Why JR Ramco
A union underground utility contractor for mission-critical infrastructure
Underground work is where schedules live or die. We pair excavating capability with utility scopes so GCs and owners aren’t juggling five subs for one trench. JR Ramco is a union signatory contractor, signed with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 and working within its collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Local 825 says operating engineers "must be fully trained and experienced on real equipment in real world settings before they step foot on a job" (IUOE Local 825). We bid prevailing wage public works and project labor agreement (PLA) jobs. See Safety and Union Advantage.
Need a subcontractor? We are a New Jersey state certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE).
Service area: Little Falls, NJ base (229 Main St., #69, Little Falls, NJ 07424). North Jersey focus; New Jersey statewide as required.
Underground utilities FAQ
What does an underground utility contractor do?
An underground utility contractor excavates for, installs, repairs and replaces the pipes and conduits that run below grade: water mains, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, service connections, gas and electric. JR Ramco does that work with its own crews and machines, from mark-out and trenching through backfill and restoration.
What underground utilities does JR Ramco handle?
Water main installation and water main replacement, sanitary sewer mains and laterals, storm drainage and stormwater systems, water and sewer service connections, lead service line replacement (LSLR), natural gas mains and services, underground electric conduit and duct bank, manholes and structures, HDPE electrofusion and butt fusion, trenchless utilities and hydro-excavation, with excavating, trucking and site restoration as needed.
Do you do lead service line replacement (LSLR)?
Yes. JR Ramco does lead service line replacement (LSLR) for municipalities, water utilities and general contractors in New Jersey, from the main to the building. See our Lead Service Line Replacement page at jrramco.com/lead-service-line-replacement-nj.
Is JR Ramco only for public works?
No. JR Ramco does private and commercial work for owners, general contractors, developers and property managers, along with municipal and public contracts. Being a union shop doesn't put private work out of reach. As a signatory contractor, we can apply for support through ELEC 825's Market Recovery Program, which provides subsidies on qualifying private projects to help union contractors bid competitively. Learn more at ELEC 825
How far in advance do I have to call 811 before digging in New Jersey?
New Jersey One Call says state law requires anyone digging to call at least three full business days, excluding weekends and holidays, before starting work, by dialing 811 or 800-272-1000. The rule at N.J.A.C. 14:2-3.1 sets the same three-business-day notice, with an exception for emergencies. (source)
When does a trench need a protective system under OSHA?
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.652 requires that each employee in an excavation be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system, except in stable rock or excavations less than 5 feet deep where a competent person finds no indication of a potential cave-in. OSHA 1926.651 also requires a ladder, stairway, ramp or other safe means of egress in trenches 4 feet or more deep, within 25 feet of lateral travel. (source)
What happens if a gas line is hit during excavation?
Under N.J.A.C. 14:2-3.6, if an excavator causes or discovers damage to a line carrying natural gas or another hazardous liquid, the excavator shall immediately call 911, then report the damage to the operator, and to 811 if the operator cannot be reached. (source)
Do you work on prevailing wage and project labor agreement (PLA) jobs?
Yes. JR Ramco is a union signatory contractor working under the Operating Engineers Local 825 collective bargaining agreement, and bids public works covered by the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act and projects under a project labor agreement. NJ DOL requires contractors and subcontractors on New Jersey public works to register with the department. (source)
Are you a certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE)?
Yes. JR Ramco is a New Jersey state certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE), which can help general contractors meet SBE participation goals on public projects.
Can you pair utilities with excavating and trucking?
Yes. Excavating, hydro-excavation, dump truck haul, and machine hire with operator are available alongside utility scopes, so one contractor covers the trench, the pipe and the trucking.
Do you do HDPE electrofusion?
Yes. JR Ramco does electrofusion and butt fusion welding of HDPE pipe for water, sewer force main and gas work, alongside the excavation and installation.
Do you handle water main breaks and emergency utility repairs?
Yes. JR Ramco does 24/7 emergency excavation, water main break repair and sewer repair across North Jersey. Call 973-317-4157. If gas is involved, call 911 first.
How do I request a utility bid?
Call 973-317-4157, email [email protected], or use the Contact page. Include drawings, specifications or a clear scope, the location and the schedule when you have them.
