Deep in the Rocky Mountains, the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel is a crucial transportation corridor connecting Denver and western Colorado. As one of the highest vehicular tunnels in the world--sitting at an elevation of 11,158 feet--it serves as a key passageway through the Continental Divide, allowing commuters, freight, and tourism traffic to flow efficiently between Colorado's urban centers and ski resorts. Given its importance in maintaining year-round accessibility through the rugged terrain, upgrading and reinforcing the tunnel infrastructure is essential for long-term durability and safety.  

The Eisenhower Tunnel project stands as a critical infrastructure improvement effort, ensuring transportation efficiency and stability in this high-altitude, high-traffic environment. To tackle the unique challenges of tunneling operations, Engineering and Construction Innovations, Inc (ECI) has deployed specialized equipment, including a customized Comacchio MC2D drill rig purchased from International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®).  

For this project, the experts at ECI selected the Comacchio MC2D, a compact and highly versatile hydraulic drill rig designed specifically for limited-access projects. Its modular construction allows it to be mounted on a variety of supports, including scaffolds and crawlers, making it the perfect choice for specialized tunneling applications. On this project, the MC2D is being used for high-speed rotary coring and rock drilling--a necessity given the extensive requirements of the tunnel infrastructure.  

One of the greatest challenges to this project involves access and weight limitations, with more than 20,000 linear feet of concrete coring and rock drilling required. Traditionally, this type of work relied on manually operated hydraulic core drills, stopper drills, and jack leg drills, demanding intense physical labor. Recognizing the need for a more efficient and less labor-intensive solution, ECI implemented an innovative approach. By constructing a temporary access platform, they were able to support lightweight, self-propelled drills like the Comacchio MC2D, dramatically improving efficiency and safety.  

As the Eisenhower Tunnel project progresses, precision drilling for cementitious grout placement is playing a significant role in extending tunnel longevity. Navigating restricted access zones and existing infrastructure interferences, the MC2D drill rig has proven instrumental in streamlining operations. By eliminating the need for extensive scaffolding and manual drilling, the MC2D offers a faster, more dependable solution for complex rock and concrete drilling.  

To support the demanding hydraulic requirements of the MC2D drill rig in such a constrained and high-pressure environment, ECI wisely integrated a Hydrauli-Flex™ hose line system into the setup. Known for its durability and flexibility, the Hydrauli-Flex™ hose line ensures consistent hydraulic fluid delivery even under extreme pressure and temperature fluctuations. Its compact design and high-burst strength make it ideal for confined tunneling spaces, where reliability and maneuverability are paramount. This integration not only enhances the performance of the drill rig but also minimizes downtime due to hose fatigue or failure, critical in a project where every hour of operation counts.

Currently the Eisenhower Tunnel project is advancing smoothly, and the contributions of the entire ECI team remain pivotal to the success of this ambitious endeavor. As proud distributors of Comacchio Drill Rigs, ICE® applauds these efforts. Bravo, ECI!   

This ambitious infrastructure enhancement underscores the importance of advanced drilling technology in modern tunnel construction and rehabilitation. With strategic planning, cutting-edge equipment, and expert execution, ECI is raising the bar for efficiency, safety, and performance in mountain infrastructure development. Thanks to the contributions of the ICE® Drilling Sales and Service Team and the reliable Comacchio MC2D, this project is shaping a stronger, more resilient passage through the Continental Divide--ensuring seamless travel for generations to come. 

Learn more about the Comacchio MC-2D and other Limited Access Drill Rigs offered by the ICE® Drilling Sales and Service Team

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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