Our latest project in Kentucky involves replacing the outdated natural gas infrastructure with a modern, state-of-the-art pipeline. This upgrade ensures safe and reliable service for customers, utilizing advanced monitoring equipment and inspection technology.
The gas pipeline replacement activities include clearing, grubbing, welding, lowering-in, testing, and restoration. This project covered approximately 18,280 linear feet of 24-inch steel pipe, which was backfilled with sand and an additional sand-water mix for extra padding. The team navigated unmarked utilities, often using hand digging or vacuum excavation to avoid damaging existing infrastructure.
We also managed multiple trenchless installations, including a 3,587-foot horizontal directional drill, four 24-inch conventional road bores, and four stream crossings. The project included directly burying approximately 1,730 linear feet of 24-inch steel pipe.
The pipeline traversed residential neighborhoods, including yards and roads. Our team coordinated daily with homeowners to ensure their driveways remained accessible. The residents expressed great satisfaction with our team’s efforts.
As we continue to make strides in this project, we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
In the late evening hours, a severe thunderstorm swept through Maryland, bringing high winds, lightning, and heavy rain. The storm caused widespread damage to the power infrastructure, leaving around 57,000 residents and businesses without electricity at its peak.
Understanding the critical nature of the situation, we swiftly mobilized our crews, arriving on the scene within an hour. Our team immediately began repairing a damaged cross brace on a 13kV line. This involved securing overhead cables, clearing debris, and reinforcing the structure to handle the power load.
Thanks to their quick and efficient work, the 13kV power line was repaired and stabilized, significantly reducing the outage duration. Power was restored promptly, minimizing the storm’s impact on the community. Our crews continued to support additional repairs and restoration efforts until power was fully restored to all affected areas.
We are proud of our team’s dedication and efficiency in responding to this emergency. Their hard work ensured that the community could return to normalcy as quickly as possible, demonstrating our commitment to reliable service and community support.
In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of gas systems is paramount. Our latest project aimed to modernize our client’s gas infrastructure, enhancing its capacity and resilience while maintaining uninterrupted service for all customers.
We installed a new 12-inch HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) pipeline to connect the existing north and south HP (High-Pressure) natural gas systems. Approximately 15,000 feet of main installation was carried out by trenching. Additionally, we completed three directional drills, adding another 1,500 feet of 12-inch HDPE pipeline.
The successful completion of this project stands as a testament to our team’s expertise and dedication. By finishing on schedule, within budget, and with minimal change orders, we have not only met but exceeded our client’s expectations. This modernized gas system is now poised to deliver reliable service for years to come, reflecting our commitment to excellence and innovation in the energy sector.
In a remarkable feat of engineering and coordination, our crew successfully completed a jack and bore operation to cross a creek. This critical project involved the installation of 1,150 feet of gas main to replace the existing pipeline, which needed to be relocated to accommodate a new bridge construction.
The installation included approximately 150 feet of 8-inch coated steel inserted through a 12-inch steel casing, with 8-inch HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) on either side to tie into the existing infrastructure. This meticulous process ensured the new facilities were clear of all new bridge footings, with the jack and bore operation conducted at a depth of 23 feet beneath the creek bed.
Despite encountering significant rock during excavation, our team extended daily work hours and did weekend work to keep the project on schedule. Their dedication and flexibility were crucial in meeting the project’s deadlines and ensuring the contract with the bridge contractor remained on track.
This project serves as a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to excellence and our ability to overcome challenges. We are proud of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by everyone involved.
Our urban electric crews bring extensive experience and specialized skills to managing projects in densely populated and high-traffic areas. Our team excels in implementing effective and safe traffic management strategies, working collaboratively with local authorities to protect both the crew and the public during project execution. Our commitment to safety and efficiency is evident in every project we undertake, making us a trusted partner in urban infrastructure development.
Because of these capabilities and commitments, we were awarded the contract to replace nine utility poles as part of an extensive infrastructure replacement program. This initiative aimed to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the electrical distribution network.
Throughout the duration of this project, nine utility poles were replaced, along with five 13kV transformers and three additional transformers of varying specifications. Also, 1,500 feet of new 4/0 aluminum conductor was installed, and finally, the existing 1/0 aluminum conductor was replaced.
The new poles and transformers reduce the likelihood of outages and improve overall system reliability. Upgrading the conductor to 4/0 aluminum allowed for higher electrical loads, meeting the growing demand in the area.
In conclusion, our team’s dedication to safety, efficiency, and collaboration has ensured this project’s successful completion and significantly contributed to the enhancement of the local electrical infrastructure. We look forward to continuing our role as a reliable partner in future urban infrastructure projects.
The Accelerated Pipe Replacement Program is an ongoing pipeline replacement project aimed at modernizing and enhancing the resilience and safety of our client’s natural gas distribution system. Upon completion, this project will have upgraded a 1,200-mile network, ensuring a more reliable service for all customers.
Before beginning any work, our team sent letters to all affected customers in the community. We also notified relevant oversight bodies about the planned work and provided a timeline. Our project coordinators and general foremen took extra steps to personally contact homeowners, either by phone or in person, to explain the work, its impact, and the expected completion time.
To execute the project, our team utilized multiple dump trucks, backhoes, mini-excavators, and skid steers. Daily tasks involved working with pipe, backfill material, and hot mix for temporary repairs. Maintaining excavated tie-in holes overnight was crucial, requiring the use of multiple shoring boxes. Specialized fittings were necessary for tie-ins to the larger 8-inch steel mains, which are not typically used every day. The crew also collaborated with a customer-provided tie-in team to complete these connections.
Bare Steel Main Replacement
The project team successfully installed 1,210 feet of 4-inch and 8-inch plastic mains, creating four separate tie-ins with existing 4-inch and 8-inch steel mains. Additionally, 12 existing services were converted to the new main. During installation, crews encountered unmarked and unmapped utilities, underscoring the importance of proper trenching techniques and proactive planning.
4 Main Replacement
The 4 Main Replacement marks a significant phase in the Accelerated Pipe Replacement Program. In this stage, crews installed 595 feet of 2-inch PLA 20# gas main. The project also included replacing 21 service mains and a 6-inch cast iron main. Additionally, 653 feet of 6-inch cast iron gas main were safely abandoned in place, with one end sealed and a purge riser installed on the other to ensure the safe removal of gas.
The Accelerated Pipe Replacement Program is a testament to our commitment to providing safe and reliable natural gas services. Through meticulous planning, community engagement, and expert execution, we are proud to enhance the infrastructure that serves our valued customers. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to make progress on this vital project.
At InfraSource, we offer comprehensive solutions to your natural gas, oil, and electric power needs. Utilities and pipeline operators choose us for our extensive expertise, vast resources, and unparalleled range of services. With roots dating back to 1954, we have established ourselves as industry leaders, known for our performance, integrity, and, most importantly, our commitment to safety and quality.
To demonstrate our gas capabilities, we are showcasing our recent project, the Strip 15 Remote Control Valve (RCV) project. This project involved the fabrication and installation of RCV facilities along our client’s transmission pipeline, referred to as “Strip 15.”
The scope of work included replacing Valve 13 on Strip 15 with a straight 24-inch pipe and substituting a 24-inch tee with an elbow. Additionally, we ensured the associated facilities were suitable for in-line-inspection (ILI) and proper abandonment of the adjacent blowoff connection.
All tasks were completed safely on a heavily trafficked roadway, demonstrating our ability to excel in constructing congested urban areas.
We are committed to delivering exceptional results while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards. Our successful completion of the Strip 15 RCV project is a testament to our expertise and dedication. We look forward to continuing to serve our clients with innovative solutions and unparalleled service.
At InfraSource, safety is always our first priority. Our commitment to ensuring a secure work environment led us to establish the Good Catch program. This program highlights our unwavering dedication to safety and The Capacity Model. Our team pays meticulous attention to detail, constantly monitoring their surroundings. Their vigilance has proven pivotal in averting safety hazards, all thanks to the Good Catch program.
The success of our Good Catch program continues to grow, with an ever-expanding collection of safety success stories. These stories demonstrate our employees’ enduring commitment to this program. By proactively identifying and rectifying potentially dangerous situations, they ensure the well-being of everyone involved.
This first Good Catch particularly stood out, as the team’s adherence to procedure prevented a potentially life-threatening situation. One day during a routine change of blocking, our crew discovered that the A and C phases were de-energized, but the B phase remained energized. There was a single-phase radial off the B phase that went to a cell tower. The backup generator briefly came on and turned off, de-energizing the B phase. In response, the crew promptly executed a stop timeout. The system operator instructed them to eliminate the back feed from the generator. The crew also promptly notified the cell company, which assured them of immediate resolution. Overall, their swift action ensured safety and allowed time to identify the correct solution.
Our next safety success story involves our crew identifying multiple faulted secondary cables. These cables were discovered while our crew was conducting their initial inspection of a manhole. One of our foremen immediately contacted management and the construction manager. They collaborated to devise a repair plan after obtaining additional resources to determine the best course of action. The following day, the crew entered the manhole and successfully made the cables safe without disrupting service to our customers. Thanks to this crew, crisis was averted, and everyone involved stayed safe.
The last Good Catch is a situation of some melted wires. Before our crew began work to transfer wire, they diligently inspected the affected area and discovered melted strands. Taking immediate action, the crew initiated a stop timeout to strategize. Subsequently, they skillfully sleeved the damaged conductor. Their attention to detail and expertise played a pivotal role in identifying this hazard and preventing any further risks.
In summary, InfraSource’s commitment to safety is evident through the Good Catch program. Our team has proactively averted numerous hazards, from faulted cables to melted wires. These success stories underscore our dedication to maintaining a safety-first work environment.
This summer, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming several interns across our various office locations. They have worked diligently all summer, gaining valuable industry insights and making impactful contributions for our team.
Our internship program offers hands-on experience and learning opportunities, allowing interns to enhance their skills, challenge their strengths, and achieve their full potential. Throughout the summer, they apply classroom knowledge to real-life projects, maximizing practical learning. Additionally, they interact with senior leadership and industry experts during their time at job sites. Our internships cover various fields, including engineering, project management, IT, finance, and more.
In celebration of National Intern Day, we interviewed several of our interns to showcase them and our program. Our featured interns are Lilly Lawson, Danny Abraham, Zak Lahjouji, and Cooper Lucas.
Questions:What are some of your responsibilities?
Lilly: “Writing social media posts and blogs, creating graphics, scheduling content, organizing and updating marketing materials, and so much more!”
Danny: “Typing in tickets from vendors into the AP logs, typing in the work the foreman did into the accounting spreadsheet.”
Zak: “Confirming documentation of installations/removals, scope changes, etc. Documentation and organization of essential fieldwork forms. And communicating with project managers and general foreman to verify discrepancies in documentation.”
Cooper: “Participating in daily jobsite planning. Gathering end-of-day progress updates from the onsite foremen. Various online responsibilities including ticket entries, utility line research, and responding to RFI’s.”
Why did you choose to intern at InfraSource?
Lilly: “InfraSource is such a dynamic company run by the best in the industry, with countless learning opportunities to support my professional growth.”
Danny: “I wanted to get experience in the project management field, because I want to pursue a career in that field after college, I also know there is always room to grow at InfraSource.”
Zak: “Because of my interest in energy distribution. InfraSource also seemed like a positive work environment, which I believe is crucial for organizations to prosper and grow.”
Cooper: “InfraSource is a great opportunity to apply my construction management degree. The company has deep resources and a well-organized internship program.”
What has been your favorite part about your internship so far?
Lilly: “I have loved immersing myself in a new industry and gaining valuable, new learning experiences each day! I’m amazed at how much I’ve learned about marketing and the business world in such a short amount of time. Not to forget that everyone I have met has been incredibly kind, helpful, and welcoming.”
Danny: “Getting immersed in actual projects instead of getting busy work.”
Zak: “Working alongside project/program managers as well as other coordinators to better understand how InfraSource meets client needs. Everyone at the office is extremely friendly and helpful and I feel as though the environment has been very accommodating with any questions or concerns I’ve had.”
Cooper: “Applying what I have learned in my construction management degree on the jobsite. Seeing the planning and work come together on a major gas line project. I have really enjoyed getting to know my work mentor and team at InfraSource. They have been helpful with sharing their knowledge and skills.”
At InfraSource, we place great importance on forward-thinking and recognize the significance of investing in interns for the future of the energy infrastructure industry. Our program is designed to support and sustain tomorrow’s workforce.
We’re delighted to kickstart the infrastructure industry journey for these talented young professionals. On this National Intern Day, we celebrate their passion, dedication, and potential!
To learn more about our internship program, click here.
Safety is paramount in any organization, and our Good Catch program has proven highly effective. From near misses to proactive interventions, our employees have been instrumental in preventing accidents and ensuring a safe work environment.
The Good Catch Program encourages employees to report safety concerns and potential hazards. It empowers everyone—from frontline workers to management—to actively participate in maintaining a safe workplace. This program continues to provide us with countless safety success stories to share.
This first Good Catch is a bit different from others. On an ordinary workday, the crew had closed a one-way road using cones and signs. One of the crew members suddenly noticed an unexpected situation. A third-party vehicle was speeding down the opposite way of the work zone, being pursued by two police officers. The vehicle was believed to be going at least 70 mph. Without hesitation, he shouted to his crew, “Look out!” His vigilance and prompt action allowed the entire team to escape harm’s way. His awareness and quick thinking protected both himself and his colleagues from a potentially dangerous situation.
This next safety success story involves an improper hot line clamp. One day, our crew was assigned to replace a split cross arm. As they prepared for the job, they noticed an improperly installed transformer hotline clamp on the stirrup. Without hesitation, they initiated a stop timeout to address the issue safely. By adhering to STKY rules and utilizing their stop timeout authority, they prevented an unscheduled transformer outage.
These incidents powerfully remind us of the importance of staying alert and taking decisive steps to prevent potential hazards. Our commitment to safety remains unwavering through the Good Catch program.
