Iowa Trenchless recently completed a challenging 365-foot downhill tunnel installation at Denver International Airport (DIA)—a first-of-its-kind execution in the company’s history. The project supports improved taxiway connections and deicing operations at one of the nation’s busiest airports.
Working in highly variable conditions, the team used:
- 48” reinforced concrete pipe (RCP)
- Akkerman 480 TBM
- A 5000 jacking unit
- A downhill grade of 0.5%, launched from a shaft sloped 20 feet and received in a 45-foot-deep shaft
Within the first 40 feet, the crew encountered unexpectedly large and dense rock formations covering nearly 75% of the TBM face. Vibrations carried through the full tunnel length, requiring close coordination and continuous monitoring.
Foreman Lance Atkinson, Superintendent Brandon Derry, and their crew—Noah Ramsey, Steve Bell, Avere Doles, Daniel Jensen, Gavin Felder, and Ryan Sanderville—used wireless Sonetics Apex V2 headsets for real-time communication, supplemented by micro-blasters to safely break rock where needed.
Despite persistent rock conditions, the crew completed the installation between May 8 and June 8, 2024, successfully hitting the receiving window with precision. The project underscores Iowa Trenchless’ capability to adapt, innovate, and execute complex tunnels in demanding environments.
