Neill Drive Stream Project

02 Sep, 2026 Louis A Bencardino

Work is underway in Fairmount Park as Bencardino Contractors begins the early stages of a Philadelphia Water Department Green Infrastructure project focused on upcoming stormwater management and stream improvements.

Before the larger infrastructure work can begin, the project site must first be safely cleared and prepared for construction access.

We partnered with our subcontractor, Colonial Tree Service, and an ISA Certified Arborist to safely remove massive trees as part of this PWD Green Infrastructure project. This large-scale clearing operation is an important step in preparing the site for upcoming stormwater management improvements to the stream in Fairmount Park.

Large-Scale Tree Clearing and Site Preparation

The heavily wooded project area presents unique challenges. Crews are working around mature trees, dense vegetation, uneven ground conditions, and limited access while coordinating specialized equipment throughout the site.

This early clearing operation is helping create the space and access needed for the infrastructure and stream improvement work that will follow.

Tracked excavator performing large-scale tree clearing work for the Fairmount Park PWD Green Infrastructure project — Specialized tracked equipment is being used to safely clear large trees and vegetation within the Fairmount Park project area.

A Closer Look at the Work in Progress

Take a closer look at the beginning stages of this major project in Fairmount Park. This video provides another perspective on the large-scale clearing and site preparation taking place as Bencardino Contractors prepares the work area for the infrastructure improvements ahead.

Working alongside Colonial Tree Service and an ISA Certified Arborist, crews are safely removing large trees, establishing construction access, and preparing the site for upcoming Philadelphia Water Department stormwater management and stream improvements.

Specialized Equipment for a Challenging Site

Clearing trees of this size requires equipment specifically suited for the work. Tracked excavators equipped with specialized tree-handling attachments allow operators to control, process, and move substantial sections of timber throughout the work area.

Once trees and vegetation are removed, additional specialized equipment is used to process branches and other material generated during the clearing operation.

Tracked wood chipper processing cleared vegetation during the Fairmount Park project — Cleared vegetation is processed on site as crews continue preparing the work area for future construction activities.

The size of the timber being handled demonstrates the scale of this initial phase and the importance of having the right equipment, experienced operators, and specialized subcontractors working together.

Massive trees removed during clearing for the Fairmount Park stream improvement project — Some of the massive trees removed during the early clearing phase of the project.

Creating Access for the Work Ahead

Establishing safe construction access is another important part of this early phase. Bencardino Contractors is transporting and positioning heavy timber mats throughout the project area to help provide temporary access and stable working surfaces for heavy equipment.

Bencardino Contractors Komatsu loader transporting timber construction mats in Fairmount Park — Bencardino Contractors transports heavy timber mats into the project area to support equipment access during the early stages of construction.

Projects within wooded parkland require careful coordination of equipment, personnel, subcontractors, access routes, and existing site conditions. These logistical steps are essential before the major construction work can move forward.

Coordination With Philadelphia Water Department

Coordination with the Philadelphia Water Department is also an important part of the beginning stages of the project as crews establish the work area and prepare for future construction activities.

Bencardino Contractors and Philadelphia Water Department personnel coordinating work in Fairmount Park — Bencardino Contractors and Philadelphia Water Department personnel coordinate activities during the early stages of the Fairmount Park project.

Preparing for the Next Phase

Although these beginning stages are focused primarily on clearing, access, and site preparation, they establish the foundation for the much larger project ahead. As this work progresses, the site will be prepared for upcoming stormwater management and stream improvements within Fairmount Park.

For Bencardino Contractors, projects like this demonstrate that major infrastructure construction begins well before excavation and installation. Planning, subcontractor coordination, equipment access, material handling, and careful site preparation must all come together before the next phase can begin.

We look forward to sharing additional updates from Fairmount Park as this important project continues to take shape.

Learn More About the Philadelphia Water Department Project »