Southern Access Pipeline, Stage II - Several Crossings in Illinois and Wisconsin
Mears completed several crossings in Illinois and Wisconsin installing three 20-inch diameter steel pipelines and three 42-inch diameter steel pipelines.
The 20-inch HDD crossings are part of the Enbridge Southern Lights project which transports diluents through approximately 674 miles of pipeline from Manhattan, Illinois to Clearbrook, Minnesota. The 42-inch HDD crossings are part of the Enbridge Southern Access Expansion project which transports crude oil through approximately 454 miles of pipeline from Superior, Wisconsin to Flanagan, Illinois.
During the Turtle Creek and Illinois River crossings, Mears used 24-inch and 30-inch tandem hole openers to create the 30-inch diameter hole opening for the installation of the 20-inch diameter pipe.
Freezing temperatures during December 2008 (creating wind chill as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit) were a factor during this project. This forced Mears to set strict precautions on equipment and crews during the installations.
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