Murfreesboro, TN - When it comes to lifting 12,000-pound concrete piping joints, only heavy-duty equipment like the Liebherr R936C Excavator can get the job done. The City of Murfreesboro’s Public Works Stormwater Division recently added this impressive machine to its arsenal, making it possible to manage large-scale jobs that previously required outsourcing to private contractors.

The purchase, approved by City Council at the request of Public Works Assistant Director Tracy Brown, underscores the City's commitment to saving costs while empowering its in-house crews.

“Our City Council really supports us in these types of projects,” said Brown. “They know we have the crews capable of doing the work. This machinery pays for itself over time with the power and efficiency it brings.”

Currently, the Stormwater Division is utilizing the Liebherr Excavator in west Murfreesboro’s Kingdom Ridge Subdivision. Crews are replacing 60-inch reinforced concrete piping after the collapse of the original plastic pipes installed in 2004. The reinforced concrete piping offers greater durability and can withstand heavier loads, ensuring long-term reliability for the subdivision.

“This is the biggest job we’ve tackled yet,” shared Public Works Foreman Jeremy Barrett. “With the crew we have and the equipment we’ve been blessed with, we’re able to handle larger projects and keep more money in-house.”

The Kingdom Ridge project alone, which involves installing 730 feet of piping, would have cost the City $600,000 if outsourced. Instead, thanks to the new excavator, purchased for $299,900, City employees are completing the project at a fraction of the cost.

Since its establishment in 2014, the Stormwater Division has grown into a 14-member team dedicated to maintaining and improving the city’s critical infrastructure. From clearing ditches to installing culverts, the division ensures that the unseen systems beneath Murfreesboro operate smoothly.

As Brown emphasized, the team’s hard work and collaboration make all the difference: “Everybody works well together and enjoys what they do. It’s a blessing to lead such a dedicated crew.”