Coleman Bridge

Panatrol was contracted to design and upgrade a control system for the Coleman Bridge.

Panatrol’s Scope of Work

Panatrol delivered a comprehensive control system upgrade while minimizing downtime and operational risk to the customer. Key elements of the project included:

• PLC Modernization: Upgraded the legacy Sqd Symax PLCs to modern Modicon PLC systems, increasing reliability, maintainability, and future-proofing the system.

• Minimal Disruption Conversion Strategy: Utilized wiring arm adapters to streamline the hardware transition. Custom conversion software enabled a seamless migration of the original PLC programs, significantly reducing system downtime and risk.

• Redundant System Architecture: The bridge features two fully independent and parallel control systems. Panatrol successfully upgraded both systems, maintaining full operation functionality throughout the transition to ensure uninterrupted bridge operations.

• SCADA System Upgrade: Enhanced the operator interface by upgrading the WonderWare SCADA system, improving diagnostics, control responsiveness, and long-term scalability.

Project Significance

This project showcases Panatrol’s ability to execute high-stakes upgrades on mission-critical infrastructure with precision and minimal interruption. By preserving existing wiring and program logic while introducing modern control technology, Panatrol delivered a future-ready solution that maintains the integrity of the bridge’s complex automation requirements.

Why It Matters

Bridges like the Coleman Memorial are vital arteries in the transportation network. Panatrol’s innovative approach ensures that this critical structure continues to operate safely and efficiently, demonstrating the company’s deep expertise in industrial automation, legacy system migration, and control system integration.

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