Great Lakes Tunnel Project makes progress
Companies selected to lead construction
May 1, 2024
It’s official.
Following an extensive 21-month process, Enbridge has announced the selection of two premier tunneling companies to lead construction of the Great Lakes Tunnel in the Straits of Mackinac that will house Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline and serve as a utility corridor to connect Michigan’s peninsulas.
Barnard Construction Company, Inc. and Civil and Building North America, Inc. (CBNA) have entered into a partnership to work with Enbridge to build the Tunnel. Barnard, based in Bozeman, Montana, and CBNA, based in Miami, will be operating under the joint venture known as Mackinac Straits Partners (MSP).
Combined, the companies have built more than 100 tunnels in 15 countries. Several of the projects—including the Port of Miami Tunnel in Miami and the Central Subway Tunnel in San Francisco—involved geological conditions similar to those in the Straits of Mackinac.
“This agreement with Barnard and CBNA marks a milestone for this historic project,” said Enbridge’s Tom Schwartz, Senior Vice President of Liquids Pipelines Strategic Projects and Partnerships.
“The selection of these two world-class companies reinforces our commitment to safely building the Great Lakes Tunnel.”
Ready to move forward
Enbridge is preparing to begin tunnel construction as soon as possible, following receipt of environmental permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The USACE has indicated it will be rendering a permit decision in early 2026.
“This is a significant step for the region to continue to receive a vital source of energy transported safely each day through Line 5 in the Straits while enhancing environmental safeguards for our waterways,” said Paul Meneghini, Enbridge’s manager, community engagement.
“We have the State of Michigan’s permits. As soon as the Army Corps completes its permitting process, we plan to be ready to begin construction. Hiring a construction contractor allows us to take the next steps toward that goal.”
Meneghini, a Michigan native and resident, noted that a pivotal part of that goal includes procuring a Tunnel Boring Machine.
Commonly used for excavating through various geological formations, such as rock, sand and soil, a tunnel boring machine is like a giant drill. Designed to limit disturbance, the machine bores through the earth in a targeted, methodical manner.
“The boring machine will be customized to meet the specific characteristics of the Straits,” said Meneghini.
“By partnering with the best companies in the industry, we will be able to leverage their expertise and experience to help inform the design of the tunnel-boring machine for the Straits.”
Line 5 serves an estimated 55% of the State’s propane needs, including approximately 65% of the propane used in the Upper Peninsula and northern Michigan, for which no viable alternatives exist.
See our Great Lakes Tunnel animation video.
