Mount Morris Dam, nestled deep in the Genesee River Gorge at the northern end of Letchworth State Park, stands as a testament to engineering marvels. While it provides crucial flood protection to downstream areas, including the city of Rochester, NY, its location presents unique challenges for maintenance and upgrade projects.
The Project
Merco Engineering Contractors, a civil specialty engineering contractor known for successfully completing some of the nation’s most challenging and complex projects, won the bid for a project at the dam. The task at hand was seemingly straightforward: transport a pump, bagged concrete pallets, and related tools from a nearby staging area to the top of the dam. However, the width of the access road to the dam’s top made it impossible to safely deliver the concrete and the pump using conventional means like a concrete truck or tractor trailer.
The Jobsite Atop the Mount Morris Dam
The Solution
Understanding the intricacies of the challenge, Merco’s bid included a unique solution: transportation of the pump, pallets of bagged concrete mix, and other tools by helicopter. This task was coordinated and executed by Fair Lifts Helicopter Services using a Bell 212 helicopter, known for its reliability and lifting capabilities. The pump, originally weighing 4,040 pounds, was reduced to 3,000 pounds to facilitate the lifts and then reassembled on the dam. The project was executed over two days: one day dedicated to transporting the pump and supplies to the dam’s top, involving 14 trips or “picks”, and another day, a month later, to bring the pump and tools back to the staging area after Merco completed their work.
The Advantages of a Helicopter Lift
Helicopters offer unparalleled advantages in scenarios where traditional transportation methods fall short. Their ability to hover, maneuver in tight spaces, and lift heavy loads with precision makes them ideal for projects like the Mount Morris Dam. In this case, the helicopter not only ensured the safe and efficient transportation of crucial equipment but also significantly reduced the project’s timeline.
Some Video Highlights
A Successful Project
This project stands as a testament to the innovative thinking and collaborative efforts of Merco Engineering Contractors and Fair Lifts Helicopter Services. By leveraging the unique capabilities of a helicopter, the teams ensured the project’s success, overcoming challenges that would have otherwise stalled the operation. At Fair Lifts, we are proud to have been part of this project, showcasing our commitment to providing exceptional heavy lift helicopter services, even in the most challenging situations.