08/22/2026
You may have seen us out on I-89 this week as we just wrapped up another challenging project for VTrans. Our last job was clearing woody debris creating a hazard over the highway. This one was woody debris under the highway.
Some beavers (names withheld to protect the innocent) built a dam in a culvert under the northbound lane of I-89 in Brookfield and plugged about 50’ of it solid with wood and sediment. This is a 4’ diameter by 170’ long culvert.
We worked with VTrans to put a plan together to bust out the dam and remove the debris. Over one ton (200’) of drill rod was acquired from the scrap pile at a quarry. 420’ of heavy duty cable (weighing almost 500 pounds) and extra heavy duty chains, hooks, sn**ch blocks, and carabiners were assembled. Local talent Max Stearns went to work building a “bullet” to go on the front of the first drill rod that would allow the a cable to be connected and pushed through the jam with it. Crane mats were delivered and placed so heavy equipment could travel on the mucky soil without sinking in or making ruts. Various sizes of tires (from 2’ to 7’ in diameter) were assembled to be winched through the pipe with the skidder to clear the debris.
They say no battle plan survives first contact with the enemy. Our plan was stretched to its limits, but we prevailed, and the water is flowing through the culvert again. Lots of hard work and ingenuity from everyone on scene and a great assist from Manosh with their vac/jetter truck. I’m proud to work with such capable people to solve tough issues.
On to the next project!
