PROJECT PROFILES San Francisco Days: Giving Power to the People by Andrew McManus   From a power station on Bay Street, a seeming stone's throw away from Alcatraz, to the friendly confines of the Presidio, Underground Construction is well underway with its latest PG&E project, delivering power to the people. This job began in September of 2003 and winds through some of San Francisco's toniest areas, from the greens of Fort Mason to the shopping districts of Chestnut, Fillmore and Union Streets, then to the steps of Lyon Street and into one of America's newest national parks. Underground's charge in this project is to deliver dual 6-inch power lines to a new developmental complex within the park, a complex requesting an independent system from the rest of the PG&E grid. In order to accomplish this feat, Underground crews have already worked in several high traffic areas, directly in front of the Marina Middle School and in the heated Chestnut / Fillmore intersection. We will hit the remainder of Fillmore Street and a Highway 101 crossing at Lombard Street on the way through town. Superintendent George Castro and a dedicated work force have set the tone on this job, digging safely yet swiftly through a current of running sand. Setting some of the larger boxes (with outside dimensions approaching 6 by 10 feet) has proven to be a challenge in the area sidewalks, but a challenge easily matched by careful operators and ready shoring. Congratulations to the entire crew for another job well done! PG&E: The Banks Chapman/Bernal Heights Joint Trench Project by Ben Lyon   The Banks Chapman / Bernal Heights joint trench project is currently underway. PG&E's program to under ground existing utilities is referred to as a "Rule 20" project. This requires placing duct structure and splice boxes under ground in the street and sidewalk areas along the public right-of-way. This contract includes placing duct for SBC, Comcast and PG&E. Approximately 9,000 feet of the joint trench is being placed with electrical, telephone and cable services to approximately 200 houses. In addition, we   are installing new gas mains and services to the same houses. The gas services include running a new line from the gas main to the meter and in some cases installing a new meter. This requires shutting off the gas to the house, installing the service and re-lighting the appliances all in the same day.As with most projects in the city, this job requires patience with the homeowners and the general public, especially working on the narrow and congested streets of San Francisco. The project, under the watchful eyes of Project Manager Ben Lyon, Superintendent Mike Carlton, Foreman Rafael Saavedra and their hard working crew, is progressing safely and on schedule. Back to Top of Page