Michigan Avenue
Project Overview
Pipe Installed
12” HDPE SDR-11 Water Main
Location
Michigan Avenue, Detroit, Michigan
Project Type
Horizontal Directional Drilling
Equipment Used
Vermeer 40x55
Production Rate
One Crossing Completed Per Day
Completion Status
Successfully Completed
Introduction
Atlas HDD was contracted by Inner City Contracting to complete four 12-inch HDPE water main road crossings beneath Michigan Avenue in Detroit, Michigan. The work required careful planning due to the density of active and inactive underground utilities throughout the corridor. Michigan Avenue’s consistent heavy traffic also created limited workspace and required close coordination to keep drilling operations moving safely and efficiently.
Operational challenges
Every crossing on this project presented its own set of variables. The most significant challenge was the large quantity of underground utilities running along the planned centerline. Some were mapped, some were not, and the corridor also contained large concrete structures that had to be worked around rather than through.
Atlas HDD’s approach was to plan every crossing in detail before drilling began, then stay ready to adapt in real time when field conditions did not match the drawings. When unexpected utilities or obstructions were encountered, the crew paused, exposed what needed to be exposed, coordinated with the general contractor and city representatives on any bore-path adjustments, and kept moving. That combination of planning and flexibility was what kept the project on schedule despite conditions that were constantly changing underground.
Production and Efficiency
Even with the changing underground conditions along Michigan Avenue, Atlas HDD maintained a steady pace across all four crossings. The team minimized downtime between setups, exposed utilities well ahead of each bore, and made sure equipment and materials were staged before drilling began. That preparation kept production consistent and gave the general contractor a reliable timeline to schedule the hydrant, valve, and tie-in work that followed each crossing.
Equipment Used
Vermeer 40x55
Vermeer 10x15
Safety and Coordination
Michigan Avenue is one of Detroit’s busiest corridors. Working there meant that safety, traffic management, clear communication, and strict adherence to MDOT permit requirements were priorities every day of the project. Atlas HDD coordinated closely with the general contractor, city personnel, and onsite engineers to keep operations moving without adding risk to drivers, pedestrians, or the crew.
Daily field coordination allowed the team to adapt to changing site conditions, resolve utility conflicts as they surfaced, and keep the work zone organized. By exposing utilities ahead of each bore and communicating clearly at every stage of every crossing, Atlas HDD reduced risk while maintaining the production pace the project required.
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.