Planning. Preparation. Precision.
- Summer 2026
- Cranemasters
Cranemasters was called on by three railroads to replace one 2×2 double-double diamond and one 2×3 triple-double diamond during a single curfew.
Challenge
Replace Two Diamond Crossings During One Outage
Diamond crossings, where two or more rail lines intersect, are high-stress areas requiring intensive maintenance. Each passing train exerts immense pressure on frog sections, guard rails, and track structures, accelerating wear and increasing the risk of misalignment.
Norfolk Southern (NS) identified the need to replace a heavily fatigued diamond outside Hammond, IN. Water infiltration beneath the track posed a risk of ballast erosion. When CSX and Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad (IHB) learned of the project, they coordinated with NS and Cranemasters to also replace a second diamond seven miles away. The joint objective was to complete both replacements during a single outage, thereby eliminating the cost and disruption associated with multiple shutdowns.
Cranemasters’ Solution
Planning. Preparation. Precision.
Cranemasters managed planning, preparation, and execution with no margin for error. The outage window required speed plus absolute precision once Cranemasters removed the existing diamonds.
Pre-staging & Test Picks
Crews set up equipment in advance, identifying and testing lift points to ensure each prefabricated diamond could be raised evenly without stress or twisting.
Engineering Precision
2×3 Diamond (50 ft x 50 ft): Two Cranemasters 200 RS cranes lifted the structure via a 50-foot spreader beam and eight pick points, supported by excavators for stability.
2×2 Diamond (67 ft x 67 ft, 220,000 lbs): Two Cranemasters 200 RS cranes with spreader beams managed primary lifting. Excavators and side booms stabilized the legs, with a total of 20 pick points, ensuring level and damage-free handling.
Implementation
After track grading and ballast preparation, Cranemasters lifted both diamonds, walked them into place, and installed them within specifications, all within the outage window. Crews completed final grading and rail bolting while Cranemasters safely dismantled and demobilized equipment.
RESULT
Two Crossings Replaced in a Single Outage
Two crossings were replaced in a single outage, eliminating the need for multiple shutdowns.
Seamless coordination between NS, CSX, IHB, and the five Cranemasters divisions ensured safety and efficiency. Both installations were completed within scheduled windows, without incident or delay.
Rail service was restored on schedule, with reinforced infrastructure in place to withstand high traffic demands.
Hammond Diamonds Job
Client Information
- Railroads: Norfolk Southern, CSX, Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad
- Location: Hammond, Indiana
- Structures Replaced: One 2×2 double-double diamond and one 2×3 triple-double diamond
Cranemasters Divisions Involved
- Heavy Lifting & Rigging
- Railroad Services
- Track Construction
- Engineering & Planning
- Logistics & Transportation
Major Equipment Deployed
2×2 Diamond
- Two Cranemasters 200 RS cranes
- One 335 CAT excavator
- One side boom
- One 50-ft 100-ton spreader beam
2×3 Diamond
- Two Cranemasters 200 RS cranes
- Two 335 CAT excavators
- Two side booms
- Two 40-ft 40-ton spreader beams
- Two 20-ft 20-ton spreader beams