capital improvement project design
capital improvement project design

Customer

PEC

Location

Texas

Highlights

  • Overhead distribution line staked in tandem with road widening construction
  • Navigated tight clearances with adjacent utilities
  • Overcame compacted terrain with creative fieldwork techniques

Coordinated Utility Staking for Capital Improvement Project Execution

The Challenge

PEC required utility staking support as part of a capital improvement project involving overhead electric distribution. The effort had to be closely aligned with an ongoing road widening initiative managed by external coordinators. Working space was limited due to the proximity of other existing utilities, and the ground conditions presented a notable difficulty; compacted dirt and construction debris made staking difficult. Coordination and precision were essential to avoid conflicts and ensure compliance with spacing standards. 

Root Cause Analysis 

  • Multi-Utility Congestion: Numerous utilities operating in a shared corridor increased complexity. 
  • Terrain Obstruction: Hard-packed soil and construction activity impacted staking operations. 
  • Design Dependency: Staking needed to match CAD-based design layouts aligned with roadway improvements. 

The Solution

Integrated Field Coordination 

The team staked the proposed power line in coordination with AutoCAD references supplied by the utility coordinators, ensuring alignment with the revised road design and location of other underground and overhead utilities. 

On-Site Problem Solving 

Where ground resistance made driving stakes difficult, the crew employed a railroad spike to break up the compacted soil; an efficient, field-based solution that enabled timely progress without compromising accuracy. 

Utility Awareness & Design Precision 

The team’s attention to detail ensured the new pole locations avoided conflict zones while maintaining optimal clearances required by PEC and local regulations. 

Key Benefits

  • Design Accuracy: Staking was executed exactly per project requirements. 
  • Time Savings: Field adaptability avoided delays stemming from external factors. 
  • Client Confidence: PEC benefited from consistent communication and reliable execution in a constrained environment. 
  • Safety & Coordination: Clearly defined boundaries helped prevent interference during and after construction. 

The Results

Despite challenging site conditions and utility congestion, the project’s overhead line staking was completed precisely and safely. The solution helped ensure that PEC’s capital improvement initiative progressed without unnecessary rework or project disruptions. 

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