Swapping out a century-old rail bridge 60 meters above a ravine isn’t your everyday job—but for engineers at Mammoet, it was just another test of precision, planning, and physics.
When CHM Infraestructuras and TECSA Empresa Constructora S.A. took on the task of upgrading the historic Mascarat Bridge in Spain, the challenge wasn’t just its age. Weighing 80 tons and perched above a gorge, the bridge demanded an engineered solution that could navigate both altitude and structural delicacy without compromising safety. Enter Mammoet, known for its expertise in heavy lifting and transport.
The project called for a gantry system customized to follow the exact contour of the original span. Not just an off-the-shelf setup—this one had to work in multiple planes, allowing engineers to maneuver with the sort of flexibility usually reserved for high-tech robotics.
Once the system was secured, the old steel structure was removed in a carefully sequenced operation. Split into four parts, each segment was lifted off, then skidded to the abutments for controlled disposal. It wasn’t fast, but speed wasn’t the priority—safety and precision were.
Installing the new bridge meant going back the same way—but in reverse. Again broken down into four pieces, the new sections were skidded through narrow tunnels and across the ravine, suspended from the gantry system. Hanging there, mid-air, engineers bolted and welded each part into place—like assembling a model kit at dizzying heights.
It was a coordination of timing, equipment, and nerve—especially considering the altitude and structural sensitivity. The complexity of the setup underscored the importance of adaptability in project cargo operations, especially where infrastructure upgrades meet natural obstacles.
The entire operation was overseen by SGS on behalf of Ferrocarrils Generalitat Valenciana, ensuring compliance at every step of the way.
The bridge now stands ready, updated and reconnected, once again serving rail traffic through the rugged Spanish landscape.
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