U.S. BUREAU OF RECLAMATION / FRIANT WATER AUTHORITY

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Location: Tulare and Kern Counties, CA
Client: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation / Friant Water Authority
Project Type: Water Conveyance | Canal Rehabilitation | Pipeline Installation

Size: 33-mile Segment

This major canal infrastructure project aims to restore flow capacity along a critical 33-mile segment of the Friant-Kern Canal in California’s Central Valley, which had lost over half of its original capacity due to severe land subsidence. Phase 1 involved the full reconstruction of a 10-mile stretch of canal, including major utility and pipeline work to ensure long-term water delivery for over 1 million acres of agricultural land and more than 250,000 residents.

NGCE played a key role in field engineering and construction planning, providing on-the-ground technical support and constructability input for complex sections of the corridor.

NGCE’s Scope of Work Included:

• Constructability reviews and investigations to identify field risks and eliminate redesign delays
• Work phasing strategies to optimize crew scheduling and minimize downtime
• Equipment access planning and haul route optimization to improve on-site efficiency
• Schedule development and sequencing input to coordinate multiple work fronts
• Cost estimation support based on real-world constructability constraints
• Pipe installation support, including construction of 48-inch and 60-inch pipelines
• Canal crossing planning, ensuring safe and efficient utility installations through active irrigation channels
• Crane placement evaluations for heavy lift operations within confined canal zones
• Participation in multi-agency constructability coordination meetings, engaging with contractors, engineers, and agency stakeholders to address evolving site conditions in real time
   

NGCE’s hands-on field involvement and collaborative problem-solving helped maintain project momentum and ensure the successful delivery of Phase 1 of this vital regional water infrastructure program.