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To deal with rapid population growth in the Tampa Bay region, a contractor based in Kansas City, Missouri, plans to use an unconventional construction approach for the first time on an American project.
Garney, a national water and wastewater contractor, broke ground in December on the South Hillsborough Pipeline, a 26-mile drinking water pipeline along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The $505.7 million investment is the largest project in Tampa Bay Water’s history, according to a Dec. 19 company press release shared with Construction Dive.
“We’re building a more resilient drinking water system that keeps pace with the region’s rapid growth and supports reliable service,” said Sam Flowers, area manager of Garney’s East Pipe Division. “Innovative tunneling technology, experienced field crews and 24/7 coordination come together to deliver critical infrastructure.”
More companies are watching opportunities in the construction of water-related infrastructures. For example, AECOM CEO Troy Rudd said during the Call for results of the company’s fourth fiscal quarter“there is no doubt that over the coming decades, there needs to be significant continued investment in traditional infrastructure, be it water or transport.” He also pointed to the data center boom as a major tailwind to support demand for water infrastructure.
And not only AECOM sees this increase in jobs related to water. Jacobs CEO Bob Pragada said his water sector “remains a strong sector for us globally… 50% more”.
First construction approach
The South Hillsborough Pipeline project, divided into two work segments, will eventually connect to three water facilities. Garney, signed on as construction manager at risk, will oversee the two segments of the project, called Segment A and Segment B.
Segment A includes the installation of more than 89,000 linear feet of 42-inch, 54-inch and 60-inch mortar-lined steel pipe water pipes, along with extensive horizontal directional drilling and microtunneling, according to the release. In this segment of the project, Garney plans to install a 2,300-foot curved microtunnel using a steel pipe pressure connection system.
The advanced hinge system allows the tunnel to follow a designed curve while maintaining the structural integrity and precision needed to protect surrounding utilities and infrastructure, according to the release. This will be a first for a project in North America, the company added.
Garney will perform all of the work on Segment A itself, while Segment B will rely on subcontractor support.
According to the release, Segment B will carry the finished water further south to connect with the future drinking water facility in southern Hillsborough County near the Balm area. The work will ultimately expand the reach of Tampa Bay Water’s regional distribution system.
JDS, a utility subcontractor based in Lawrenceville, Georgia, will install 38,000 feet of 60-inch mortar-lined water pipe as part of this segment.
Once completed, the water pipeline will have a capacity of 65 million gallons per day. Garney expects to bring the pipeline into service by the end of 2028, with the final project completed in the first half of 2029, according to the statement.
