Crossings
Drilling under roads
Utility installation under traffic infrastructure — less impact on pavement and traffic.
Opening a road for a crossing is costly and disruptive. HDD pulls pipe or conduit under the obstacle with limited surface works at launch and reception pits.
When to use HDD
- Crossings under roads or streets
- Railway crossings (subject to permits)
- When traffic disruption must be reduced
- When full pavement reinstatement would be disproportionate
How we plan a crossing
Priority: safe path, pit access and permit requirements.
Route and obstacle review
Launch and reception pit locations
Pilot bore under the obstacle
Reaming and pull-back
Handover for further network works
What we need from you
- Approximate location / address
- Start and end points (map or sketch)
- Desired pipe / conduit diameter
- Approximate route length
- Known obstacles (road, rail, rivers, existing utilities)
- Contact person and phone / email
Technical limits
- Practical limits up to about 700 mm diameter, 25 m depth and 450 m per bore — depending on ground and geometry.
- Actual capability depends on soil, pipe material, diameter, access and permits.
- Every job is assessed individually — there is no one identical process for every site.
Equipment
FAQ
Can you always avoid opening the road?
Surface works at launch/reception pits are usually required. The goal is to avoid digging the full trench across the road.
Are permits required?
Often yes — depending on the road owner, railway or municipality. We help assess what is needed.
How long can a crossing be?
Practically up to about 450 m per bore; longer routes in stages. Limits depend on soil and diameter.
What should I send for a quote?
Mark start and end on the map, diameter, known obstacles and contacts.