s the Central Artery Project continues toward completion around us, on and under the streets of Boston, crews from Modern Continental and other contractors are using some of the most state-of-the-art construction equipment in the world. Many pieces of machinery used on the Big Dig were specially designed to meet the unique demands of the Central Artery Project. Other vital equipment, such as modified versions of normal construction vehicles, are unique because of their size or special features.

Here’s a little more information on some of these technical marvels of the Big Dig...

Segmental Precast Erection Gantry
The Segmental Precast Erection Gantry
Also called the Gantry machine for short, this machine is being used to build the bridge off I-93 that will allow quicker access to Storrow Drive from points north of the city. With the capability to support 750 tons, the Gantry is a huge machine that stretches to 340 feet in length. It sits 60 feet off the ground on two trusses which are bolstered by support frames. Modern crews use the self-launching Gantry to lift huge prefabricated pieces of concrete up to the bridge assembly. This piece of equipment was built specifically for this job by NRS Strukturas.

The Straddle Carrier
The Straddle Carrier
This piece of equipment found at the I-90/I-93 Interchange jobsite is nicknamed the "Elephant" throughout the industry. Crews use this machine to move, load, and unload segments of precast concrete, which are then moved into place for highway construction. The Elephant carries massive 80-ton slabs of concrete and was specially designed by an equipment company in Italy for height restrictions associated with this project. Each wheel of the Straddle Carrier can be controlled independently or in tandem, allowing the driver to make 90-degree turns and making it an extremely maneuverable vehicle for its size.
Model 11320 Super Sky Horse
The Model 11320 Super Sky Horse
At the Immersed Tunnel jobsite in Boston, one of the Big Dig’s largest cranes stands tall above the city. The Model 11320 Super Sky Horse crane (shown at right being unloaded after delivery), built by American Crane Co., has a special attachment that allows it to lift loads up to 1000 tons. The crane, which was being used in an oil refinery in India before Modern acquired it for the Big Dig, was shipped to the U.S. and had to be transported here in 41 trailer loads!

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