Palmer Engineering provides comprehensive Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) services that reduce utility conflicts, minimize change orders, and keep projects moving. Working under four consecutive Kentucky Statewide Surveying Services contracts (2017–2025), Palmer—partnering with AEI surveyors—has completed multiple SUE projects across Kentucky, combining precise staking, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), line locating, and vacuum excavation (potholing) to deliver reliable utility data for design and construction.

Projects

KY 245 (Bullitt County, Kentucky)

Palmer Engineering performed stake-out, GPR location, and vacuum excavation at four test locations to verify the position of an 8" gas main along KY 245.

• GPR and a line locator were used to refine utility positions prior to excavation

• Three of the four locations were successfully verified

• Verified depths ranged from 2.6 feet to 4.3 feet

US 60 (Jefferson County, Kentucky)

Staking and vacuum excavation were performed at 17 locations along US 60 to verify LG&E gas and electric lines as well as AT&T communication facilities.

• Ground-penetrating LiDAR and a line locator were used to refine painted utility marks into precise excavation points

• 16 of the 17 locations were successfully verified, with one utility found at a depth greater than 6 feet

• Results provided critical support for utility coordination along this high-volume corridor

KY 1942 (Grant County, Kentucky)

SUE services were performed to support a bridge replacement project by confirming the location of a waterline adjacent to and crossing KY 1942.

• Staking and vacuum excavation were completed at five locations

• Utility markings were fine-tuned to minimize disturbance and target potential conflicts at bridge abutments

• All five locations were successfully found and documented for use by the design team

US27/New Circle Road (Fayette County, Kentucky)

SUE services were performed in a constrained urban environment to support the R. J. Corman railroad bridge replacement project.

• 18 utility locations investigated, including gas mains, water lines, and sanitary sewers

• Work required extensive traffic control, and shallow rock blocked excavation at approximately 3 feet in some areas

• Staked points were adjusted as needed to avoid traffic conflicts and maintain safe operations

KY 1934 (Jefferson County, Kentucky)

Comprehensive SUE investigations were conducted along a busy Louisville corridor to identify and verify underground utilities in support of planned roadway improvements.

• 34 utility locations examined, including gas, water, and fiber optic facilities

• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) used to fine-tune excavation points before digging

• Work required an encroachment permit and coordinated lane closures, with traffic control measures implemented to ensure the safety of workers and the public