Cometto SPMTs Used to Replace Aging Bridge in Sweden

Cometto self-propelled modular trailers (SPMTs) have been deployed to move several heavy structures for a bridge replacement project in Sweden.

The construction of a new bridge over Lake Vänern, part of a railway line linking the Swedish towns of Vänersborg and Djupedalen, was required after the historic “Tysk Bro” – built by German engineers a century ago – was dismantled and scrapped due to age.

The new bridge sections transported on the SPMTs comprised a 147-tonne, 42-meter-long bridge structure, a 120-tonne, 11-meter-high bridge bearing component and a 120-tonne, 20-meter-high counterweight cantilever.

Construction of these components was completed early on to prevent disruption to rail services, said Joakim Andersson, SPMT transport manager at Jinert, the Swedish heavy-lift specialist tasked with managing the project’s land and river logistics and on-site installation.

The bridge sections were carried on a 10-axle combination in side-by-side mode in three nighttime moves over a 500-meter stretch from the production site to a ship pier. Cranes were then used to load the units onto a barge for delivery and installation.

The compact design of the Cometto SPMTs allowed tight turns and precision maneuvering during the move, the company said.

“Such maneuvers are only possible thanks to electronic steering,” said Joachim Kolb, sales manager at Cometto. “The Cometto Night-Light-Kit (a standard piece of Cometto equipment that illuminates a vehicle’s surroundings) also proves once again to be an invaluable advantage for maximum safety when driving at night.”

Cometto is a division of heavy equipment manufacturer Faymonville.

Cometto and Faymonville are exhibiting together at Breakbulk Middle East 2025 on Feb 10-11 in Dubai. Meet the teams at stand R40.