Hydrauli-Flex Hoses Powering the McCluggage Bridge Project: A Collaboration of Innovation and Strength
The McCluggage Bridge in East Peoria, Illinois, has been a monumental project in the making since 2019. With a total budget of $167 million, this ambitious project aims to reconstruct the original bridge, which has been in operation since World War II. Serving over 20,000 vehicles daily, the new bridge will not only improve mobility but also enhance safety for commuters. But such a large-scale project requires specialized equipment that can withstand extreme forces, support extensive work hours, and perform under the harshest conditions.
Heavy-Duty Machinery Meets Tough Challenges
The task of rebuilding this vital piece of infrastructure requires no less than the best. The McCluggage Bridge project involves over 40 million pounds of steel and the excavation of over 121,000 cubic yards of earth. To tackle these extraordinary demands, the Johnson Brothers Corporation—a company known for its deep foundation expertise—was chosen to lead this massive undertaking.
Construction on this scale calls for highly specialized machinery, capable of providing a mix of extreme power and precision. This is where ICE® equipment, powered by Hydrauli-Flex hoses from The Hose Company, comes into play. For example, ICE® Model 44D & 50B Vibratory Drivers/Extractors were utilized to drive large caissons into the river for the temporary bridge. To achieve this with efficiency, ICE® also provided the Johnson Bros. with a customized ICE® Power Unit featuring an adjustable flow control system. This allowed for the use of a custom clean-out solution, vital for excavating the oversized coffer dams that formed a key component of the bridge’s foundation.
In addition to the Model 44 and Model 50B Vibratory Drivers, other ICE® equipment on the project includes the ICE® Model 50C Vibratory Driver and Extractor, the ICE® I-46 Diesel hammer, and the ICE® I-80 Diesel hammer, all contributing to the success of the job’s various phases. However, none of these machines would operate with such precision and power without the high-quality hydraulic hoses that support them.
Hydraulic Hoses: The Heart of the Operation
Hydraulic hoses are the unseen heroes in this massive project. These critical components are essential for transferring pressurized fluids to power construction machinery and equipment. For an operation like the McCluggage Bridge rebuild, it’s crucial that hydraulic systems operate flawlessly under tremendous pressure, constant vibration, and difficult environmental conditions.
At The Hose Company, we specialize in providing high-quality hydraulic hoses that are built to last. Our Hydrauli-Flex hoses are designed for durability, flexibility, and high-pressure performance, making them the ideal solution for applications in construction, infrastructure development, and industrial machinery. Whether for construction vehicles, vibratory drivers, or extractors, Hydrauli-Flex hoses ensure consistent and reliable performance, even in the harshest conditions.
Having over 10 years of industry experience, The Hose Company understands the demands of major construction projects. We offer a wide range of hydraulic and industrial hoses, fittings, and custom assemblies, all tailored to meet the needs of our customers. Our products are built to handle the most challenging environments, ensuring that your machinery stays operational for the long haul.
A Testament to Collaboration and Innovation
As the McCluggage Bridge project moves forward, the collaboration between the Johnson Brothers Corporation, ICE®, and The Hose Company is proof of what can be achieved when innovation meets reliability. The work that’s being done to rebuild this vital infrastructure will not only support the local community for decades to come but will also stand as a testament to the strength and durability of the equipment—and the hoses—that make it all possible.
At The Hose Company, we’re proud to play a role in such significant infrastructure projects. Our Hydrauli-Flex hoses continue to deliver the performance, durability, and flexibility needed to power some of the toughest machinery on the planet.
Contact The Hose Company
If you're looking for high-quality hydraulic hoses, fittings, or custom assemblies that will stand the test of time and the toughest environments, look no further than The Hose Company. With our extensive experience and dedication to quality, we’re here to provide the solutions you need for your most demanding projects.
Contact us today to learn more about how Hydrauli-Flex hoses can power your equipment and ensure your success.
