As a microtrenching contractor, SELA SUBTERRA uses specialized cutting equipment to create a slim trench — typically only a few inches wide — then places conduit and backfills in a continuous, efficient pass. The small footprint means faster restoration and less disruption to traffic and surrounding infrastructure than traditional open trenching.
Microtrenching is well suited to fiber optic construction in urban and suburban rights-of-way where surface area is limited and speed matters.
Where microtrenching fits
Best-use scenarios
- Fiber deployment along paved roads and shoulders
- Broadband build-outs in developed suburban corridors
- Campus, business park, and distribution network runs
- Projects where open trenching footprint must be minimized
Microtrenching vs traditional trenching
Traditional trenching opens a wider, deeper trench that requires more excavation, more backfill, and more restoration. Microtrenching cuts only what is needed for the conduit, reducing material handling, surface impact, and reinstatement time. The right choice depends on soil, pavement, depth requirements, and existing utilities — we help evaluate which method fits each segment of a project.
Paired with the rest of the deployment
Microtrenching is one tool in a complete fiber construction program. We coordinate it with horizontal directional drilling for crossings, fiber blowing for cable placement, and fiber splicing to complete the network — so a single contractor carries the build from path to lit fiber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is microtrenching faster than directional drilling?
For long, straight runs along paved corridors, microtrenching can be faster and more cost-effective than HDD. HDD is preferred for crossings and obstacle avoidance. We often combine both on a single project.
How wide is a microtrench?
A microtrench is typically only a few inches wide and cut to a shallow depth sufficient for the conduit being installed, which keeps restoration minimal compared to a standard trench.
Talk to our production team
Have an upcoming HDD or fiber project? Send us your plans, scope, footage, and schedule and our team will review your project.
Phone: 704-312-2950 · Email: production@selasubterra.com