.
WSDOT Bridge and Structures Office
Phone: 360-705-7157
Email: SwettG@wsdot.wa.gov
Mid-to-Late July 2009 LaDOTD Bridge Move
An LaDOTD three-span continuous composite steel box girder bridge will have a damaged segment moved with SPMTs in mid-to-late July 2009. The 86 ft. long by 21 ft. wide steel-box-girder-and-deck segment will be removed and replaced by Barnhart under contract with Gibson and Associates. The bridge is the southbound I-49 structure over LA 526 (Bert Kouns Louns Industrial Loop/Expressway).
For exact move date and other details, contact:
Kelly M. Kemp, P.E.
LA DOTD Bridge and Structural Design Section
Phone: 225-379-1809
Email: Kelly.Kemp@la.gov
Demonstrations:
(Recent demos now complete. Check back soon for more information.)
Presentations:
SPMT Focus Technology Experts
Policies, Specifications, and Drawings
Case Studies
Utah
October 2007: 4500 South Bridge over I-215E
June-August 2008: I-80W Bridge Moves
Florida (coming soon)
Louisiana (coming soon)
SPMT Library
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