By Lynda Myer
The Section 19 Long Tunnel Crossings (PL19TUN) integrated pipeline project in Anderson County, Texas is advancing by Traylor-Sundt Construction Joint Venture. Including a variety of construction methods for the new waterline, such as 9.23 km (30,292 linear feet) of open-cut construction, 3.34 km (10,944 linear feet) of tunnel by TBM EPB, 526.39 m (1,727 linear feet) of micro-tunnel and 58.22 m (191 linear feet) of tunnel by jack and bore, this project is stretched over 64.37 km (40 miles).
Being operated by full staffed, this project is currently ramping up daily and the team has commenced placing pipe in the open cut section.
The location of entrance of the 12.5-foot external diameter Herrenknecht EPB TBM on site is at the Cedar Creek launch portal where it is due to be commissioned in six to eight weeks. The TBM EPB will drive two tunnels for a total of 3.34 km (10,944 linear feet) with a maximum 4 bar operating pressure through mudstone, clays, and sands.
