When severe weather hits and causes infrastructure damage, the Aldridge Disaster Response Team quickly mobilizes to help restore power and begin restoration. Our partners have come to rely on our experience, knowledge, and resources to get the job done.
HURRICANE RESPONSE
Distribution Support
Aldridge is part of the massive effort to repair the substantial damage caused by Hurricane Ida in the state of Louisiana. Distribution linemen are working to repair and restore a six-mile 12kV feeder with 55 broken poles. Additional crews are en route to provide foundation repair support to core industrial services in Port Fourchon, where the eye of the storm caused the most destruction.
Network Support
When Hurricane Sandy ravaged the New York subway system and the underground electrical system, Aldridge repaired and reconstructed network hardening services. Corrective work was needed to replace damaged infrastructure caused by the deepwater that flooded the subway and underground distribution network, damaging power supplies, network security, and equipment.
Foundation Support
The 230kV PX Line Rebuild Project consisted of rebuilding 34 miles of line in the Florida panhandle that was damaged beyond repair during Hurricane Michael. The new structures were direct embed poles with either aggregate or concrete backfill. Aldridge's scope of work included drilling the foundations, setting the pole bases, and backfilling the pole bases. Crews worked long hours to rebuild the grid and restore power in just under three months.
Hurricane Restoration Support
After back-to-back hurricanes devastated the US Virgin Islands (USVI), Aldridge quickly mobilized a crew to St. Thomas for emergency response. The initial work scope seemed simple and included basic grounding and renovations of modular school buildings for damaged and inoperable schools due to the hurricanes. Once the Aldridge team assessed the project and began inspecting all units, they knew additional work necessary. As there were no drawings or specs, the Aldridge team used their innovative strategies and project management skills rooted in problem-solving to develop the work plan for recovery.
The new scope included low voltage distribution that would feed into all the trailers, temporary structures for gymnasiums and cafeterias, and even commercial scale kitchens for cafeterias. The USVI school system includes locations in St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. The immediate need was in St. John, where the elementary schools were scheduled to open two weeks later. Given the team’s synergy and how they were performing above and beyond the scope in St. Thomas, the Governor asked Aldridge to step in to assist in St. John to hit the school opening date. Additional work was also executed in St. Croix, where crews worked alongside local contractors on the schools’ primary distribution. Aldridge is proud to report that the schools were completed and ready the day before they were scheduled to reopen.
The Temporary School Project was the first for Aldridge on many levels. Not only was it the first time that Aldridge worked outside of the continental United States, utilizing resources from across different markets, but unique perspectives from different teams also came together to deliver Aldridge’s innovative spirit to the project. Our presence in the USVI during this time was a true testament to our ability to break down these silos and work together for the greater good.
TORNADO RESPONSE
Our reliability in customer service and delivery, coupled with our long-standing history, makes Aldridge a go-to contractor when storms and tornadoes incapacitate service throughout Illinois. Recent storms have required disaster response teams to support response efforts in downstate Illinois and the Chicagoland area. Crews from our Power division work long hours and weekends to restore service as quickly as possible.
FIRE RESPONSE
Aldridge crews quickly mobilized to help provide storm restoration services related to the wildfires in Mansfield, Washington. The project included many challenges, including substantial amounts of rock to be drilled, difficulty procuring supplies and rental equipment, and last-minute logistical coordination. Over three weeks, Aldridge was able to help rebuild 13 miles of transmission line that restored power and reduced stress on the grid. This was a huge effort from both our field and office staff to make this project a success.
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Contact the Aldridge Disaster Response Team today before disaster strikes, and be prepared for the next time you need support.
Email DisasterResponse@aldridgegroup.com.
