If you’ve ever wanted to build your own motorway or lift heavy beams, a 140-tonne yellow gantry known as “Dennis” could be your best bet – if you’ve got a spare $280,000.
The machine is nearing the end of its use at the huge new Waterview interchange on Auckland New Zealand’s northwestern motorway, and has been put up for sale on TradeMe.
Dennis the yellow gantry was predominantly used at night, to minimize traffic disruption.
The ad said “Dennis” had been used to lift new road segments between pylons and complete offramps to connect the newly built tunnels to the existing motorway.
“Dennis” has lifted 277 precast super T beams into place on the ramps, working predominantly at night when traffic volumes on the motorway were light. It was due to place its last beam on the project by the end of May.
NZ Transport Agency’s Highway manager Brett Gliddon said the unique design of Dennis allowed it to be perched above the motorway all day, without the need for conventional cranes.
It had saved the project time, reduced disruption for drivers and avoided the need to use cranes in environmentally sensitive areas, he said.
“There is no doubt that Dennis has done its job perfectly.”
The gantry was named after a project worker called Dennis who died of cancer aged 33. It was painted yellow in honor of the Cancer Society.
