Project Updates

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February 10, 2026 5:57 PM

Storm Drain Outfall Project

To address deficiencies in our existing system, and to support continued growth and development, Bluffdale City has been working on a project to expand our storm water infrastructure east of the railroad tracks and north of 14600 South. A trenchless construction method is being used to install a new stormwater drain line. This industry standard method is used in a variety of soil conditions to install pipes without disturbing the surface and is ideal for installing pipe under existing infrastructure like roads, canals, and railways. This also is the only method Union Pacific will approve. We apologize that the vibrations and sound transmission have disturbed residents in their nearby homes.

This project is separate from the 14600 South Railroad Construction Project.

Here is an overview of the activities scheduled for the next two weeks:

1. Installing Storm Pipe Casing (Under the Railroad Tracks)
• The Process: The contractor is using a "pipe ramming" method to drive steel casing under the tracks and canal. After successfully completing the 4-inch pilot and 30-inch casing, crews will begin the final 54-inch casing later this week.
• What to Expect: A pneumatic hammer will deliver rhythmic, high-frequency blows (similar to a "pinging" sound). Each hammering session typically lasts 10–20 minutes.
• Impact: You will notice equipment noise from air compressors and may feel some ground vibration during these intervals.

2. Preparation & Welding
• The Process: Before hammering, 20-foot sections of pipe must be precision-welded together, and the hammer must be mounted to the new section.
• Timeline: This preparation takes between 4–8 hours per section.
• Impact: Noise during this stage is limited to running engines and standard safety "beeps" from backing equipment. Vibration is minimal.

3. Casing Clean-Out
• The Process: Once a section of casing is fully driven, crews use a mechanical auger (a large drill) to remove the soil from inside the pipe. An excavator then clears the soil from the area.
• Impact: You will hear the auger and excavator in operation, but vibration is minimal.

Essential Project Notes
• 24/7 Operations: Because of time constraints mandated by Union Pacific, unfortunately work is scheduled to run 24 hours a day. This will include the next phase which is scheduled to begin this Friday morning running through the middle of next week.

• Train Horns: Per railroad regulations, trains must continue to blow their horns throughout the work zone at all hours for the safety of our crews.

• Structural Safety: Pipe ramming is a controlled, standard industry practice designed to be non-disruptive to the surrounding ground. It poses no risk to nearby homes or structures. Because it can be noisy and create vibrations that are readily felt, we are working to reduce the amount of time as much as possible.

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Latest Update:

February 17, 2026 5:20 PM

As required by our permitting with the railroad companies, and in accordance with our permit from the County Health Department, work to complete the bore beneath the tracks will continue through this week during both daytime & nighttime hours.

We anticipate finishing the 24-hour boring work mid-day Saturday, February 21, if all continues as planned. 

For concerns, you can email the project team at engineering@bluffdale.gov. Please note that emails are not monitored after normal work hours.



Prior Updates

February 12, 2026 4:33 PM

Starting Friday, February 13, 2026, crews will prep and begin pushing the 54" pipe for the Storm Outfall Project.

  • A pneumatic hammer will deliver rhythmic, high-frequency blows (similar to a "pinging" sound). Each hammering session typically lasts 10–20 minutes.
  • Before hammering, 20-foot sections of pipe must be precision-welded together, and the hammer must be mounted to the new section. This preparation takes between 4–8 hours per section.
  • Once a section of casing is fully driven, crews use a mechanical auger (a large drill) to remove the soil from inside the pipe. An excavator then clears the soil from the area.
  • Work is scheduled to run 24 hours a day.  

For concerns, you can email the project team at engineering@bluffdale.gov. Please note that emails are not monitored after normal work hours.