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.
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.
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.
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.
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.