Glacier Replacement HDD

Location Montana
Timeline2020

Scope

Michels Trenchless, Inc. redesigned and used horizontal directional drilling to complete a 2,384-foot crossing of 12-inch pipe under the Missouri River. Custom drill bits and hole openers were used to complete the challenging project. To avoid inadvertent returns, Michels Trenchless devised a plan to push ream the project and had it approved by the client engineering team.

The crew contended with steep banks on both sides of the Missouri River at a site downstream of Morony Dam. Several air bridges were constructed to cross existing pipeline and rough terrain equipment was brought in to help mobilize the drill rig and supporting equipment. Due to rough terrain and no cell phone service at the job locations, the crew had to pay close attention to weather and safety for access of the site.

Michels Trenchless' complete scope of work also included welding, coating, support, and tie-ins in advance of and during pipe pullback operations.

Achievements:
Michels Trenchless was called in to help get the project back on schedule after another contractor could not meet the required due dates. The project was completed within the customer's timeframe with zero safety incidents.

Michels redesigned and used horizontal directional drilling to complete a 2,384-foot crossing of 12-inch STW pipe under the Missouri River.
To avoid inadvertent returns, Michels devised a plan to push ream the project and had it approved by the client engineering team.
Due to rough terrain and no cell phone service at the job locations, the crew had to pay close attention to weather and safety for access of the site.