Situation:
Veolia Energy North America operates and maintains the largest steam infrastructure in the cities of Boston and Cambridge, delivering 2.8 million pounds of hot water to over 250 customers. To keep these district energy networks operating at peak performance and efficiency, Veolia has partnered with BOND through the years to make significant upgrades at key locations. One of these projects was Veolia’s Steam Manhole Reconstruction project. BOND was engaged to deliver an urban excavation effort to restore two live Veolia manholes and rebuild steam anchors and surrounding streetscape.
Challenges:
- Site located in Boston’s busy South End, at Harold and Tremont Streets, leading to strict public safety requirements
- Work completed in live manholes while keeping existing city utilities operable
- Fast-track, three-month schedule to minimize disruption
Solutions:
- Collaboration with the City of Boston to determine and isolate public work zones and schedule extended shifts
- Careful planning and teamwork to support existing walls with timber sheets during manhole demolition
- Installation of temporary protection to protect adjacent live steam systems
- Coordination with City to meet requirements for gravel and asphalt placement and manhole castings
- Utilization of strong City relationships to expedite schedule and deliver cost savings
Results:
- Project completed on time within an aggressive schedule
- New manholes delivered as part of a larger Green Steam initiative that will reduce Boston’s greenhouse emissions by 25% by the year 2020