Michels Trenchless was among the contractors honored with the Pipeliners Association of Houston (PAH) Project of the Year Award for the Coosa River project. This award recognizes projects that set new standards in technology, design, engineering, and construction.
The Coosa River Project, executed via horizontal directional drilling (HDD), was part of the Southeast Energy Connector project to expand the Transco Pipeline System, the nation’s largest natural gas pipeline network. The site conditions presented constricted access, steep topography, and challenging bedrock. Michels overcame these obstacles by deploying dual HDD maxi-rigs, conductor casing, and innovative winching and spoils management strategies. Ultimately, 3,400 feet of 42-inch steel pipeline was installed beneath the river, eliminating a critical bottleneck and enhancing system reliability.
The project supports Alabama’s transition from coal to natural gas, strengthens energy reliability, and demonstrates the feasibility of HDD for complex crossings.
This marks the second consecutive year Michels has received this award, reflecting our ongoing commitment to excellence.
