Bronson Watermain Microtunnelling Project
Marathon Underground completed a complex microtunnelling watermain installation beneath Bronson Avenue and Highway 417 in Ottawa with minimal surface disruption and efficient trenchless construction.
Trenchless
Canada-Wide Solutions
Marathon Underground specializes in advanced trenchless construction methods for complex underground infrastructure projects. Our capabilities include shafts and tunnels, microtunnelling, horizontal directional drilling, pipe jacking, auger boring, pipe ramming, raise boring, and trenchless pipeline rehabilitation.
From pipelines to large-diameter utility tunnels, we deliver reliable trenchless solutions that minimize surface disruption while maintaining precision, safety, and efficiency across a wide range of ground conditions.
Our Trenchless Capabilities
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is ideal for long underground crossings where a curved drilling path is required. This method allows installations beneath rivers, highways, railways, and environmentally sensitive areas while keeping drilling operations above ground.
The process begins with a small pilot hole drilled along a carefully designed alignment. The pilot hole is then enlarged using a reaming tool before the final product pipe is pulled into place.
Common Applications
- Water and sewer pipelines
- Oil and gas pipelines
- Electrical and telecommunications conduits
- Crossings beneath highways, railways, and rivers
- Installations in environmentally sensitive areas
Microtunnelling
Microtunnelling is a highly precise trenchless method used when strict line and grade tolerances are required. The system uses a Microtunnel Boring Machine (MTBM) that is remotely operated from the surface and guided by a laser alignment system.
The MTBM is pushed forward from a launching shaft using a hydraulic jacking system. Excavated material is transported to the surface through a slurry system where it is separated and removed. This closed-loop system provides exceptional accuracy and control.
Common Applications
- Gravity sewer installations
- Municipal water infrastructure
- Utility installations in congested urban environments
- Installations requiring strict grade control
- Crossings beneath existing utilities and structures
Horizontal Earth & Rock Auger Boring
Auger boring is one of the most widely used trenchless methods for installing steel casing beneath obstacles such as roads and railways.
The process uses a jacking system that pushes steel casing through the ground while a rotating auger removes excavated soil and rock back to the launch shaft. This method provides efficient installation for straight-line crossings.
Common Applications
- Road and railway crossings
- Stormwater and sewer installations
- Water and gas pipelines
- Utility conduits beneath transportation corridors
Pipe Ramming
Pipe ramming installs steel casing by driving it through the ground using a pneumatic percussion hammer attached to the pipe. The hammer generates powerful impacts that advance the pipe without rotating the surrounding soil.
This technique is especially effective where ground stability and settlement control are critical, such as beneath railway infrastructure.
Common Applications
- Railway crossings
- Highway and roadway crossings
- Installation in unstable or loose ground conditions
- Short to medium-length utility crossings
Pipe Jacking
Pipe jacking is a trenchless method that uses hydraulic jacks to push pipe segments from a launching shaft to a receiving shaft. The product pipe is installed directly as the tunnel progresses.
This method is commonly used for installing large-diameter pipelines and utility tunnels with precise alignment control.
Pipe jacking can also be used for pipe swallowing, where a larger pipe is installed over an existing smaller pipe.
Common Applications
- Large-diameter sewer installations
- Water transmission mains
- Utility tunnels
- Stormwater infrastructure
Raise Boring
Raise boring is a vertical or inclined drilling method used to construct shafts between two levels of an underground excavation. The process begins with a small pilot hole drilled from the surface or upper level to a lower chamber or tunnel. Once the pilot hole reaches the lower level, a large reaming head is attached and pulled upward, enlarging the hole to the required diameter.
This method provides a safe and controlled way to construct vertical shafts without the need for personnel working in unsupported excavation. Raise boring is commonly used in mining, hydroelectric, and underground infrastructure projects where ventilation shafts, access shafts, or ore passes are required.
Common Applications
- Ventilation shafts for underground facilities
- Mine access and ore pass construction
- Hydroelectric and energy infrastructure shafts
- Vertical utility and service shafts
- Underground access connections between levels
Pipe Bursting
Pipe bursting is a trenchless rehabilitation method used to replace existing underground pipelines by fracturing the old pipe while simultaneously installing a new pipe in the same alignment. A bursting head is pulled through the existing pipe, breaking the old material outward into the surrounding soil while a replacement pipe is pulled into place behind the tool.
This method allows aging or undersized pipelines to be replaced with minimal surface disruption. Pipe bursting is particularly useful in urban environments where excavation would impact roads, sidewalks, or nearby utilities.
Common Applications
- Replacement of deteriorated water mains
- Sewer pipeline rehabilitation
- Upgrading undersized utility pipelines
- Municipal infrastructure renewal projects
- Pipeline replacement in developed urban areas
Guided Auger Boring
Guided auger boring is a trenchless installation method designed for projects that require accurate line and grade control over short to medium distances. A guided pilot tube system is first installed from the launch shaft to the receiving shaft using an optical guidance system to maintain precise alignment.
Once the pilot tubes are in place, the bore is enlarged and steel casing or product pipe is installed using an auger boring machine. This approach combines the accuracy of microtunnelling with the efficiency of auger boring for smaller diameter installations.
Common Applications
- Gravity sewer installations requiring precise grade
- Municipal water and utility crossings
- Utility installations beneath roads and railways
- Short to medium-length pipeline installations
- Projects requiring accurate line and grade control
Conventional Tunneling
Conventional tunneling involves excavating underground passageways using controlled drilling, blasting, mechanical excavation, and ground support systems. Excavation typically progresses in stages, allowing crews to stabilize the tunnel with rock bolts, shotcrete, steel sets, or other support systems as work advances.
This method is used when large underground openings are required or when ground conditions make mechanized tunneling impractical. Conventional tunneling allows engineers to adapt excavation techniques and support systems to varying geological conditions encountered during construction.
Common Applications
- Large utility tunnels
- Hydroelectric and energy infrastructure tunnels
- Transportation and access tunnels
- Rock tunnels for water conveyance systems
- Underground infrastructure in complex geological conditions
Featured Trenchless Projects
Real-World Results. Proven Trenchless Performance.
From remote regions to dense urban corridors, Marathon Underground has successfully completed trenchless installations across Canada. Each project reflects our commitment to innovation, precision, and minimizing surface disruption — no matter the environment. Explore a selection of projects that demonstrate how we bring complex underground utility work to life with efficiency and confidence.
Combined Sewage Storage Tunnel Shoring Project
Marathon Underground delivered complex shoring, secant shafts, microtunnelling, and underground stabilization for Ottawa’s Combined Sewage Storage Tunnel project.
Pipeline Construction Projects
Marathon Underground delivers trenchless pipeline construction projects across Canada using auger boring, pipe ramming, slip boring, and pipe jacking methods.
Shawinigan Horizontal Directional Drilling Project
Marathon Underground completed a 1 km horizontal directional drilling installation beneath the St. Maurice River for Shawinigan’s municipal water infrastructure expansion.
Trusted Across Canada
With a track record of successful trenchless installations in urban centres, rural communities, and remote sites, Marathon Underground brings the experience, equipment, and expertise needed to execute complex projects safely and efficiently.
why choose marathon underground?
National Reach & Local Knowledge
Our teams operate across Canada with regional insight and familiarity with local conditions, permitting, and regulations.
Turnkey Execution
We handle everything from design consultation and geotechnical review to drilling, installation, and documentation.
Safety-Driven Culture
COR-certified, fully insured, and committed to the highest safety standards in the industry.
Environmentally Responsible
Trenchless methods reduce surface disruption and environmental impact compared to traditional excavation.
contact us and Let’s Talk Trenchless
Marathon Underground Constructors Corporation has been a trusted leader in industrial drilling services for over four decades.
Known for our expertise and reliability, we’ve built a reputation across the industry as the go-to contractor for complex, large-scale underground infrastructure projects.
Contact Us