April 2026 Vol. 81 No. 4
Special Focus
Griffolyn pre-liners are designed to improve CIPP pipe rehabilitation by preventing liner damage, reducing resin washout and enhancing performance in challenging underground conditions.
Editor's Log
Rising LNG demand and growing energy needs are putting pressure on U.S. pipeline infrastructure, highlighting the need for expanded capacity to support long-term gas markets.
Features
Proposed EPA changes to Clean Water Act permitting could accelerate infrastructure approvals while limiting states’ ability to block projects, setting up a new regulatory battle over pipelines, utilities and water infrastructure.
The conflict that erupted in late February 2026 between the United States, Israel and Iran has sent shockwaves through global energy markets that underground utility and gas contractors are now feeling on every job site.
Microbial corrosion is accelerating damage in concrete sewer systems, but new antimicrobial solutions are being developed to target the bacteria driving the problem.
Utility locating professionals are calling for reforms to address systemic failures in the 811 damage prevention process, citing safety risks, mapping issues and workforce challenges.
Canada is increasing investment in water and wastewater infrastructure as aging systems, climate pressures and growing water losses strain utilities nationwide.
New Products
Vermeer Vermeer is enhancing the D24 horizontal directional drill (HDD) with a factory-installed cab option, bringing a new level of operator comfort and year-round productivity to the 24,000-pound (11,000-kg) drill class. Introduced as the latest utili..
Business
A roundup of key leadership changes across the underground infrastructure industry, including retirements, executive appointments and promotions.
Rehab News
New lining systems are advancing trenchless rehabilitation with faster curing times, improved corrosion resistance and expanded applications across pipelines, conduits and structures.
Newsline
This month's UI Newsline covers new excavation detection technology, billion-dollar water infrastructure pressures, pipeline safety enforcement actions and major utility construction updates across the U.S.
- Fatal trench collapse in Mass. leads to $4.6 million OSHA penalty, dozens of violations
- OSHA investigates fatal trench collapse at Conroe construction site
- Final Lake Erie sewer tunnel project set to begin after decades-long $3 billion effort
- 11-mile Texas pipeline replacement upgrades 72-in. PCCP to 102-in. steel
- Texas811 launches real-time excavation detection to prevent utility strikes
- 11-mile Texas pipeline replacement upgrades 72-in. PCCP to 102-in. steel
- Fatal trench collapse in Mass. leads to $4.6 million OSHA penalty, dozens of violations
- Texas811 launches real-time excavation detection to prevent utility strikes
- Race Communications breaks ground on Bakersfield fiber network
- Final Lake Erie sewer tunnel project set to begin after decades-long $3 billion effort
