December 2025 Vol. 80 No. 12
Editor's Log
As federal infrastructure funding winds down, sewer and water markets enter 2026 with cautious optimism, driven by years of underinvestment, ongoing EPA programs, and record local spending.
Features
Always Underground Inc. is using a repeatable HDD-driven workflow to deliver large-scale underground fiber networks across multiple FiberCity markets, keeping crews productive and projects on schedule.
Sempra Infrastructure’s Port Arthur Pipeline Louisiana Connector Project includes 72 miles of 42-inch pipeline and 18 trenchless crossings totaling more than 57,000 feet, making it one of the most complex HDD projects in the region.
The Underground Infrastructure Awards 2026 will recognize the industry’s MVP and top water, sewer, fiber and trenchless projects during the UIC conference in San Antonio.
Hydro excavation allows crews to safely expose utilities from a distance on crowded urban job sites, reducing risk, improving access, and minimizing surface disruption.
New Orleans is replacing aging cast iron water transmission mains with trenchless HDPE pipe, cutting leaks, stabilizing pressure, and reducing construction disruption through a FEMA-funded program.
Momentum is building on Capitol Hill for the next federal pipeline safety reauthorization. With bipartisan bills advancing in both the House and Senate, lawmakers appear poised to move a largely consensus-driven package that updates One-Call programs, damage prevention grants and long-delayed PHMSA rulemakings.
Business
UI Business News highlights recent dealer acquisitions, equipment expansions, industry partnerships and technology agreements shaping the underground infrastructure and construction equipment markets.
UI People highlights recent leadership appointments, executive transitions, and industry recognition across the underground infrastructure, utilities, and trenchless sectors.
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized
- After 62 years, NYC's third water tunnel nears completion
- Alaska LNG pipeline could require 7,000 workers at peak construction, developers say
- Ohio trench collapse kills one worker, injures two during pipe installation
- Elon Musk's Boring Co. fined for dumping drilling waste into Vegas sewer system
- Glenfarne Alaska LNG targets late-2026 construction start for 807-mile pipeline project
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized
- Massive water line failure leaves majority of Waterbury without service
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- Pennsylvania American Water launches interactive map to identify, replace lead water service lines