Stamford Transmission Line Upgrade
A Case Study in Infrastructure Renewal
1. Problem Statement: aging infrastructure
The City of Stamford faced a familiar yet critical challenge: aging infrastructure that could no longer meet the needs of a growing community. The city’s original raw water transmission pipeline, built decades ago, had long exceeded its intended service life. The system was plagued by frequent breakdowns, costly emergency repairs, and was rapidly approaching functional obsolescence. Even more concerning, the aging pipe network threatened the quality of Stamford’s water supply, with older materials posing contamination risks and the potential for compliance excursions.
City officials and stakeholders from Stamford’s municipal utility department were united in their concern. Their mandate was clear—modernize the infrastructure to ensure water reliability, improve quality, and accommodate future growth. With this imperative in mind, the city selected MH Civil Constructors, Inc. to lead the construction efforts. Known for their leadership, integrity, and technical precision, MH Civil was tasked with not only replacing a vast length of pipe but also restoring confidence in Stamford’s raw water system.
2. Solutions
After a thorough assessment of the system's deficiencies, a comprehensive plan was developed. At the core of the solution was the complete replacement of the aging transmission line with modern, high-performance materials. MH Civil implemented a phased installation of fusible PVC pipe—selected for its durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation in difficult terrain.
The scope of work was expansive. Over 55,300 linear feet of 14-inch DR-25 Fusible PVC was installed, alongside 21,764 feet of DR-21 and 2,615 feet of DR-18 variants. Each grade was strategically chosen to match soil conditions and pressure requirements. To stabilize the newly installed lines, flowable concrete backfill was applied, and new valves, flushing systems, and connections were integrated to enhance operability and maintenance access.
Yet the project wasn't only about new pipe. MH Civil also conducted critical leak repairs on existing 18-inch concrete steel cylinder pipes, extending their life and preventing interim losses during the transition. Safety was prioritized throughout. With trenching and excavation posing daily risks, the team implemented detailed safety plans and environmental protections to safeguard both workers and surrounding communities.
3. Results
The results were immediate. Stamford’s raw water capacity increased substantially, meeting current demands with room to accommodate projected growth. The new fusible PVC system provided a resilient backbone, significantly reducing the risk of future breakdowns and virtually eliminating emergency maintenance calls.
Most notably, water quality improved to meet and exceed both state and federal standards—thanks to the elimination of legacy materials and the incorporation of modern engineering controls. System reliability soared, and residents experienced uninterrupted service even during testing periods and tie-ins.
The project also earned high praise. In a letter of recommendation, the engineers Enprotec / Hibbs & Todd, Inc. commended MH Civil Constructors for their “proactive problem-solving and efficient construction techniques.” They highlighted the contractor’s ability to exceed expectations and deliver a complex project under demanding conditions with exceptional professionalism.
The Stamford Transmission Line project underscored the value of collaborative planning and choosing the right materials for long-term resilience. It also reinforced the importance of trench safety and operational flexibility during large-scale pipeline replacements. Perhaps most importantly, it proved that with the right team and approach, even a city facing infrastructure failure can transform its systems into a model of modern utility management.