Southwestern U.S. Based Utility
In today’s highly competitive environment, communications companies often struggle to find qualified contractors with the bandwidth to complete large projects on time. When a client needed help expanding its fiber optic line in the Midwest, Davey Resource Group was ready and able to deliver.
The Challenge
As major communications companies accelerate the buildout of broadband and other high-tech initiatives across the nation, finding qualified contractors available to do the job has become increasingly challenging. In the fourth quarter of 2017, as the client prepared to expand its fiber-optic capabilities to the Midwest, they needed a contractor with the capacity to manage the construction of over 1,000 miles of aerial and underground wireline in Ohio and Indiana over a two-year period.
The project included installing service lines in several sizeable Midwestern cities and spanned to rural areas. The ideal contractor would have the equipment and experience necessary to handle the permitting, coordination and construction challenges inherent to urban wireline construction.
The Solution
When the client reached out to its list of approved contractors, Davey Resource Group (DRG) was ready and able to fulfill its need for wireline construction through 2019. Early in 2018, DRG quickly dispatched construction crews to provide underground wireline installation via trenching and directional drilling. Where appropriate, experienced DRG crews also managed, performed and provided quality control for aerial OSP installation.
In addition to spanning across rural areas of Ohio and Indiana, the fiber optic lines provide service to the Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio; and Indianapolis, Bloomington and South Bend, Indiana metropolitan areas. Some of the challenges encountered in these areas included working around underground utility lines and other obstacles, installing custom product in tight spaces, complex permitting requirements and resistance from municipalities and health maintenance organizations.
Working with multiple municipalities required DRG to become familiar with and fulfill each city’s particular conditions and permitting requirements. Many of the municipalities on the wireline route presented very strict permit requirements for underground and directional drilling. DRG crews coordinated with municipal personnel in each city to ensure proper permitting throughout all phases of the work.
The Results
As of the first quarter of 2019, DRG crews have completed approximately 500 miles of underground and aerial fiber optic line construction each in Ohio and Indiana. To date, all work has been completed without incident, and DRG has garnered praise from several of the municipalities involved for their outstanding coordination, communication and its accident-free performance.
With approximately 500 miles remaining to construct in Indiana, the client has been pleased with the work and has expanded the project scope to continue into Texas as work in Ohio winds down. DRG is confident that all work will be completed as planned by the end of 2019.
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