We’re excited to share how things are moving forward with our partners at Obayashi and Jay-Dee. By combining their nationally recognized tunneling expertise with Methuen Construction’s civil and concrete know-how, we’re building a strong, coordinated approach to both the tunnel and drop shaft work. This collaboration not only keeps execution on track but also brings fresh ideas and technical insight that strengthen the project every step of the way.
The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), which will be the heart of the tunneling phase, is currently being built by Herrenknecht in Schwanau, Germany. It’s undergoing factory testing now and is on schedule to arrive at our site in May 2026. Once it’s assembled onsite, the TBM will help us advance the tunnel safely and efficiently.
Closer to home, crews are making steady progress at the TBM launch area. The Support of Excavation (SOE) system is being installed and will continue through mid-February. After that, the team will move on to trench excavation and preparing the base slab, both targeted for completion by May 2026 — right in
time for the TBM’s arrival. This groundwork is critical to ensuring the launch structure is stable, accessible, and ready for operation.
Work at Drop Shaft 1 and 2 is also picking up momentum. Crews are digging down toward the bedrock layer, with blasting operations expected to begin in January 2026. That milestone will pave the way for the next phase: forming, reinforcing, and placing concrete for the permanent shaft lining.
The Cemetery Brook Drain Tunnel (CBDT) Project Joint Venture between Methuen Construction Company, Inc. and Obayashi Corporation has reached a milestone by signing onto the OSHA Strategic Partnership Program, underscoring its commitment to safety and collaboration. Methuen President John McGrath joined OSHA’s Joe LaRose to mark this important step, which unites OSHA with employers, workers, and industry stakeholders to eliminate hazards and strengthen workplace safety practices. With clear goals and strategies tailored for large-scale projects like the CBDT, this partnership promises meaningful improvements for worker health and safety, benefiting both the crews and the City of Manchester, NH.
The Bull Run Filtration Facility in Gresham, Oregon has earned the Envision Platinum Award, the highest honor from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, recognizing its exceptional commitment to sustainability, environmental protection, and long‑term community benefit. As a major investment in the region’s drinking water system, the project will improve water quality, enhance reliability, and protect the Bull Run Watershed for future generations. The award highlights strong collaboration among the Portland Water Bureau, design teams, construction partners—including the MWH‑Kiewit joint venture—and community stakeholders, as well as leadership in climate resilience, resource efficiency, and workforce equity.
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This digital thread ensures that design engineers, construction teams, operations staff, and City leadership all work from the same validated foundation of information. In an environment as utility-dense as a 50-year-old wastewater treatment plant, this visibility is essential.
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In January, MWH officially launched its Women in Construction chapter—an exciting milestone for the company and a meaningful step forward for representation across our jobsites, offices, and leadership teams. The launch reflects a growing commitment to elevating the voices and experiences of women who contribute to every part of our work.
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