Expert Construction
Professional Directional Drilling Services for Precision & Minimal Disruption
J.S. Rae provides state-of-the-art directional drilling solutions for residential, commercial, and municipal projects. Our trenchless technology ensures minimal environmental impact, reduced costs, and faster completion—perfect for utility installations, pipelines, and more.

What Is Horizontal Directional Drilling?
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is defined as “A steerable system for the installation of pipes, conduits, and cables in a shallow arc using a surfaced launched drilling rig. Traditionally, HDD is applied to large scale crossings such as rivers in which a fluid filled pilot hole is drilled without rotating the drill string, and this is then enlarged. This technology has been in existence since the 1970’s. It is currently an efficient, safe, cost effective method for highway bores and is the current industry standard for trenchless technology for bores between 2inch to 36inch diameters and in lengths from just a short road or highway crossing to over 1000-plus feet.
OUR ADVANTAGES
Benefits of Directional Drilling
Minimal Surface Damage
There is no need for disruptive trench digging, allowing for a more efficient and less invasive approach to your project while minimizing disruption to the surrounding environment and community.
Cost-Effective
Lower restoration expenses when compared to traditional methods often lead to significant savings for our clients, allowing them to achieve effective results without the financial burden typically associated with older restoration techniques.
Faster Completion
Our advanced techniques lead to significantly reduced labor and excavation time, allowing for quicker project completion without compromising quality or safety, ultimately enhancing efficiency and productivity across all aspects of our work.
Environmentally Friendly
Safeguards natural landscapes and vital water sources for future generations.
Precision Placement
Precise and careful drilling around existing infrastructure ensures minimal disruption and maximum efficiency, allowing for seamless integration with your project needs while protecting surrounding structures and utilities.

Our Directional Drilling Process
Site Assessment
We evaluate soil conditions, utilities, and project scope.
Bore Path Planning
Using the newest electronic state of the art technology
Pilot Hole Drilling
A small-diameter hole is created along the planned path.
Reaming & Pipe Installation
The hole is widened, and utilities are pulled through.
Site Restoration
Minimal cleanup required—just backfill the entry/exit points.
COMMON QUERIES
Directional Drilling FAQs
At J.S. Rae, we understand that choosing a construction partner can raise many questions, and we are here to provide clarity and confidence in your decision-making process. Whether you’re curious about our project timelines, the materials we use, or how we handle environmental concerns, rest assured that our dedicated team is committed to transparent communication and exceptional service. We believe that informed clients are empowered clients, and we are more than happy to share insights into our processes, ensuring that you feel supported every step of the way as we work together to bring your vision to life.
How deep can directional drilling go?
How long does a directional drilling project take?
Small projects (e.g., residential utilities) take 1-2 days, while large-scale installations may require a week or more.