Moveable Bridge Cables

OVERVIEW

Moveable Bridge Cables

Prysmian's bridge submarine cables are a reliable solution for transmitting power and signals across bridges, viaducts, and rivers.

 

Designed and Tested for Superior Performance

Prysmian bridge submarine cables are multiconductor designs available in 600‑volt and 2000‑volt ratings for permanent underwater and direct‑burial installations between structures. They meet all requirements for bascule, lift, and swing bridges and can be configured for power, control, instrumentation, and signal circuits—including fiber optics—with up to 250 conductors and overall diameters up to 5 inches (12.7 cm). Empty corrugated ducts (up to 2 inches) can be integrated into the cable to support future expansion. 

 

Prysmian’s engineering team partners with consulting engineers, contractors, and end users, including local Departments of Transportation (DOTs), to tailor each cable design to the bridge’s specific electrical and optical requirements. Standard constructions can be modified as needed, and every bridge submarine cable is built to match precise application needs, delivering consistent, long‑term performance.

 

Engineering and Installation Support 

Prysmian provides project planning and on-site supervision by our installation specialists. Please consult your sales representatives for more information.

 

Commitment to Quality and the Environment 

Prysmian is an ISO 9001 and 14001 certified company with quality and environmental management systems that have been independently audited.

Moveable Bridge Products

Submarine cables utilize cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) conductors and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to enhance water resistance and mechanical strength. These cables are installed underwater in trenches or conduits and are suitable for all types of bridges. 

 

Key features include: 

  • Meets all requirements for bascule, lift, and swing bridges
  • Accommodates up to 250 copper or fiber conductors
  • Built-in conduit allows for future expansion
  • Can be directly buried

Aerial cables come equipped with a steel rope encased in an outer jacket, along with helically wrapped steel tape to enhance their strength. They are designed to be installed horizontally in the air between towers on vertical lift bridges. 

 

These cables meet all specifications for bascule, lift, and swing bridges. They can accommodate up to 125 copper or fiber conductors and are available with built-in conduit. Additionally, they feature lashed stainless steel messenger wire for added support.

Riser cables are specifically designed for vertical installation, allowing them to transport power from the electrical source on the ground to the top of vertical lift bridges. These cables can either directly power the raising mechanism or connect to droop cables or aerial cables for various purposes. 

 

Key features of riser cables include: 

  • Compliance with all requirements for bascule, lift, and swing bridges
  • Capacity to hold up to 125 copper or fiber conductors
  • Availability of built-in conduit LDPE jacketing for added protection

Droop cables are engineered to be flexible, allowing them to bend and move as a vertical lift bridge ascends. These cables are primarily utilized in bridges that operate using a pinion system. The droop cable hangs down from the top of the tower and rises along with the bridge span as it is elevated. 

 

They meet all requirements for bascule, lift, and swing bridges, and are capable of holding up to 125 copper or fiber conductors. Built-in conduit options are also available, and the cables come with rubber jacketing for added protection.

Why Prysmian Moveable Bridge Cables?

  • End‑to‑end portfolio covering submarine, aerial, riser, and droop cables engineered specifically for moveable bridges
  • Custom constructions that combine power, control, signal, and fiber‑optic circuits in a single robust cable
  • Close collaboration with DOTs, engineers, and contractors to align with project specifications and standards
  • ISO‑certified manufacturing, backed by Prysmian’s global leadership and field‑proven performance in bridge and submarine cable systems

 

FAQs

 

What are Prysmian’s moveable bridge cable solutions? 

They are a family of submarine, aerial, riser, and droop cables designed to deliver power, control, and communications across all types of moveable bridges as a coordinated system.

 

Why do moveable bridges need specialized cables? 

Moveable bridges undergo constant motion, vibration, and environmental exposure, so they require cables designed to flex repeatedly, resist water ingress, and maintain electrical and data integrity over long service lives.

 

How do these cables handle constant movement and flexing? 

Flexible constructions, reinforced jackets, and mechanical support elements such as messengers and strain‑relief designs allow the cables to bend and travel with the bridge structure without damaging conductors or insulation.

 

What makes these cables different from standard industrial cables? 

They are purpose‑built for bridge duty cycles and geometries, combining multiple circuit types in one cable and using materials, armoring, and support elements selected for underwater, aerial, and dynamic installations.

 

What makes Prysmian a top manufacturer for submarine cables? 

Prysmian brings decades of experience in submarine cable systems, advanced manufacturing and testing capabilities, and a global track record on critical infrastructure projects, making us a trusted partner for demanding bridge and marine applications.

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Movable Bridge - US

Daniel Stehlik