Hyder Ranch Waterline
Location: Hyder, AZ
Method: Horizontal Auger Boring
Description: Most people don’t think of construction supporting agriculture – but farming requires infrastructure just like other development does! As farmland around the valley gets consumed for growth of industry and housing, the demand for crops doesn’t go away. These farms are relocating to more rural areas – like the farming community of Hyder, AZ located about 120 miles southwest of Phoenix – and as they are developed, there is a need for waterlines to support their operations.
Typically, since the areas are wide open, lines can be run to connect new farms with existing water sources with ease – but when an obstacle like a railroad track gets in the way, there is a need for trenchless technology to connect the waterline without disruption to the railroad. SSC recently completed this project by performing a 150’ auger bore to install 42” steel casing under the railroad tracks that the 30” PVC irrigation line was then run through.
Boring under the railroad comes with unique requirements including have a flagger onsite for the duration of the project to alert crews to rail traffic, an observer to ensure the integrity of the tracks throughout the operation, and 7 days of track monitoring following bore completion to ensure no settlement of the tracks indicating any type of void or damage. SSC is experienced in performing railroad crossings like this and was able to complete the project ahead of schedule and with complete approval by the rail agency overseeing the work.