Underground Utility Contractor in Ann Arbor, MI

Ann Arbor is the largest city in Washtenaw County, with an estimated 122,925 residents (2024 Census estimate) on about 28 square miles of land.

Research buildings and sensitive sites

Buildings that house laboratories, data equipment or medical services tend to be cautious about underground work nearby, and for good reason. An interrupted water supply, an unplanned power cut or vibration close to sensitive equipment can matter far more there than at an ordinary building.

Work near such buildings usually involves:

• reviewing the facility's own drawings and procedures before any excavation, since many of its lines are private;
• exposing existing utilities with hydro excavation, which avoids striking lines and reduces vibration compared with mechanical digging;
• scheduling shutoffs and tie-ins with the facility's operators;
• using directional drilling for crossings beneath roads, walks or service yards that must stay in use;
• keeping excavations short-lived and protected.

The underground work itself, whether a new water service, a sanitary or storm connection, or conduit for a power feed, follows the usual sequence once those arrangements are agreed.

In residential neighborhoods the same principles apply on a smaller scale. In Ann Arbor, we work for institutions, businesses, developers, homeowners and public owners.

MISS DIG 811

Before excavation in Michigan, a locate request goes to MISS DIG 811 under Public Act 174 of 2013. Michigan law (MCL 460.725) requires at least 72 hours of notice, or three business days, and no more than 14 calendar days, and a ticket is valid for 21 days (180 days for long projects). Private lines on large sites may not be marked by that process.

Ann Arbor and nearby communities

Barton Hills, Ypsilanti, Saline, Dexter, South Lyon and Milan are near Ann Arbor. We serve those places as well.

For an institutional site, include the facility contact and the drawings for the area of work; for a home, the address, the line and a short description. We reply with questions and a proposed approach.