Potain tower cranes support Canada’s $3-billion subway extension project

• Five Potain MDT tower cranes are working on a massive subway extension in Canada.
• Potain dealer Cropac Equipment provided the cranes, which have been operational since April 2022.
• The cranes are helping to build critical infrastructure elements for the new subway route.

Five Potain tower cranes have been instrumental in the construction of Vancouver’s Broadway Subway Project, a transformative $3-billion infrastructure initiative that extends the reach of the city’s SkyTrain service. The fleet includes one MDT 389 L16 and four MDT 219 J10s, and they are supporting the building of new subway stations and other key infrastructure elements along the route.

The 5.7-kilometer (3.5-mile) extension of the Millennium Line promises fast, frequent, and convenient SkyTrain service to important destinations, including British Columbia’s second-largest job market, major healthcare facilities, an emerging innovation hub, and residential communities. It’s set to open in 2027 and will feature six new underground stations along the Broadway Corridor.

“The cranes’ performance have exceeded expectations, providing the contractor with the confidence and reliability required for a high-visibility project of this magnitude,” said Pavel Jamro, Business Development Manager at Cropac Equipment. “The project has reinforced Potain’s reputation for solid performance in critical infrastructure projects.”

Both tower crane models are topless, enabling a variety of setups along the corridor. The MDT 389 L16 is a high-capacity crane with a 16t capacity and a 75 m maximum radius. The MDT 219 J10 is a medium-sized crane that excels in urban lifting and has a 10 t capacity with a 65 m maximum radius. CCS (Crane Control System) has enabled ease of use and familiarity for operators, even for complex multi-crane installations. Assembly, erection, transport, and maintenance phases are all optimized for productivity.

Cropac selected these cranes for their precision, durability, and efficiency. After nearly three years of continuous construction, they have delivered exceptional performance, with almost no downtime. Their seamless operation has been supported by Cropac Equipment’s dedicated service team, ensuring uninterrupted progress on the project.

CONTACT

Ashley Soverns 
Sr. Manager, Marketing
Manitowoc
T +1 717 593 5167
ashley.soverns@manitowoc.com