Rock Trenching in San Antonio, Austin & Central Texas
Ridge Rock Excavation cuts trenches through limestone, caliche, and mixed rock for utility, fiber, and pipeline installs along the San Antonio–Austin I-35 corridor. We work out of offices in Selma and Pflugerville, backed by Wes Clark’s 25+ years of trenching experience.
Why Rock Needs a Rock Trencher
Much of the ground between San Antonio and Austin sits along the Balcones Escarpment, where limestone and caliche are often close to the surface. A backhoe or standard excavator can stall in that ground. A dedicated rock trencher cuts a narrow, uniform trench in one pass, which leaves straighter walls, less spoil to haul, and less backfill. For the hardest rock we run rockwheel trenchers.
Rock Trenching Capabilities
| Ground types | Limestone, caliche, mixed rock and soil |
|---|---|
| Service area | San Antonio, Austin, and the I-35 corridor |
Who We Trench For
- General contractors and site developers
- Utility contractors running lines, pipelines, and conduit
- Fiber optic and communication-line installers
How a Rock Trenching Job Works
- Send the job details: location, trench length, width, depth, ground type, and start date.
- Utility locates: Texas law (Utilities Code Chapter 251) requires the excavator to notify Texas811 at least 48 hours before digging, excluding weekends and holidays, so underground lines can be marked.
- Site review and bid: rock hardness, access, and depth drive production and price.
- Mobilize and trench.
Rock Trenching Questions
How much does rock trenching cost per foot?
Rock trenching is priced per linear foot. It costs more than trenching in soil because it is slower and wears cutting teeth. Send the project details for an exact quote.
Do trenches cut in rock need shoring?
OSHA’s excavation standard (29 CFR 1926.652) requires a protective system (sloping, shoring, or a trench box) for trenches 5 feet deep or more, unless the excavation is made entirely in stable rock. A competent person must still inspect the trench and conditions.
Who You’re Working With
Ridge Rock Excavation is run by Kyleigh Clark (owner and managing member), whose background is in construction job costing and financial controls, and Wes Clark (operations advisor), who brings more than 25 years of trenching and heavy-equipment experience on projects across the United States in a wide range of soil and rock conditions. Read more about our team.
Get a Trenching Quote
Send us the location, trench length, depth, ground type, and start date. Or call 210-236-0008.