Abstract: A valve actuator includes a body having at least a first side and an interior. A rotatable, threaded drive screw extends into the body and projects out of the body first and second sides. The drive screw comprises an insertion portion and a distal end portion. A traveling nut is threadingly captured on the drive screw in the body interior. The traveling nut is held against rotation whereby it travels along the drive screw as the screw rotates. An actuator arm engages the nut and is configured to be urged between valve open and closed positions as the traveling nut travels along the drive screw. A first collar is attached to at least a portion of the drive screw insertion portion and has at least a bearing for rotatably engaging the body. A second collar is attached to at least a portion of the drive screw distal end portion and has at least a bearing for rotatably engaging the body.