Lincoln Park

Project Overview

Atlas HDD was contracted by Inner City Contracting to perform Horizontal Directional Drilling services in the City of Lincoln Park. This contract contained just over 8,000’ of 8” HDPE SDR 11 pipe. This project was spread over 7 different streets with varying obstacles on each one. This project presented several challenges which is commonly associated with municipal utility work, including:

• Tight Workspaces
• Existing underground Utilities
• Traffic and pedestrian concerns
• Maintaining production on all fronts

Tight workspaces are something we deal with often, we use our experience to work closely with the municipality and engineers on site to get the most done with minimal damage or disruptions.

Existing utilities often slow down the job. How do we combat this? We plan. Always getting utilities exposed before we are close to them so that we have time to consult with the engineers or the city if a change of plans is needed.

Working within an active urban environment in Lincoln Park required careful coordination to minimize disruptions to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic throughout the duration of the project. Through effective planning, communication, and jobsite awareness, Atlas HDD was able to maintain productive operations while safely navigating the challenges associated with active city streets and pedestrian traffic.

Maintaining workflow efficiency and reducing any downtime is always our top priority. This helps not only keep Atlas on schedule but also keeps the General Contractor on schedule for all hydrant and valve connections necessary to begin flushing and testing the pipe.

Operational challenges

Atlas HDD was contracted by Inner City Contracting to perform Horizontal Directional Drilling services within the City of Lincoln Park. This contract consisted of over 8,000 feet of 8” HDPE SDR-11 water main installation. The project extended across seven different streets, each presenting varying obstacles and operational challenges. This project presented several challenges commonly associated with municipal utility work, including:

• Tight workspaces
• Existing underground utilities
• Traffic and pedestrian concerns
• Maintaining production and workflow efficiency

Tight workspaces are a challenge Atlas HDD encounters regularly. Through experience and coordination, our team works closely with municipalities, engineers, and onsite personnel to maximize production while minimizing surface damage and public disruption.

Existing underground utilities can often slow project progress and create additional challenges during drilling operations. Atlas HDD combats this through proactive planning and utility exposure ahead of critical crossings. By exposing utilities before approaching them with the drill, our team allows time to consult with engineers and municipal representatives if adjustments to the bore path or installation plan are necessary.

Working within an active urban environment in Lincoln Park also required careful coordination to minimize disruptions to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic throughout the duration of the project. Through effective planning, communication, and consistent jobsite awareness, Atlas HDD maintained productive operations while safely navigating the challenges associated with active city streets and pedestrian traffic.

Maintaining workflow efficiency and minimizing downtime is always a top priority for Atlas HDD. Efficient operations not only help keep Atlas HDD on schedule but also support the General Contractor’s schedule for hydrant installations, valve connections, pipe flushing, and pressure testing operations necessary for project completion.

Production & Efficiency

Maintaining consistent production throughout the project was a major priority for Atlas HDD. With over 8,000 feet of 8” water main spread across seven different streets, efficient workflow and coordination were critical to keeping the project on schedule.

Atlas HDD maintained a high level of operational efficiency by minimizing downtime between setups, exposing utilities ahead of drilling operations, and ensuring all equipment and materials were prepared prior to each bore. Through proactive planning, strong crew coordination, and efficient workflow management, Atlas HDD achieved an average production rate of over 600 feet of 8” water main installation per day throughout the duration of the project.

Crew communication and jobsite organization played a major role in maintaining efficiency throughout the project. By coordinating closely with onsite personnel, Atlas HDD was able to keep drilling operations moving while supporting ongoing hydrant installations, valve connections, flushing, and pressure testing operations.

Atlas HDD’s experience operating in active municipal environments allowed the crew to adapt quickly to changing field conditions while maintaining production, reducing delays, and keeping disruption to a minimum throughout the project corridor.

Equipment Used

Safety & Coordination

Safety and communication were a major focus throughout the entire project. With work
taking place across multiple active city streets, Atlas HDD worked closely with the General
Contractor, city personnel, engineers, and onsite crews to keep operations moving safely and efficiently.

Daily coordination helped the crew adapt to changing site conditions, underground utility
conflicts, traffic concerns, and other ongoing construction activities throughout the
project. By maintaining organized work areas, communicating drilling plans clearly, and
exposing utilities ahead of critical crossings, Atlas HDD was able to reduce risk while
maintaining consistent production.

Project Gallery

A closer look at Atlas HDD equipment, drilling operations, underground utility installations, and completed project work throughout Southeast Michigan.

Why Clients Trust Atlas HDD

There is always someone who can do it cheaper, but not always someone who can do it right. Clients continue working with Atlas HDD because of the consistent quality and ease that comes with working with us.