Flying Falcons & River Crossings: Innovation in Port Fairy, Australia

This project story was written by Ben and Latecia Brentnall of Bencon Civil Construction, and we couldn’t be more impressed. In fact, Warren Sandom, the DCI Territory Manager on-site with the crew in Australia, noted that "in my 14 years with DCI, I’ve never seen anything quite like the technique they used here." While it’s not uncommon for contractors to rig up a pulley system—or even hop in a kayak—to navigate locator passes across water, Bencon took it to another level. By attaching a Falcon F5+ to a rope and using Target Steering to guide it across the Moyne River, they pulled off one of the most creative and effective HDD river crossings we’ve seen.

Here's their story:

The Set Up

Location: Port Fairy, Victoria

Equipment Used:

• Vermeer 3650DR Directional Drill

• Vermeer VSK1600 Vacuum Truck

• Kubota U55 Excavator

Scope of Works:

Our team was engaged to complete a horizontal directional drill (HDD) under the Moyne River in Port Fairy to install two 110mm conduits across a 170m bore path. The bore alignment required precise navigation under challenging ground conditions including varying layers of sand, fractured rock, and constant exposure to saltwater ingress.

Ground Conditions & Tooling:

To tackle the mixed ground conditions, the bore commenced with a Rock Master pilot bit featuring a 6½-inch PCD cutter for optimal performance in hard formations. For the pre-reaming phase, we utilised a 10-inch PCD reamer, which allowed efficient hole enlargement while maintaining alignment and fluid control.

Environmental & Safety Measures:

Due to the rising tides and the inherent risks of working near large bodies of water, both the client and our internal safety committee advised against any unnecessary personnel access within the water zone. In response, we implemented a unique solution by stringing a guide wire across the river. This allowed us to remotely operate and steer the DigiTrak Falcon F5+ locator, which was attached to the wire along with a tow line, enabling safe and controlled movement of the tracking system across the bore path.

Execution & Outcome:

The bore was completed to a depth of 5m below the water level, maintaining a precise line and grade over 140m of steering. Steering was based on predetermined pitch and depth targets, ensuring the bore remained within tolerance until entering a lower-lying area near the exit point. Despite complex geology and environmental constraints, the job was delivered on time, on grade, and with zero safety incidents.

With zero safety issues and full client satisfaction, the project proved not only the skill of the Bencon crew but also the flexibility of modern HDD technology when paired with out-of-the-box thinking. This river crossing wasn’t just a job well done—it’s a reminder that some of the most impactful solutions in HDD don’t come from manuals, but from the field. From thinking through every safety angle to inventing new methods for old challenges, contractors like Ben and Latecia are pushing the industry forward—one river at a time.