Florida is expanding its pipeline network in line with its increasing demand for energy. It also intends to ensure reliable supplies of natural gas. A total of 772 kilometers of pipeline are planned to transfer gas from Houston (Texas) on the Gulf of Mexico to Florida. This additional natural gas is primarily used for electricity generation in power plants thereby covering the daily power requirements of up to one million households.

The crossing under Highway 70 in Arcadia (Florida) saw use of the Direct Pipe® method for the first time in the USA. During the crossing process, slurry shield tunnelling with an AVN machine facilitated the requisite precise control of the face support pressure on the tunnel face, thereby preventing settlements or heave on the site surface. It was possible to safely and swiftly underpass Highway 70. The 215-meter pipeline string was installed within three days of drilling. The machine reached its target on August 29, 2010.