Garney Breaks Ground on Tampa Bay Water’s Largest Pipe Project to Date

Garney has broken ground on Tampa Bay Water’s South Hillsborough Pipeline. The new 26-mile potable water pipeline has a capacity of 65 million gallons per day (MGD).

The pipeline is divided into two segments that connect to three key water facilities. Pipeline installation will use a combination of trenchless tunneling and open-cut construction. Trenchless tunneling will be used at major roadways and sensitive environmental crossings to minimize traffic interruptions and surface disturbance. The scope also includes traffic maintenance operations to keep residents and businesses moving during construction.

As the CMAR, Garney is overseeing the delivery of both segments. Segment A will be self-performed by Garney, while Segment B will be completed with subcontractor support.

“By working closely with Tampa Bay Water, our design partners, vendors, and the community, we’re building a more resilient drinking water system. It keeps pace with the region’s rapid growth and supports reliable service,” said Sam Flowers, area manager of Garney’s east pipe division. “Innovative tunneling technology, experienced field crews, and 24/7 coordination are all coming together to deliver a critical piece of infrastructure. It will expand Tampa Bay Water’s distribution system to support its members’ growth for decades.”

Segment A

Segment A, designed by Wade Trim and to be installed by Garney, includes installing more than 89,000 lf of 42-, 54-, and 60-in. steel, mortar-lined finished water mains. It also includes extensive horizontal directional drilling and microtunneling work beneath busy urban streets and environmental features.

A key feature of this segment is a 2,300-foot curved microtunnel with a Permalok radial bending joint. The advanced joint system allows the tunnel to follow a designed curve while maintaining structural integrity. It also provides the precision needed to protect surrounding utilities and infrastructure.

This will be the first project in North America designed to use a press fit connection for a curved microtunnel with steel pipe.

Segment B

Segment B will carry finished water farther south to connect with Hillsborough County’s future South County drinking water facility near the Balm area. This will expand the reach of Tampa Bay Water’s regional distribution system. The work includes 38,000 ft of 60-in. steel, mortar-lined finished water main installed by subcontractor JDS, Inc. Stantec will serve as the design engineer.

The pipeline will be in service by the end of 2028. Final project completion is anticipated in the first half of 2029.

Tampa Bay Water’s Largest Project

The $505.7 million investment is the largest project in Tampa Bay Water’s history in both value and pipeline length. Once complete, the project will help meet increasing water demands driven by rapid population growth across the Tampa Bay region.

“The South Hillsborough community needs this water; this is water for residents, businesses, hospitals, schools, and emergency services,” said Maribel Medina, Planning and Project Director for Tampa Bay Water. “And it will take all of us—Tampa Bay Water, Hillsborough County, Garney and the community—working together to complete this project.”

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