Tag Archives: Replacement

Project Spotlight: AM07 Natural Gas Line Replacement Phases 2&4

Natural Gas Pipeline

Our latest project in Kentucky involves replacing the outdated natural gas infrastructure with a modern, state-of-the-art pipeline.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.

Phase 2 involved comprehensive pipeline replacement activities, including clearing, grubbing, welding, lowering-in, testing, and restoration. This phase 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 resorting to 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. Phase 4 included the direct burial of 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.

Project Spotlight: Creek Gas Main Replacement

Natural Gas

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.

Project Spotlight: Accelerated Pipe Replacement Program

Natural Gas

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.