Consumers Energy’s Mid-Michigan Pipeline project modernized 55 miles of transmission pipeline to increase the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the natural gas system for Michigan customers. The $550-million project was constructed in two phases over 2 years, replacing a 20-inch, 1940s pipeline with a 36-inch pipeline through Washtenaw, Livingston, Ingham, Shiawassee, and Clinton Counties. Phase 1 crossed 30 miles from Chelsea to Williamston in 2023, and Phase 2’s 25 miles from Williamston to Ovid were completed in fall 2024 in time for the winter heating season. Wade Trim provided comprehensive surveying services, from preconstruction corridor survey to daily construction staking and precise as-built measurements of the installed pipeline’s critical features.
The project’s dynamic corridor traversed 390 private properties, 70 roads and highways, 6 recreational areas including Sleepy Hollow State Park, as well as 160 wetlands and wildlife habitats. Each environment required adaptable and precise surveying techniques to protect properties, infrastructure, the natural environment, and local wildlife impacted by the construction. Deployment of a cellular radio-based Global Navigation System network with 30 control pairs ensured rapid response to construction needs while maintaining centimeter-level accuracy. Careful mapping and coordination with experts supported ecological preservation and minimized environmental impacts.
Advanced digital solutions enhanced project efficiency and data integrity. We utilized Trimble Connect’s cloud-based platform integrated with Trimble Access Pipeline for seamless data collection and real-time collaboration between field crews and office staff. A digital twin and custom digital inventory database were created and tailored specifically to Consumers Energy’s specifications, efficiently managing thousands of survey points while providing instant access to critical pipeline feature documentation. When field crews encountered unexpected conditions, the digital workflow allowed for quick coordination, enabling rapid decision-making to avoid potential delays and costs.
Delivered safely, on schedule, and under budget, construction survey support for the Mid-Michigan Pipeline project is a significant advancement in construction surveying practices for large-scale infrastructure projects that require precision, efficiency, and environmental diligence.
