Fiber Optic System
by George Bradshaw

The telecommunications industry continues their emphasis on soliciting clients to utilize their existing fiber optic system. In many cases, additional conduits and manholes must be installed connecting the backbone to the new client's building.

Underground Construction recently constructed a primary and diverse route for one of our telecommunication clients in Brisbane, California. The route traversed through residential and commercial neighborhoods and was approximately three miles in length. We used a Vermeer OCC 135 Rockwheel to excavate through the asphalt down to a depth of thirty inches followed by a Ditch Witch 8020 trencher to obtain the additional twelve inches of trench depth required.

The work time restrictions, changing ground conditions and weather challenged our crews to maintain production and their schedule. The crews were only allowed to work between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., reducing our productive time by 11/2 hour each day. Ground conditions ranged from earth to solid rock slowing our productions and requiring the use of a backhoe with breaker to obtain the necessary depth. In addition, April was one of the wettest in history.

George Castro and Jeff Smith have been busy directing our field operations, while balancing the needs of our client with those of the City.