A system is used for lifting a heavy oversized structural element. At least two opposing lifts are placement adjacent opposing sides of the element. Each lift includes a base, a tower, an elevator, and an actuator. The tower extending vertically from the base, and the elevator is disposed on the tower. A support extends from the elevator outward from the tower to engage a point on the element. A guide of the elevator is configured to ride along a rail of the tower. The actuator is connected to the elevator and is configured to move with the elevator vertically along the tower. The actuator can include a strand jack disposed on the elevator. Hydraulic operation of the stand jack moves the jack and elevator along a strand extending along the tower. The arrangements of the lifts leave space below the raised element free for access to other operations.