Ensuring the highways and byways of the United States are well-illuminated is a task that cannot be postponed due to the obvious safety implications. Roadside and highway light pole installation has always been a tedious job that needs to be done as quickly as possible, sometimes requiring a bit of unusual innovation. This was precisely the case in West Virginia, where Fair Lifts Helicopter Services, in coordination with public agencies, creatively used a Kaman K-Max helicopter to install light poles along Interstate 64 (I-64) in Cabell County.
The Project
In this unique operation, 44 light poles, each 100-foot tall and weighing 5,300 pounds, were systematically installed along the highway stretch between Kenova and Huntington Mall. This method of installation, using cargo helicopters with hoisting capability, proved to be a significant time saver. The traditional alternative, without air support, would involve closing lanes of the heavily traveled route to civilian vehicles for weeks at a time.
The Advantages of a Helicopter Lift
Helicopters offer unique advantages for heavy lifts in areas that cranes can’t reach. They can maneuver in tight spaces, hover precisely over a target, and lift heavy loads with ease. In this case, the congested area and the weight of the light poles made a helicopter lift the ideal solution for the light pole installation. The Kaman K-Max helicopter used in this operation is known for its superior lift performance and stability, making it the perfect choice for this project.
The Operation
The entire installation process required a 15-man crew and a bit of hectic coordination work that also involved analysis of wind speeds and other conditions in the project area. As soon as the helicopter pilot installed each post, the ground crew tightened a couple of its bolts, and the helicopter unhooked again to pick up another pole. This efficient process minimized disruption to traffic and sped up the installation process significantly, enabling the project to be completed in under 5 hours.
Lighting the Way
This project marked the second time that helicopters were used to perform work of this kind in the state. The first such light post-placement was conducted in May of 2016 along Interstate 70 close to Wheeling, West Virginia in Ohio and Marshall counties. This first helicopter installation project was part of a 5.4 million dollar West Virginia Division of Highways road improvement project and paved the way for more helicopter projects along West Virginia highways in the future.
At Fair Lifts Helicopter Services, we are proud to have been part of these innovative projects that not only improved highway safety but also showcased the efficiency and versatility of helicopter lifts in challenging situations. Whether it’s for a public works project, a construction task, or an environmental rescue operation, Fair Lifts is ready to rise to the occasion, demonstrating our versatility, efficiency, and commitment to excellence.