$188 Million Ft. Wayne Deep Rock Dewatering Tunnel Solution.
In 2021, Poynter secured a sheet metal contract to install ductwork and rooftop HVAC units within a 240 ft. tunnel in Fort Wayne, IN, approximately two hours north of our corporate headquarters. The objective was straightforward: the city aimed to minimize the discharge of sewage into local waterways.
This project presented our team with distinct safety challenges. One of the primary concerns was ensuring safe operations involving lifts and cranes. Maintaining constant communication with crane operators was vital to ensure our crew’s safety and that they had proper authorization for swinging loads over the shaft. Effective coordination and meticulous safety planning were essential. By 2023, Poynter had fabricated an impressive 213,000 pounds of 16-gauge rectangular ductwork and later installed throughout 2023 and into 2024.
Our crew operated from a deck located approximately 180 feet underground, while the tunnel itself was excavated to a depth of 240 feet below the city. This deck served as the primary site for duct installation. The contract also mandated the installation of hangers, grilles, registers, diffusers, two rooftop HVAC units, and exhaust fans.
