PRECONSTRUCTION PLANNING KEEPS UTILITY PROJECTS ON TRACK
In underground utility work, mistakes made before an excavator bucket hits the ground are often the most expensive and project derailing.
MISTAKES TO AVOID IN UNDERGROUND UTILITY CONSTRUCTION
- Bypassing or fast-tracking 811 and assess-before-you-dig steps
811, the “call-before-you-dig” system, is the legally required method for underground utility locating–commercial or residential. Since 811 only marks public utilities, RDR often takes additional preconstruction steps in commercial projects to locate privately owned lines (secondary electric feeds, irrigation, fiber and more). Oftentimes on Department of Transportation (DOT) projects a utility coordination consultant is provided. - Failing to conduct subsurface assessments or geotechnical borings
Even on short underground utility runs (less than 500 feet), hitting shallow bedrock, high groundwater or unstable fill can stall a bore or a trench. - Overlooking or misunderstanding local, environmental and traffic-related permits
Even routine digs can trigger multiple permit layers and coordination with public works, DOTs and environmental agencies. Typically permits may be needed for:–811 coordination (see #1 above)
–Traffic control or lane closure permits
–Erosion and sediment control and other
environmental permits
–Permits for crossing railroads or pipeline/high voltage areas
–Permits to allow oversize/overweight vehicles
–And more - Underestimating restoration requirements
Preconstruction planning needs to account for pavement, landscaping or right-of-way restoration requirements
CONCLUSION
These are just some of the more common preconstruction steps that are routinely followed by RDR underground utility construction teams.
RDR’s Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) division was chosen to install a 700 foot water transfer line that will pass under heavily traveled Route 2 near the Ohio River. The project will be completed in under one month, enabling infrastructure expansion in a smarter, greener and more sustainable way.
Why Horizontal Direction Drilling (HDD)?
HDD is a limited disturbance installation approach, a type of trenchless technology used to install underground utilities such as water pipes, sewer lines, and electrical conduits. Instead of traditional open-cut methods that require digging up roads and sidewalks, HDD uses advanced methods and equipment to bore precisely under the surface, creating a path for utilities with minimal surface disturbance.
HDD is particularly effective in urban or heavily traveled areas where excavation is nearly impossible or not required.
Auger Boring or HDD?
Both auger boring (often called bore & jack) and horizontal directional drilling, the subject of this blog, for small to mid sized are types of horizontal drilling offered by RDR USG for utility installations. (You can read more about when to use bore & jack vs. HDD here.)
HDD operates from two small entry and exit points, causing minimal surface disturbance. This is critical when tunneling under busy routes like Route 2, where road closures would be highly disruptive.
HDD has the ability to follow curved paths to avoid existing obstacles and return back to grade for safer accessibility. This is particularly effective where there are property lines or existing utilities that need to be avoided.
HDD Applications for Utility Installations, Construction and More
Utilities, municipalities, and construction are increasingly turning to HDD for replacing aging water systems, upgrading stormwater management, and even installing fiber-optic cables for broadband expansion. The technology ensures infrastructure projects are completed quickly and efficiently, helping communities expand and connect.
