K&H Construction installed conduit for railroad signal upgrades in Montgomery, MI
Headquarters / Home Office:
K&H Construction, Inc.
592 W Perry Rd
Ligonier, IN 46767
The Project
K&H Construction partnered with Diamondback Signals to support the installation of new and updated railroad crossing signal infrastructure in Montgomery, Michigan. The project required the installation of underground conduit that would ultimately house electrical and signal cables essential to the operation of the crossing system. Rather than relying on extensive open-cut excavation, the project utilized horizontal directional drilling (HDD) methods to place conduit beneath and alongside active railroad infrastructure while minimizing disruption to the surrounding area.
Railroad crossing improvements require a high degree of accuracy because the underground pathways must accommodate signal and communication systems that play an important role in maintaining safe rail operations. Working within an active railroad corridor also demands careful planning, coordination, and execution. K&H's experience with directional drilling and utility installation made the company a strong fit for the project, helping ensure that the necessary infrastructure could be installed safely and efficiently while maintaining the integrity of the rail corridor.
Our Core Services
01.
Underground Utility Installation
02.
Telecommunications Infrastructure
03.
Excavation & Site Preparation
04.
Supporting Infrastructure Growth in Montgomery, MI
The Challenge
Projects involving active railroad crossings present a unique combination of challenges that are not commonly found on traditional utility installations. In Montgomery, the K&H team worked in close proximity to active rail lines while also accounting for nearby road traffic and existing underground utilities. Every phase of the project required a commitment to safety for both the crew and the public.
The directional drilling operation also demanded careful navigation around railroad ballast, which provides critical support and drainage for the tracks. Disturbing this material could create unnecessary complications, making precise bore planning essential. In addition, the project area featured varying grades and elevation changes that required the crew to carefully monitor drilling depths and alignment throughout the installation process. Balancing these factors while maintaining productivity required both technical expertise and strong communication among all project stakeholders.
K&H's Role
K&H Construction was responsible for installing conduit that would carry the electrical and signal cables associated with the railroad crossing improvements. Working alongside railroad representatives and project stakeholders, the crew developed and executed a drilling plan that accounted for existing utilities, active rail operations, and site-specific conditions.
Using horizontal directional drilling equipment, K&H successfully advanced and completed bore paths beneath the project area while maintaining the precision necessary for signal infrastructure installations. The crew performed utility locates, managed site safety requirements, and coordinated traffic-control measures where needed to protect workers and motorists throughout construction.
As the bore paths were completed, K&H carefully monitored drilling operations to ensure conduit could be installed without impacting existing infrastructure or railroad operations. The company's experience working within constrained environments allowed the project to move forward efficiently while maintaining the high level of accuracy required for railroad signal work.
The Result
The Montgomery railroad signal project was completed successfully, providing the underground conduit infrastructure needed to support updated crossing signal systems. Through careful planning, effective coordination, and precise directional drilling techniques, K&H was able to navigate existing utilities, elevation changes, active rail operations, and public safety considerations while delivering a quality installation.
The project also reinforced K&H Construction's growing reputation within the railroad industry. Successful completion of projects like this one has helped establish relationships with multiple rail-focused customers who require specialized directional boring services in challenging environments.
Along the way, the crew uncovered an unexpected piece of local history—a vintage glass Mountain Dew bottle buried beneath the project site. While the discovery had no impact on the work itself, it provided a memorable reminder that every excavation can reveal something unexpected. For the K&H team, it was a small but interesting find during a project defined by precision, safety, and successful execution.