McKamish was the HVAC contractor for the Clearway Energy Steam Tunnel Replacement project in Downtown Pittsburgh.
The Golden Triangle Downtown Tunnel Rehabilitation Project involved reconstructing a key segment of the Pittsburgh Allegheny County Thermal (PACT) steam distribution system from 11th Street and Penn Avenue to Forbes Avenue and Ross Street. Completed in phases, the project required maintaining continuous steam service through the use of temporary bypass piping.
Scope included demolition and replacement of piping, valves, steam traps, and expansion joints across tunnels, direct-buried street runs, and occupied building basements. Approximately 3,500 feet each of high-pressure steam, low-pressure return, and high-pressure return piping were installed, along with upgrades in thirteen underground vaults and the installation of forty expansion joints.
The project presented unique challenges, including routing piping through active buildings such as the Omni William Penn Hotel, Kaufmann Annex, and Frick Building without disruption, and installing HDPE piping within confined tunnel systems using limited manhole access. McKamish developed innovative installation methods to successfully execute this work.
All work adhered to strict safety and quality standards, including confined space protocols, ASME B31.1 welding requirements, and extensive non-destructive testing and inspection documentation
To learn more about how McKamish can add value to your area of construction, check out our Markets section.