South Academy Widening Jack and Bore (Colorado Springs, Colorado)

Differing Site Condition Claims Support

The South Academy Widening Jack and Bore project installed a 60-inch drainage pipe beneath active BNSF and UP tracks as part of El Paso County’s corridor improvements. Emprise supported the County by reviewing geotechnical data, evaluating differing site condition claims, analyzing contractor assessments, and verifying post-grouting stability. Our work ensured the jack and bore proceeded safely, mitigated subsurface uncertainty, and protected critical railroad infrastructure.

Project Scope:	60-inch drainage pipe beneath active BNSF and UPPR tracks
Unique Features:	Differing site condition claims, Post-grout stability assessment
Our Services:	Review owner and contractor subsurface data, Assess GPR results and grouting performance, Verify post-grout stability.
Emprise Personnel:	Contract Manager & Project Engineer: Jacob Grasmick

Impacts & Benefits

• Reduced Risk: Validated subsurface conditions and protected active rail operations.

• Improved Decision-Making: Clear evaluation of differing site condition claims supported informed owner actions.

• Construction Assurance: Independent review confirmed grouting effectiveness and ground stability.

• Enhanced Safety: Safety-critical oversight upheld stringent railroad requirements.

• Long-Term Reliability: Verified installation supports durable stormwater performance for the South Academy corridor.

  
  

Client Perspective

"I have worked with Jacob recently on a bore underneath the Burlington Northern Railroad which collapsed, which we sought  his boring expertise. Jacob approached this issue with enthusiasm and excitement in helping us come up with a solution. Jacob is a true leader and would be a tremendous asset to any project.”

-- Donald Garcia, PE (Wilson & Company, Inc., Senior Project Manager)