Excavation
DC Water to begin ground stabilization phase of Potomac River Tunnel Project
Next month, DC Water will commence work to stabilize the ground prior to beginning excavation for the Potomac River Tunnel Project. Concrete columns, known as secant piles, will be installed in deep-drilled holes. These will serve as a retaining wall to avert soil collapse and groundwater intrusion during the excavation process, DC Water stated.
JMF Underground acquired by MPE Partners, Delphi Infrastructure Group
MPE Partners, along with its portfolio company Delphi Infrastructure Group (DIG), have acquired JMF Underground. JMF specializes in horizontal directional drilling, boring, trenching, and excavation services related to the repair and maintenance of underground electrical and natural gas infrastructure.
Worker dies after trench collapse at sewer project site in Norwich, Conn.
A man working on a sewer connection project in Norwich died June 13 after a trench collapsed at the job site, according to officials.
Dallas flood relief tunnel 80% complete, final lining work underway underground
Major excavation began in 2019 and wrapped up in 2022, but work continues to install a 15-inch-thick concrete liner along the tunnel walls to create a smooth, finished surface for water flow.
Coastal Pipeline expands excavation, grading services in Monterey County, Calif.
Coastal Pipeline Inc. is expanding its excavation and grading services across Monterey County to meet rising infrastructure demands, offering trenching, utility work, and stormwater system support for both public and private projects.
Canadian plumbing company faces 11 charges over fatal 2023 trench collapse
Calgary-based Mr. Mike’s Plumbing is facing 11 charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act following a June 2023 trench collapse that killed one employee. The charges include failing to ensure worker safety, failing to stabilize an excavation site by shoring and failing to ensure a worker is protected from cave-ins at an excavation site, CBC News reported.
Oregon contractor cited again for trench safety failures on Beaverton jobsite
Oregon OSHA cited Renner Trucking and Excavating Inc. following a May 12 inspection that found two employees working in a trench more than five feet deep without any protective system in place.
CASE introduces two new midi excavators to its lineup
CASE Construction Equipment has introduced two new compact, feature-packed midi excavators designed to bolster productivity and flexibility on the job: the CX85E and CX90E midi excavators.
19th century underground water reservoir found during construction in Mass. town
Construction crews in Marblehead, Mass., were surprised to discover an intact underground fire cistern dating back to around 1885, the Marblehead Current reported. The discovery was made as excavation work was underway to transform a local school playground into a community park.
Cal/OSHA cites contractor after deadly 17-foot trench collapse
Cal/OSHA has cited a California contractor following a fatal trench collapse that killed a worker inside a 17-foot excavation. Investigators found the trench lacked required cave-in protections and safety protocols.
Civil penalties issued for pipeline excavation damage incident in Lake Tahoe, Nev. area
The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) has formally issued civil penalties to Great Basin Transmission Company and Aspen Developers Corp. for a pipeline excavation damage incident that occurred in October 2024. The civil penalties were issued as part of the PUCN’s enforcement of Nevada’s “Call (811) Before You Dig” law.
NYC’s DEP completes excavation phase for underground tank to prevent sewage overflow into area canal
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the early completion of excavation for an 8-million-gallon underground tank that will intercept and store combined sewage that would otherwise overflow into the Gowanus Canal during rainstorms.
PG&E raises 811 awareness during April's National Safe Digging Month
Digging without knowing the location of underground lines dangerous, it can also result in expensive repairs and inconvenient outages. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is joining with others across the country during National Safe Digging Month to help raise awareness of the importance of calling 811 before you dig.
Vermeer launches Verifier™ G1 to simplify utility detection for crews
Vermeer has introduced the Verifier™ G1 utility locator, a reliable and straightforward solution designed for utility contractors, utility owners and municipalities. The Verifier G1 locator eliminates complex menus and settings, enabling crews to locate utilities quickly and confidently.
Understanding the ‘competent person’ and this critical role
Excavations are integral to underground infrastructure construction, but they pose significant dangers for workers when improperly planned or managed. On average, more than 20 workers die from trench cave-ins each year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Excavator collides with I-95 overpass in Henrico, Va., causing multi-vehicle crash
Authorities are investigating an incident on Interstate 95 in Henrico County after an excavator struck a southbound overpass near E. Parham Road on March 11.
Turning awareness into action: 811 call centers
Despite widespread awareness of 811 requirements, damage to underground utilities remains high. This article urges contractors to consistently use state OneCall centers and provides a full directory for safe digging compliance.
Brewer Water Department tackles lead service line inventory with vac excavation
The Brewer Water Department in Maine has adopted an innovative approach to meet the demands of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). These revisions, finalized in December 2020, require water systems to prepare and maintain an inventory of service line materials later in 2025.
Cold weather hydro excavation: Tips for safe digging
Jobs don’t stop when temperatures drop. Hydro excavation remains a safe and effective method for accessing underground utilities in freezing conditions. Learn key tips for maintaining efficiency and safety in cold weather.
Pittsburgh Water approves $12.1 million contract for lead pipe replacement
Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority has awarded a $12.1 million contract to Wilson Excavating for its 2024 Neighborhood Lead Service Line Replacement project. The contract mandates the use of SWORDFISH lead pipe inspection technology before pipe replacement.
Hyundai launches HX90A, its first nine-ton compact excavator
HD Hyundai Construction Equipment North America has added its first nine-ton compact excavator, the HX90A, to its excavator lineup. Weighing 20,040 lb. (9,090 kg) and powered by a Yanmar engine that provides 65 net hp (48.5 kW) at 2,400 rpm, the HX90A is ideal for digging and trenching for a wide range of jobsite applications.
Excavation begins for stormwater detention basin project in Flagstaff, Ariz.
The Wedge Detention Basin is designed to manage excess stormwater runoff, preventing it from overwhelming the box culvert being installed along Linda Vista Drive. The basin will collect stormwater and gradually release it back into the city's stormwater management system when safe.
Pennsylvania 811 hits milestone with one millionth dig notification
Pennsylvania One Call System, Inc., dba Pennsylvania 811, recently hit a milestone with its one millionth dig notification received for the year on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 at 1516.
Excavation begins for Ontario Line’s first downtown subway tunnels
Excavation has started near Exhibition Station for the Ontario Line’s tunnel boring machine (TBM) launch site. This 16-meter-deep shaft will mark the starting point for two TBMs that will create twin tunnels spanning approximately six kilometers—the first downtown subway tunnel project in Toronto in over 60 years.
Volvo CE expands excavator lineup with mid-size models
Volvo Construction Equipment has introduced two new mid-size crawler excavators to its North American lineup: the EC260 and EC300. These models replace the EC250 and previous EC300, offering improved performance and efficiency.
5 ways to extend hydro excavator life
Construction season has arrived, and hydro excavators are a critical tool for unearthing utility lines without damaging them, trenching and various other applications. A high return on this machinery investment requires giving time and attention to proper care of your safe digging equipment.
HD Hyundai expands excavator line with new 82-ton, 100-ton models
HD Hyundai Construction Equipment North America has introduced two new large-frame excavators to its HX crawler excavator lineup: the 82-ton HX800A L and the 100-ton HX1000A L.
CASE debuts electric backhoe loader, adds new EV models
CASE has launched the industry’s first electric backhoe loader, the 580EV, alongside two new electric models, the CX25EV mini excavator and the CL36EV compact wheel loader.
OSHA fines El Paso contractor in deadly trench collapse, citing repeated safety lapses
OSHA determined that CMD Endeavors Inc. failed to provide a proper protective system for a pipe layer working in an excavation. As a result, a trench collapsed, causing a piece of asphalt to fall and severely injure the worker, who later died in a hospital.
HD Hyundai launches new compact-radius crawler excavator
HD Hyundai Construction Equipment North America has introduced the HX355A LCR, a 35.5-ton compact-radius excavator, to its lineup of full-sized crawler excavators.
- NTSB publishes preliminary report on fatal gas pipeline explosion in Lexington, Mo.
- 290-mile gas pipeline expansion proposed across Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina
- Centuri awarded nearly $400 million for U.S. gas infrastructure work
- Ripple Fiber breaks ground on $140 million project, expanding into central Mass.
- Water losses cost U.S. utilities $6.4 billion annually, new report says
- Gehl and Mustang offer world’s largest skid loader
- Growing Pains and Gains
- Maryland lawmakers push to curb BGE pipeline spending, citing safety and cost concerns
- Authorities investigating trench collapse that killed worker in Ashburn, Va.
- City of Albuquerque halts fiber optic construction in response to damage, complaints