SANY- Haydon Bridge Co. being able to run the SCA1600TB in intermediate track position to allow the crane to navigate in areas that traditional machines would not be able to maneuver while maintaining lift capacity,” said Wolfe.“ Also, Sany’ s E-Fence technology helps ensure that we maintain clear distances from overhead utilities.”
Wolfe noted that Haydon Bridge’ s operators continually say they like the smoothness and easy operation of the Sany cranes.“ They also really seem to like the in-cab technology that lets them set operating speeds, E-Fence distances, and other parameters to the way they prefer,” he said.
Project Carries Many Challenges
The I-71 widening project presents Haydon with many challenges.
Its first phase is partially removing the existing bridges and constructing the new structure in the middle. That creates challenges for access and crane accessibility.
In addition to the normal challenges of working in the median with limited access, several utilities affect the work area.
High-voltage electrical transmission lines cross one structure, lower-voltage electrical lines cross many structures, and two 60-inch water lines cross under one structure.
“ Our team has worked diligently to solve the various issues, whether by using teleboom crawler cranes, working with our pile hammer vendor for specialized equipment, or using micropiles where traditional pile driving was not feasible,” said Wolfe.
Knowledge Adds Value
One key reason Haydon Bridge can handle the challenges any project throws at it is its 54 years of deep experience.
The company is headquartered in Springfield, Kentucky, where Tommy Haydon, Jr. founded it in 1972.
Today, the company is led by two long-time employees, President Kevin Wolfe, who started as a summer laborer 27 years ago while earning a bachelor’ s degree in construction management, and Vice President Marshall Haydon, grandson of founder Tommy Haydon, who grew up working for the company when his father, Phillip Haydon, Sr., was leading it.
Over the decades, Haydon Bridge has grown into a leading heavy civil contractor focused on structures ranging from concrete box culverts and retaining walls to sound-barrier walls and bridges.
Expert at Design-Build and Progressive Design-Build delivery, Haydon Bridge can help project owners design structures that reduce construction time, cost, and risk.
“ Our niche is difficult projects that demand planning, resource allocation, and precise execution to succeed,” said Wolfe.“ Our team is very good at thinking outside the box to create solutions that benefit a project.”
Third Sany Teleboom Joins Fleet
Currently, Haydon Bridge’ s crane fleet includes 10 lattice-boom crawler cranes with capacities from 110 to 300 tons, one 65-ton rough-terrain crane, one 80-ton lattice-boom truck crane, and the Sany 90-ton and 160-ton telescopic-boom crawler cranes.
A 110-ton Sany teleboom crawler will join the fleet by the end of August.
Haydon Bridge recently sold three 80-ton and one 100-ton lattice-boom
At Beargrass Creek, Haydon Bridge uses its Sany SCA1600TB to help build a pier inside a cofferdam.
www. cranehotline. com • October 2026 35