Precision Beneath the Surface: ECI Presents at the Midwest Chapter of NASTT 2025 Conference
Elevating Trenchless Practice with Real-World Casework
ECI CEO & Co-Founder Shane McFadden, P.E. and ECI Project Manager, Austin Voss, E.I.T., presented at the Midwest Chapter of the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) one-day conference in Milwaukee, WI on September 18, 2025, spotlighting ECI’s tunneling projects that push the limits of precision and innovation.
Project Highlights from the Session
Old Mill Road Lift Station & Forcemain (Dubuque, IA)
ECI tunneled beneath an active railroad using Microtunneling Boring Machine (MTBM) procedures, which include precision laser guidance, custom jacking frames and shaft seals, slurry separation systems, and bentonite lubrication—demonstrating tight-tolerance trenchless construction in constrained conditions.
10th Avenue Water Main Crossing (MTBM under the Mississippi River)
This project employed ground freezing paired with robotic shotcreting to create a working shaft and an earth pressure balance Microtunneling Boring Machine (MTBM) to tunnel beneath the Mississippi River. The combination of ground freezing and microtunneling enabled a safe launch and reception, effectively managing groundwater and maintaining precise line and grade under this major waterway.
Lake Elmo West Connection (MCES) – MTBM Under & Along I-94
This urban corridor project utilized custom shaft designs, microtunneling, and slip-lining to install approximately 2,400 feet of pipeline beneath and along Interstate 94—one of Minnesota’s busiest highways. The alignment remained below the water table for the entire installation, requiring precision planning and execution to maintain line and grade while minimizing surface disruption throughout the corridor.
East Range Raw Water Intake – Lake Tap & Wet Retrieval
This project involved the construction of a new raw water intake using sunken caisson procedures to build the concrete intake structure, followed by a 44-inch microtunnel lake tap and underwater wet retrieval. The work served as a showcase of engineering, planning, tooling, and field execution in a complex hydraulic environment.
Why It Matters
Microtunneling allows owners expand and rehabilitate critical infrastructure without major surface disruption—crucial beneath rivers, railroads, and highways. The projects that Shane and Austin highlighted show how ECI pairs engineering rigor with field innovation to deliver accurate alignments, manage groundwater pressures, and extend asset life with minimal community impact.
About the Event
The Midwest Regional Chapter of the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) hosts an annual Trenchless Technology Seminar—a one-day conference focused on trenchless best practices. The event brings together engineers, owners, and contractors for technical presentations, exhibits, and networking opportunities.
About ECI
ECI is a premier engineering and construction firm specializing in geotechnical construction, water resources infrastructure, hydro/marine construction, specialty construction, and tunnels & shafts. For 25 years, we’ve delivered high-quality, sustainable solutions tailored to our clients’ unique needs. Learn more about our Leadership Team and our Mission, Vision & Values in the About section.