Tag Archives: Project

Project Spotlight: Emergency Repair of 138kV HPFF Transmission Line

InfraSource crews were recently mobilized to respond to an emergency leak on a high-pressure fluid-filled (HPFF) underground transmission line. The situation required immediate action to prevent further damage and restore service safely and efficiently.

The team executed both civil and electrical scopes of work, including excavation of freeze pits, installation of protective structures, and restoration of the transmission line. Electrical crews performed freeze operations, welded sleeve repairs, valve replacements, and fluid refills to bring the line back to full service.

Throughout the project, InfraSource coordinated closely with local businesses to minimize disruption. Custom signage was installed to maintain safe access to nearby storefronts and parking areas.

This project demonstrates InfraSource’s ability to respond quickly to critical infrastructure needs while maintaining safety, precision, and community awareness.

Project Spotlight: Michigan Solar Farm

InfraSource crews are contributing to the development of a major renewable energy initiative in Michigan. The project involves directional drilling operations to support underground conduit systems, which are essential for solar panel connectivity and energy transmission.

Despite challenging ground conditions and intense summer heat, the team has completed 71 directional drills totaling over 20,000 feet. These operations are laying the groundwork for efficient and reliable solar energy distribution across the region.

Crews utilized a Vermeer 40×55 drill rig to install conduit ranging in diameter from 4 to 8 inches. The longest drill reached 960 feet, while the shortest measured 130 feet—each contributing to the infrastructure needed to power thousands of homes with clean energy.

This work reflects InfraSource’s commitment to supporting sustainable energy solutions through safe, precise, and resilient field operations.

Project Spotlight: Failed Conductor on Railroad Bridge

InfraSource crews completed a vital infrastructure restoration project on a Railroad Bridge. The team was tasked with replacing a failed conductor that maintained the electrical tie between two substations.

Due to the bridge’s active rail traffic and strategic location, the project required close coordination with railroad personnel. Crews used rail-certified equipment and flagging support to safely access and work on the bridge.

Specialized equipment, including an Altec 55MH and an Altec AT48 outfitted with rail gear, allowed the team to perform elevated work and conductor handling directly on the bridge structure.

Protective measures were implemented to safeguard the river environment and ensure crew safety during operations near active rail lines. The successful restoration of the electrical tie-point improved system reliability and load balancing across the region.

Project Spotlight: HPFF Utility Hole Emergency Repair

INTRODUCTION

During the week of Thanksgiving, a third-party contractor inadvertently damaged an existing 138kV high-pressure fluid-filled circuit in Philadelphia, resulting in a leak of dielectric fluid near the manhole wall. InfraSource was promptly notified and mobilized civil crews to address the issue. The entire repair process was completed within 12 days of the initial notification of the damage.
SCOPE OF WORK

InfraSource crews excavated the manhole wall and removed the concrete around the existing pipe to assess the damage. A temporary clamp was applied to control the leak. The repair consisted of removing existing hydraulic bypass piping and installing a welded sleeve repair. All new bypass piping and valves were installed, vacuum pulled, and the line was refilled. Carbon fiber Atlas Wrap coating was applied to the sleeve of the pipe, and heat shrink and wax tape coatings were applied to the rest of the exposed pipe for protection.

Our dedicated team brings over 100 years of combined experience installing underground high-voltage transmission lines. Contact us to learn more.

A pipe underground.
InfraSource fixing a pipe underground.

Project Spotlight: Plymouth 138/147 Mainstem Replacement

InfraSource has successfully delivered various solutions to the Electric Distribution and Transmission industry, and our team brings over 100 years of combined experience installing underground high voltage transmission lines.

With the completion of this job in Plymouth, Pennsylvania, the crew successfully reduced the likelihood of disruption, leaks, failures and other hazards associated with outdated infrastructure.

Before starting work, the team conducted a thorough inspection of the existing infrastructure to determine its condition and the necessary work. They checked for any potential hazards, existing utilities and environmental concerns that could affect the process.

This project involved the installation of several complex components, including about 10,000 feet of four to five-inch duct package, one manhole, 24, 207-feet of three phase cable, elbow sets, two underground switches and six poles.

The crew used cold splicing to join wires and cable and interruption splicing to join conductors. These required strict adherence to safety protocols due to exposure to high voltages – particularly interruption
splicing, as it is performed while systems are live.

Aerial terminations were performed to connect the overhead lines to the power grid. These had to be Carefully done with safety protocols at the forefront due to the high voltage involved, and the fact they have to be able to withstand wind, rain and ice.

Project Spotlight: Coy Road Widening & Gas Main Relocation

This newer project we worked on was located in Oregon, a suburb of Toledo, Ohio. The city of Oregon needed assistance replacing two gas lines during a road widening project. The project would widen Coy Road, one of Oregon’s major streets, by about five feet, resurface the existing asphalt pavement and replace missing sections of sidewalk.

The completion of the project helped the City of Oregon improve traffic flow, safety and accessibility in the community.

The team successfully moved 63 services and relocated 1,452 feet of two- and four-inch-high pressure steel and 4,957 feet of two, four and six-inch plastic gas mains.

Project Spotlight: Fault Locate & Repair

The purpose of this project in Haverford, Pennsylvania, was to fix a faulted underground electric cable in a residential neighborhood. Repairing the cable would prevent further damage to the cable or surrounding infrastructure and enhance the reliability of the electrical distribution system.

When the team got to the location, they used a Mega Beast 80-amp service tester and SPITFIRE secondary fault locator to pinpoint the location of the underground cable fault.

Once the fault was located, the team cut out the damaged portions of the cable and spliced them together using four connectors. Three feet of heatshrink tubing was placed over the splices and heated to conform closely to the cable and splices, insulating the material. Lastly, the repaired cable was tested to ensure it was secure and functioning correctly.

InfraSource crews worked tirelessly to repair the fault, ensuring disruptions to homes and businesses were
kept to a minimum. They successfully prevented a hazardous situation from occurring and reduced the likelihood of future outages.

Project Spotlight: 3201 Cuthbert Street

For this big project, the team was called on to install underground conduits to a new building on the Drexel University campus. The building is set to house the largest life sciences facility in the city.

Before laying conduits, the team located any existing underground utilities and made sure the site was cleared to ensure a safe working environment. They used a mini excavator to dig the trenches, making sure they were deep enough to meet local codes and wide enough to fit the conduit and allow for
backfilling.

Conduit in various sizes were installed, including 180 feet of 10.5-inch, 218 feet of 12.5-inch and 72 feet of
14.5-inch.

With the conduits underground, they will be less susceptible to wear and tear, lasting longer and requiring less maintenance for the university.

Project Spotlight: Installation of Residential Natural Gas Service

This project, located in North Wales, Pennsylvania, involved running a new gas service to a home where the homeowner wanted a natural gas service. The new service provided the homeowner with a more reliable and environmentally friendly energy option for heating, cooking and other needs.

When the crew arrived at the site, they assessed the area, looking for existing utilities and other obstacles. Once they determined the area was clear, they began digging trenches to accommodate the new gas lines. They installed one-inch plastic pipe in the trenches and placed tracer wire and marker balls so the line could be located during future excavations or maintenance.

With the successful completion of the project, the homeowner had a more reliable, environmentally friendly and efficient energy option.

Project Spotlight: Installation of New Gas Main

One of our newer projects in Elkhart, Indiana, involved the installation of new gas main in a subdivision. The new main will increase capacity for 40 new homes as the subdivision grows.

When the crew got to the site, the first step was to make sure the land was sloped for the proper drainage and alignment of the gas main. Hydro excavation was utilized to reduce the chance of injuries and minimize damage to existing utilities.

The crew installed 3,100 feet of corrosion-resistant three-inch plastic distribution gas main, known for its flexibility and durability. Once the new main was successfully installed, the crew ensured all the gas
main was captured digitally through the Trimble Unity system. This improved efficiency and ensured
compliance with industry regulations.

Using modern materials and the newest technology, InfraSource helped decrease the likelihood of power
outages for residents as well as safety concerns.