Partnering for Progress: A Look at the Minnesota Twin Cities Southwest LRT Expansion Project
At Hydrauli-Flex, we take immense pride in our role as a key supplier for some of the most critical infrastructure projects across the country. One such project is the Minnesota Twin Cities Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) Expansion, a transformative endeavor that promises to connect communities and stimulate economic growth in the region.
In November 2018, the Lunda/McCrossan joint venture was awarded the contract for this ambitious project, with expectations to generate 7,500 construction jobs and infuse $350 million in payroll into the state's economy. This is not just a construction project; it’s a lifeline that connects Minneapolis to St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Edina, and Eden Prairie.
The Backbone of Construction: Pile Driving
A significant component of the SWLRT project involves extensive pile driving activities. These piles provide vital support for bridges, tracks, and other structures. The scale of this operation is astonishing—if you were to lay all the piles being used end to end, they would stretch from the Twin Cities to Duluth, MN!
As the project progresses, our partner ICE® has been instrumental in supplying various pile driving equipment tailored to meet the specific challenges of the construction site. Since June 2019, Lunda/McCrossan has utilized ICE® equipment, including the innovative ICE® 18ZR Zero Resonance Pile Driver. This technology is particularly valuable in urban areas, allowing for minimal disturbance to sensitive structures nearby.
Innovative Solutions for Challenging Conditions
Hydrauli-Flex is excited to see our hydraulic hoses play a pivotal role in the operation of ICE®'s equipment, ensuring optimal performance under the pressures of demanding work. For instance, the ICE® 50B Vibratory Pile Hammers, with their full set of bias weights, and the ICE® 28D Vibratory Pile Hammer have been deployed extensively in various conditions. Additionally, the rental of ICE® Hydraulic Impact Pile Hammers, including the IP-3 and IP-5 models, showcases our commitment to providing solutions even in the most challenging environments where diesel hammers cannot be used.
The collaboration between Lunda/McCrossan and ICE® reflects the essence of what we value at Hydrauli-Flex: innovation, efficiency, and partnership. By working together, we can tackle the complex demands of large-scale projects and contribute to sustainable infrastructure.
Join Us in Building the Future
As we continue to support transformative projects like the SWLRT expansion, we invite other companies and organizations to explore partnership opportunities with Hydrauli-Flex. Together, we can make a significant impact on our communities and economies.
If you’re interested in learning more about how our hydraulic hoses can elevate your operations or if you’re looking to collaborate on future projects, contact us today. Let’s build the future together!
