Diamond D, based upon our performance of successfully navigating through “the impossible,” was awarded this extremely challenging project. This project consisted of constructing a .9-mile access road in order to provide access for line construction crews to replace 8 ea. 115 kV transmission structures. The terrain proved to be remarkably challenging with the road alignment consisting of over 900 vertical feet of elevation change with an average slope of 18.4 degrees and a maximum slope of 54.3 degrees.
Preservation of wetland areas are of the utmost importance, especially when involved in our project work. To construct the access road, 8 permanent stream crossings were required to be installed in wetland areas at the bottom of ravines. These stream crossings consisted of multiple large diameter corrugate metal pipe (CMP) culverts, with many requiring more than 20 vertical feet of cover material. While installing road and cover material, our team made certain all work was done to prevent slopes from eroding and contaminating wetland areas with silt. Slopes construction incorporated multiple SWPPP features, including silt fence, straw wattle, hay bales, water bars, hydro-seeding, check dams and rip-rap slope protection. Slopes were continuously maintained until vegetation was sufficiently established to prevent wetland damage.
