Hillis-Carnes is providing Construction Materials Testing and Inspection Services for Phase I of the Bellwether District, specifically for the Innovation Campus Parcels A and B. The initial phase of construction involves extensive earthwork and site regrading. The Bellwether District received permits from the City of Philadelphia for nearly 450 acres of earthwork—totaling over two million cubic yards of soil—to be redistributed across the site. This program represents the largest permitted earthwork effort in Philadelphia’s history. Once completed, the work will support approximately 6.5 million SF of building space and enable key infrastructure improvements, including 1.5 miles of new roads and significant offsite upgrades along 26th Street.

Hillis-Carnes’ scope of work includes observing, documenting, and reporting quantities of demolished materials and soil movement; verifying that fill placement aligns with the recommendations of the Geotechnical Engineer of Record and remains structurally stable between lifts; reviewing and providing feedback on the Deep Dynamic Compaction (DDC) contractor’s drop plan; assessing the effectiveness of DDC activities during execution to ensure compliance with the signed and sealed plan; overseeing placement of surcharge as specified; and monitoring storm pipe installation and backfill operations.

*Photo courtesy of hrp Group