Purdue University CWL

About This Project

When Purdue University in Lafayette, IN set out to expand its chilled water system, trenchless construction was the clear choice to minimize disruption in the heart of the campus. This high-capacity system was designed to bypass lateral connections and improve efficiency between the main chiller plant and key load points across campus, allowing for more efficient cooling distribution.

Midwest Mole was brought in to install two tunnels that were 850’ and 1,350’ in length, each carrying twin 36-inch HDPE supply and return lines as part of a new express chilled water system.
Working beneath active walkways and infrastructure, our crews used 102” rib-and-board tunneling to complete the work with precision and minimal surface impact. In addition to the tunnels, we excavated launch and receiving shafts up to 30 feet deep.

From challenging ground conditions to strict timelines, this project tested our trenchless expertise. But by keeping lines of communication open between the university, GC, and design teams, we moved forward, solving problems collaboratively and earning praise for our transparency, professionalism, and problem-solving mindset.

This was the third-largest project in Midwest Mole’s history, and one that meant a lot to our team, especially the Purdue alumni among us. Beyond its scale and technical demands, the project also supported educational site visits, giving Purdue’s engineering and construction management faculty an inside look at trenchless tunneling in real-world conditions.
At Midwest Mole, we call it “The Mud and the Blood” – doing whatever it takes to get the job done right, safely, and with pride.

We’re proud to have left our mark beneath Purdue’s campus and even prouder to showcase what teamwork and trenchless know-how can accomplish.