Keeley Civil Spotlight: Full Ring Bus & T-Line

Keeley Construction’s Civil Energy Group was called upon by a decades-long trusted partner to build the Fuller Substation and T-Line in Brussels, IL. This 12.2 acre greenfield substation consisted of 104 foundations and five large diameter T-Line foundations. Due to Keeley’s extensive pre-planning and dedication to safety, quality and service, this project was completed on-time and on-budget.

The Substation portion of this project required the team to balance the 25,000+ CY of dirt onsite and bring in additional fill to build the pad before installing various drainage systems for stormwater runoff. Once this was complete, the team went on to place 800+ CY of concrete foundation, 1,300+ feet of fencing, and 4,000+ tons of rock to complete the substation civil package.

A large dirt field with a fence in the middle of it.

The T-Line portion of this project consisted of large diameter deep foundations placed under an outage of the 138kV Transmission Line, the largest being 12’ diameter x 52’ depth. The sizes and subsurface conditions of these foundations was a known challenge when Keeley bid the project, but the team was able to implement innovative solutions to defeat this challenge and plan to provide a high-quality product. The team then encountered unknown subsurface coals layers that brought additional challenges after drilling began as it consumed much of the slurry fluids during drilling and required twice the amount of water than was anticipated. The team was able to work with the Client’s Engineer to quickly come up with an adjustment in their approach, allowing the team to complete the foundation safely and to the highest quality standards. Keeley’s ability to self-perform 100% of the project allowed for adaptability to the changing site conditions and the complete satisfaction from the Client.

“The Keeley crews did a phenomenal job getting the work done in a tight window without extending the outage. They worked safely without incident and completed the scope despite some unforeseen complications.”

-Client’s Construction Supervisor

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Keeley Construction Industrial Group Partners with IKO

By Allison Kortkamp • January 15, 2026

Keeley Construction’s Industrial Group is proud to partner with IKO on the construction of a new crushing and coloring plant, supporting the company’s continued growth through a complex, full-scope industrial build. The project includes the construction of multiple buildings, the installation of all equipment & conveyors, and complete site utility work. This project will be delivered on an aggressive 18-month schedule. Keeley’s integrated self-perform teams will execute the work, with the Civil Group handling all civil and concrete scopes and the Steel Erection and Millwright teams leading building erection and equipment installation. “We’re proud to support IKO’s first shingle granular plant in the U.S. and look forward to building a strong, lasting partnership,” said John Herrin, Vice President at Keeley Construction. “Being selected by IKO for this project is a testament to our Industrial Group’s expertise and our ability to safely and efficiently deliver complex industrial work.” IKO emphasized the importance of selecting a trusted partner for this milestone project. “When selecting a contractor for the construction of the Bismarck Granule plant, our team performed a thorough analysis looking for a responsive partner who would be able to successfully execute the project,” said Helen Pejnovich, Regional Manufacturing Director at IKO. “We selected Keeley based on their capability and reputation in the St. Louis area. The fact that both companies are family owned and share values really validated we were making the right decision in choosing Keeley for this important venture for our U.S. operations.” This initial project marks the start of a new partnership with IKO and reflects a shared commitment to safety, coordination, and execution excellence. As IKO continues to expand, Keeley Construction looks forward to supporting future growth with reliable, performance-driven solutions. About IKO: IKO is a global manufacturer of roofing, waterproofing, and insulation products with operations throughout North America and beyond. Family-owned and operated, IKO is committed to innovation, quality, and long-term partnerships that support its customers and communities. About Keeley Construction: Keeley Construction Group was founded in 1975 as a family-owned paving company. Over five decades and 1,700+ Keeley’ns later, Keeley Construction has offices across the nation and is proud to provide world-class service in various market sectors. Guided by a steadfast mission, vision, and core values, Keeley Construction strives to exceed expectations on every project, giving customers the service they demand with the quality and safety they deserve.