In the wake of Hurricane Sandy's devastation, Bridgeport, Connecticut has become a focal point for climate resilience efforts. The Singer Substation flood wall project is a cornerstone of United Illuminating's broader initiative to safeguard critical infrastructure from future storm surges and rising sea levels. United Illuminating (UI), a subsidiary of Avangrid, owns and operates the substation, which is located in a coastal floodplain and serves as a main transmission hub for the region's power grid. Its protection isn't just a local concern; it's a regional imperative. With a 16' (ft) combi-wall designed to withstand a 100-year flood event plus 3' (ft) of freeboard, a safety margin added above the predicted flood level to account for wave action and future uncertainties, this $47 million undertaking is a powerful step toward securing energy reliability by 2027 for tens of thousands of customers. 

When it came time to choose a contractor for this high-stakes task, Blakeslee Arpaia Chapman (BAC) was the clear choice. With roots dating back to 1844, BAC brings nearly two centuries of experience in marine construction, utility infrastructure, and pile driving. Their resume includes landmark projects like the Stevenson Dam, the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge, and Pfizer's Global Research Center; each a testament to their ability to tackle complex civil engineering challenges, as well as their deep understanding of coastal construction and flood mitigation. 

To bring this flood wall to life, BAC turned to industry-leading equipment from International Construction Equipment (ICE®). The wall's combi-wall design features 57 king piles; H-piles driven into bedrock to provide deep foundational support, interlocked with steel sheet piles to form a continuous, watertight barrier. Known for its zero-resonance technology, an ICE® 22VM vibratory hammer is currently driving 75' (ft) sheet piles into the ground with surgical precision, minimizing impact on surrounding structures and ensuring a watertight seal. Soon, an ICE® 44VM will join the effort, offering greater driving force for deeper or more resistant soil conditions. Central to the success of both units is Hydrauli-Flex™ hose, a critical component that ensures reliable hydraulic performance under demanding conditions. Once completed, the wall will be topped with a concrete cap for structural integrity and aesthetics and then sealed with storm gates and a security fence to complete the system. Together, these tools are helping BAC construct a combi-wall system that combines king piles and sheet piles into a formidable flood barrier. 

ICE® is elated to support BAC in this essential project, and we extend our deepest gratitude to their team for their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to excellence. The community of Bridgeport, along with United Illuminating and Avangrid, can rest easier knowing that such capable hands are at work protecting key infrastructure and paving the way for a safer, more resilient future. 

Learn more about the ICE® 22VM and ICE® 44VM

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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