In October of 1990, Elton Lippertof Contractors Associates of Bismarck had to remove and relay an 18" reinforced concrete pipe on Bismarck's Northwest Interceptor Phase 2 Project. Upon removal, the pieces were inspected by Ulteig Engineers, found to be in excellent condition and could be relayed. Eldon asked North Dakota Concrete Products to examine the sections, as he had never seen reinforced concrete pipe in these short lengths before.

We knew the material was very old as soon as we saw them. They were all 18 inch diameter and 30 inches long. The standard length today is 8 feet, We had stopped production on these short lengths over 50 years ago. Several of the sections still had legible dates. They were manufactured an July 28 and 29 of 1930. The dates were enhanced to make them more photogenic.

The sections were relayed back into position and are good for another 60 years. If you would like to get a better look at these old guys still on the job, the location is about 100 feet east on Burnt Boat Road from the junction at River Road in Bismarck. A single piece was saved and is on display at our manufacturing plant at Menoken, ND.

This proves once again that reinforced concrete pipe doesn't cost, it pays.

Roger Hagen