Liebherr mobile cranes have played a key role in the demolition of the original Yellowstone River Bridge, helping crews complete the final phase of a major infrastructure upgrade in Yellowstone National Park.
The project supports long-term transportation improvements while protecting the park’s sensitive environment. With the new bridge now open to traffic, construction teams have turned their attention to removing the aging structure that served the park for more than 60 years.
Liebherr Cranes Tackle Challenging Terrain
Utah-based Mountain Crane Service provided heavy lifting and rigging support for RLW Construction during the bridge demolition.
The company deployed three Liebherr all-terrain crane models: the LTM 1650-8.1, LTM 1400-7.1, and LTM 1110-5.1.
Working in steep canyon terrain near Tower Junction, the cranes lifted and removed the bridge in carefully planned stages. Crews first dismantled the concrete deck before removing steel and concrete support sections.
The phased approach helped protect the Yellowstone River ecosystem while maintaining high safety standards throughout the project.
Built for Precision and Safety
Liebherr said its all-terrain cranes combined powerful telescopic booms with easy transport and fast setup, making them well suited for the demanding project.
In addition, advanced technologies such as VarioBase®, VarioBallast®, and the LICCON crane control system improved lifting precision, stability and operator safety.
The cranes also offered multiple boom and counterweight configurations, allowing operators to adapt quickly to changing site conditions.
Environmental Restoration Continues
The bridge project extends beyond demolition. Crews are also restoring former roadway sections, rehabilitating nearby wetlands and returning parts of Lost Creek to a more natural channel.
These efforts aim to reduce the environmental impact of construction and improve the surrounding landscape once work is complete.
Mountain Crane Expands Heavy Lifting Expertise
Founded more than 20 years ago, Mountain Crane Service operates a fleet of over 100 cranes. The company provides heavy lifting, rigging and transport services for wind energy, industrial and construction projects across the United States.
The successful Yellowstone River Bridge demolition highlights the importance of selecting the right equipment for complex infrastructure projects, where lifting capacity, reach and maneuverability are essential.
Liebherr’s All-Terrain Crane Portfolio
Liebherr offers around 25 LTM all-terrain crane models, ranging from compact two-axle machines to nine-axle heavy-duty cranes.
The LTM 1650-8.1 delivers a maximum lifting capacity of 700 tonnes, making it suitable for demanding heavy-lift applications.
Meanwhile, the LTM 1400-7.1 provides a lifting capacity of 400 tonnes and features multiple boom configurations and an adjustable counterweight radius for greater flexibility on challenging job sites.
