Horizontal Directional Drilling FAQ

Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is a trenchless construction method used to install underground pipelines, cables, and utilities without the need for open-cut trenching. A steerable drill is used to create a bore path underground, then the pipe or conduit is pulled through the path. HDD is ideal for crossing under rivers, highways, wetlands, and other obstacles where surface disruption isn't an option.

NCDD installs pipe diameters ranging from small utility cables up to 56-inch large diameter pipeline. Our maxi rig fleet is specifically built to handle large diameter projects, and our leadership team has installed well over 50 miles of 42-inch pipeline alone. Whether it's a small utility bore or a large diameter pipeline crossing, we have the equipment and expertise. Learn more about our large diameter HDD capabilities →

A maxi rig is a large-scale horizontal directional drilling machine designed for heavy-duty pipeline installation, typically for pipe diameters of 24 inches and above, or for long-distance crossings. Maxi rigs generate significantly more pullback force and torque than standard HDD rigs, making them essential for large diameter pipeline projects, deep river crossings, and installations through challenging geological formations like rock or cobble.

We handle a wide range of HDD projects including large diameter pipeline installation, river and waterway crossings, wetland crossings, highway and road crossings, utility installations, and intersect bores. Our focus is 100% on horizontal directional drilling. It's all we do, and we do it across 29 states. View our full list of HDD services →

HDD can be performed in virtually all soil conditions: clay, sand, silt, gravel, cobble, and even solid rock. NCDD has extensive experience drilling through the most challenging geological formations. Our equipment and tooling are specifically built to handle hard rock, cobbles, and mixed-face conditions that other contractors avoid.

Project timelines vary based on pipe diameter, crossing length, soil conditions, and permitting requirements. A small utility bore might take a single day, while a large diameter pipeline crossing can take several weeks. NCDD provides detailed project timelines during the estimating phase so you know exactly what to expect.

NCDD has drilled in 29 states so far across the United States. Our headquarters are in Minnesota with offices in Warba and Bloomington, but our crews mobilize nationwide for projects of all sizes. Our management team also brings international HDD experience, having worked on projects outside the U.S. prior to founding NCDD.

Traditional trenching excavates an open trench along the entire pipeline route, then restores the surface afterward. HDD drills underground with entry and exit points only at each end, leaving the surface above virtually untouched. That's why HDD is the preferred method where open trenching isn't practical: under rivers, wetlands, highways, railways, and environmentally sensitive areas.

Three things: First, HDD is 100% of our business. We don't split focus across multiple service lines. Second, our leadership team brings 80+ years of combined HDD experience and finishes every crossing we start. Third, every customer we've worked with has come back. Meet our team →

Contact us through our website, call us at 218-275-7705, or email estimating@northcountrydrilling.com. Provide as much detail as possible about your project: location, pipe diameter, crossing length, soil conditions, and timeline. Our estimating team will put together a detailed proposal. Request a quote now →