(402) 332-5080 [email protected]

How Horizontal Directional Drilling Keeps TJ Cable Underground—and Ahead of the Game

Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) being operated by TJ Cable & Underound Services team

At TJ Cable & Underground Services, we pride ourselves on finding the safest, cleanest, and most efficient way to get the job done—especially when the work is happening below the surface. One of the most effective tools in our lineup is horizontal directional drilling (HDD). This trenchless technology allows us to install underground utilities with precision, without disturbing what’s above ground.

HDD is a regular part of our operations throughout eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. It’s a go-to solution for complex jobs where traditional digging just isn’t practical.

The Role of HDD at TJ Cable

Horizontal directional drilling makes it possible to install underground infrastructure in hard-to-reach or high-traffic areas. Here’s how we put it to work:

  • Installing Utilities Without Digging a Trench
    From fiber optics and gas lines to water mains and electric conduits, HDD allows us to install underground systems without tearing up roads, sidewalks, or landscaping.
  • Navigating Around Obstacles
    One of the standout benefits of HDD is the ability to steer the drill underground. That means we can route lines beneath sidewalks, roads, railways, rivers, and buildings—no detours required.
  • Preserving the Surface
    Whether it’s a well-kept lawn, a public park, or a heavily traveled intersection, HDD helps us complete installations without disrupting the surface above. This reduces cleanup, restoration, and inconvenience for property owners and the public.
  • Handling Long-Distance Installations
    When we need to install utilities across a long stretch of land, HDD makes it possible with fewer access points and less disruption overall. It’s especially helpful in urban and environmentally sensitive zones.

The Benefits of Horizontal Directional Drilling

At TJ Cable, we invest in the right tools because they help us deliver results safely and efficiently. HDD is one of those tools. Here’s why it matters:

  • Enhanced Safety
    No open trenches means fewer hazards on the job site. HDD helps us keep our crews and the public safer, especially in busy or confined areas.
  • Greater Efficiency
    By reducing surface disruption and the need for restoration, HDD often speeds up project timelines and helps keep things on schedule.
  • Minimal Surface Impact
    Less digging means less damage. HDD preserves roads, landscaping, and property features that would otherwise be impacted by traditional trenching.
  • Adaptability in Different Soils
    From clay and sand to rocky ground, HDD performs reliably in a variety of soil conditions. Our crews are trained to adapt equipment and techniques to suit the site.

Built for the Modern Underground Job

We operate a range of horizontal drills suited for different jobs—from compact rigs for short, tight installations to mid-size machines designed for longer or more complex underground runs. We use HDD regularly when conditions call for it, and our crews are experts at choosing the right approach for each unique project.

At TJ Cable & Underground Services, we don’t just move dirt—we move infrastructure forward. Horizontal directional drilling is one of the many ways we keep utility projects on time, on budget, and out of the way.