Fairlee, Vermont, is home to Lake Morey, which boasts the longest ice-skating trail in the United States. This picturesque town, nestled between the Connecticut River and the Green Mountains, thrives on its natural beauty and close-knit community. Recently, the experts at Engineers Construction, Inc. (ECI) have been tasked with a rail culvert replacement project that will enhance the safety and efficiency of rail transportation, benefiting residents and businesses alike, by improving connectivity and supporting economic growth while also reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable transportation options. 

This project involves replacing an outdated culvert and stone box with a more modern, durable, and efficient system to ensure rail operations' safety and reliability. Given ECI's expertise in heavy civil construction, the project benefits from their innovative approaches and use of advanced equipment, such as the rented ICE® 33 Vibratory Hammer and ICE ® Dampener from International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®), known for their reliability and efficiency in excavation systems. The ongoing rail culvert replacement in Fairlee, Vermont, exemplifies the precision and dedication required to improve critical infrastructure. 

One of the main challenges of this task was that the support of the excavation (SOE) system was only able to be installed either before or during a strict 96-hour rail closure, leaving no room for error. With only one access road to the site, planning and logistics demanded extraordinary precision and diverting water into a new pipe while reconstructing the culvert in dry conditions required innovative strategies. It is worth highlighting this exceptional effort of the ECI team, whose expertise and meticulous planning turned this complex project into a success. Their ability to adapt to site constraints and execute under pressure underscores their professionalism and commitment to quality work.

At the core of the operation are the ICE® 33, its dampener, and the high-quality hydraulic hoses connecting the system. These hoses play a vital role in maintaining consistent performance by transmitting hydraulic power efficiently and ensuring smooth operation throughout the project. Their reliability is especially crucial under the demanding conditions of this job, where any delay could have a cascading impact on the tight schedule. 

The ICE® 33 was chosen specifically for its compatibility with ECI's crane and the specific requirements of driving the PZ-18x30ft sheets and HP-14x112 piles required for this update. Paired with its robust hydraulic support system, the ICE® 33 vibratory driver/extractor has proven to be a workhorse in challenging conditions. With its dependable performance, it played a key role in meeting these challenges head-on. Its efficiency and reliability minimized downtime, keeping the project on track and ensuring both time and cost savings.

This ambitious project exemplifies how innovative tools and strategic planning enable infrastructure improvements that will benefit communities for generations to come. By leveraging advanced equipment like the ICE® 33 hammer and overcoming logistical hurdles, the ECI Rail Culvert Replacement sets a benchmark for efficiency and precision in rail engineering. 

ICE® takes pride in supporting transformative infrastructure initiatives with innovative tools and technology like this one with Engineers Construction. Amazing work, ECI! Your entire team should be applauded. International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®) is honored to have contributed to this vital project by providing equipment that delivered unmatched performance. 

Learn more about the ICE® 33 and our line of ICE® Dampening Solutions

Media Contact-      
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA      
Vice President
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc   
The Hose Company  
Office - 704-821-8200      
Email - marketing@iceusa.com  /info@hydraulichose.com