Gadsden, AL
Gulf Coast Underground, LLC (GCU) completed the 2023 Annual Manhole Rehabilitation Contract for Gadsden Water Works, serving as the sole contractor for the duration of the project. This annual, task-order based contract was developed to address critical inflow and infiltration (I&I) issues within the City’s sanitary sewer system by prioritizing manholes with signs of structural deterioration or active infiltration. GCU was responsible for executing all work assigned under the contract from initial mobilization through final rehabilitation and quality control.
Throughout the contract period, GCU rehabilitated a total of 748 vertical feet of manholes and injected 244 gallons of chemical grout to eliminate infiltration through joints, cracks, and other structural defects. All manholes were inspected, cleaned, and prepped prior to rehabilitation. GCU crews utilized cementitious lining to structurally restore the interior surfaces of each structure, improving durability, flow capacity, and resistance to future deterioration. Chemical grouting was performed to stop visible infiltration, often under live flow conditions, requiring precision application and real-time monitoring.
Work was performed across multiple locations within the City, including residential streets, utility easements, and areas with limited accessibility. GCU coordinated access with City personnel and residents as needed, taking care to minimize surface disturbance and maintain safe working conditions at each site. The project required frequent confined space entry, active traffic control, and coordination with other utility stakeholders. GCU adhered to all safety protocols and maintained daily communication with the Owner to keep progress aligned with expectations.
All rehabilitation tasks were completed using GCU’s own field personnel and equipment, allowing for full control over production, scheduling, and quality assurance. By self-performing the work, GCU ensured consistent standards were met across all work zones, regardless of complexity or site conditions. Crews worked efficiently to meet each assignment timeline, while also remaining flexible to accommodate evolving priorities from the Owner.
Each task order was completed on schedule, with careful planning to avoid disruption to active sewer service and minimize impact to the surrounding community. Upon completion of each location, GCU conducted post-rehabilitation verification to confirm all structural and infiltration issues had been resolved to the Owner’s satisfaction. The contract was completed in spring 2025 with all assigned work finalized within the contract term. GCU’s performance under this annual agreement demonstrated the company’s ability to manage rotating rehabilitation assignments, respond quickly to shifting field priorities, and deliver consistent, high-quality trenchless restoration in support of municipal I&I reduction goals.
Specs
Project Data
- Start: June 2024
- Completion: April 2025
- Total Cost: $345,000
- Owner: The Water Works and Sewer Board of The City of Gadsden
- Design Firm: CDG, Inc.
Project Highlights
- 748 VF of manhole rehabilitation completed
- 244 gallons of infiltration control grout applied
- Annual task-order based contract with Gadsden Water Works
- GCU provided full mobilization, inspection, and rehabilitation
- Responsive scheduling based on system priorities
Key Staff
- Spencer Tuell – Project Oversight
- David Beau Jones – Project Manager
- Andy Bates – Coatings Manager
Contact
- Name: Chad Hare
- Email: chare@gadsdenwater.org
- Phone: 256-543-2884 ext. 222