~ 2,000 linear feet of 102-inch prefabricated pressed steel liner plates
  ~ 3,000 cubic yards of lightweight cellular grout
  ~ 100-pound liner plates
  ~ 1,000 foot long sections of pre-welded utility pipe

The tunnel runs beneath a runway and two taxiways of the airport and carries high-temperature hot water, cooling water, telecommunications and conduit for 13.2 kVa electrical distribution.

The project came about as a result of an analysis of the best way to bring power and mechanical services to the new terminal. Rather than building a new energy plant 1,050 feet from the terminal, TC&M, Program Manager for the New Indianapolis Airport Project, determined that running utilities from the existing central energy plant, 2,016 feet under an active runway and taxiways, using an earth pressure drilling machine, was the best solution and cost less.

Richard Potosnak, President of TC&M states, “There were many individuals that had concerns about the ability to bore such a long distance under an active airfield. However, in the end, the technology, equipment and professional organization of the effort was successful with no impact.”

Careful planning, coordination and teamwork were keys to the success of this complex project.

Click here to read an article about the tunnel, which details the process and challenges the team overcame to achieve its successful completion:
http://www.trenchlessonline.com