HDD
Strategic merger unites Mi-Tech and J.D. Hair, strengthening trenchless infrastructure delivery
Mi-Tech and J.D. Hair & Associates have merged to deliver a deeper bench in trenchless and HDD engineering, backed by geotechnical labs, surveying, and construction services. With all employees retained, clients should see seamless support for pipeline replacement, sewer rehabilitation, and alternative delivery projects starting immediately.
Inside Sempra’s 72-mile pipeline with 18 major trenchless crossings
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.
AUI scales underground fiber builds with repeatable HDD workflow
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.
HDD Reunion brings the family together
2026 Hall of Fame class to be honored For the first time, the renowned Horizontal Directional Drilling Reunion will be held at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, on Jan. 28, in conjunction with the annual Underground Infrastructure Conference (Jan. 27-28). The formal r..
Algonquin plans twin HDD crossings under Cape Cod Canal in Mass.
Enbridge’s Algonquin Gas Transmission plans twin HDD crossings beneath the Cape Cod Canal as part of a 5-mile pipeline relocation supporting Massachusetts’ bridge replacement program.
Horizontal directional drilling market on track to reach $16 billion by 2030
The global horizontal directional drilling market is projected to reach $16 billion by 2030 as utilities, energy developers and telecom operators turn to trenchless construction for pipelines, fiber and underground infrastructure upgrades.
Vermeer expands global lineup with Tecniwell high-pressure HDD pumps
Vermeer has expanded its global partnership with Tecniwell to distribute high-pressure HDD pumps through its worldwide dealer network, offering contractors complete equipment packages backed by local service and support.
The heavy hitters of HDD: 2025 census breaks down rig counts and capabilities
Planning a major HDD crossing? Underground Infrastructure’s annual Large HDD Rig Census maps out the contractors, rig counts and capabilities behind the biggest iron in the market — from 100,000-lb class units up to 1.7 million lbs of pullback. See who’s equipped for long, large-diameter, high-torque work before you pick your next drilling partner.
HDD Reunion to celebrate pioneers at 2026 Hall of Fame induction in San Antonio
The 2026 HDD Reunion will be held Jan. 28 at the Underground Infrastructure Conference in San Antonio, featuring the formal induction of the HDD Hall of Fame class and a panel discussion with industry pioneers celebrating decades of innovation in horizontal directional drilling.
Navajo-Gallup project brings long-awaited water infrastructure to New Mexico
The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project is bringing long-awaited clean water infrastructure to Navajo Nation communities in New Mexico and Arizona. The $143 million project includes more than 35 miles of pipeline, multiple HDD crossings, and new storage tanks, with completion targeted for 2029.
Florida crews drill 5,000-foot HDD water line beneath East Bay
Bay County crews are drilling a 5,000-foot water line beneath East Bay to replace an aging bridge-mounted pipe and secure water supply for Tyndall Air Force Base and Mexico Beach. The $6.4 million HDD project is one of the longest of its kind in the U.S.
Vermeer fine-tunes D20x22 S3 HDD for greater durability, easier maintenance
Vermeer has updated its D20x22 S3 horizontal directional drill with improved hydraulic protection, streamlined maintenance access, and enhanced routing for better durability — aimed at boosting reliability for utility contractors in urban environments.
Mud disposal website supports HDD industry
CORINNA HUNT, Contributing Editor When most people hear “drilling mud,” they think of the oil-based mud that comes from vertical oil and gas drilling, which can cause environmental damage to ground conditions when disposed of improperly. But oil-based dril..
HDD Hall of Fame Class of ’26 Announced
The Horizontal Directional Drilling Association, in conjunction with Underground Infrastructure magazine, are pleased to announce the HDD Class of ’26.
Baraboo, Wis., turns to HDD, HDPE conduit for emergency fiber network
In Baraboo, Wis., HDD and HDPE conduit played a critical role in expanding the city’s emergency fiber network. Local manufacturer Teel Plastics supplied 12,000 feet of conduit for a fire and EMS project, keeping the installation on schedule and protecting the city’s historic downtown.
Ditch Witch sells Trencor, American Augers product line to refocus on HDD growth
Ditch Witch has sold its Trencor and American Augers auger boring businesses, reinforcing its focus on horizontal directional drilling. The auger segment was acquired by Michael Byrne Manufacturing, while the Trencor buyer remains undisclosed.
Celebrate excellence: Underground Infrastructure awards now open for submissions
Celebrate innovation in underground infrastructure. Submit your project for the 2025 UI Awards, honoring excellence in HDD, fiber, water, sewer, gas, power, asset management, and emerging technologies.
CST expands Midwest footprint with Indiana underground drilling acquisition
CST Utilities expands into Indiana with its acquisition of Daystar Directional Drilling, strengthening its underground utility services across the Midwest.
208-mile underground gas pipeline proposed across Mississippi, Alabama
Tennessee Gas has proposed a 208-mile underground natural gas pipeline across Mississippi and Alabama, with portions to be installed using horizontal directional drilling to minimize surface disruption.
Vermeer partners with Sharewell HDD to expand hole opener lineup
Vermeer has entered a new strategic alliance with Sharewell HDD, a recognized leader in downhole tooling, to provide contractors with a high-performance option for horizontal directional drilling (HDD) hole openers directly through Vermeer dealers.
HDD Association tackles industry issues, needs for small, large drillers
Surprisingly, it’s been more challenging than expected to prove to company owners that there’s value in correctly and safely performing horizontal directional drilling (HDD), observed Don Riggs, long-time owner/operator and HDD advocate. For the last two years, Riggs has served as HDDA’s inaugural president, and one of the top priorities of this new organization has been safety-focused education and training.
Combining hand tunneling, HDD for El Paso sewer job
To accommodate new residential development in El Paso, Texas, crews have been working for more than a year on a project to install a 54-inch sewer force main for El Paso Water. The plan was to complete the installation by hand tunneling – until complications necessitated the addition of horizontal directional drilling (HDD).
Vermeer launches RH9 drill head for compact rock bores
Vermeer’s new RH9 rock drill head gives dual-rod HDD crews a lighter, shorter option for installing small-diameter utilities in hard ground, pairing with the D23x30DR S3 and D40x55DR S3 rigs.
Dual conductor barrels keep HDD interceptor project on target
In a complex HDD interceptor crossing, Amici Engineering Contractors used telescoping conductor barrels and pneumatic pipe ramming to navigate poor soils and ensure successful bore alignment. The 7,600-foot reclaimed water main installation along a waterway was completed with precision using multi-stage casing and reaming techniques.
Fiber drives HDD growth as big-rig pipeline work returns
Underground Infrastructure's 27th Annual HDD Survey shows strong fiber-driven growth for small and mid-sized drill rigs, while large rig activity is rebounding as pipeline work picks back up across the U.S. Contractors remain optimistic, despite continued labor pressures and rising competition.
HDD industry faces challenges as cities push back on fiber drilling disruptions
As fiber installation accelerates across the U.S., some cities are banning HDD due to rising incidents of utility strikes and safety risks. This month's editor’s log explores how industry veterans and the HDDA are working to protect the future of directional drilling through safety, training, and a cultural shift.
JMF Underground acquired by MPE Partners, Delphi Infrastructure Group
MPE Partners, along with its portfolio company Delphi Infrastructure Group (DIG), have acquired JMF Underground. JMF specializes in horizontal directional drilling, boring, trenching, and excavation services related to the repair and maintenance of underground electrical and natural gas infrastructure.
ECI Contracting appoints Travis Vander Wert as new President
ECI Contracting has appointed Travis Vander Wert as President, effective in April 2025, the company announced this week. Vander Wert will lead ECI Contracting’s trenchless and distribution operations, taking on day-to-day leadership responsibilities. Vander Wert possesses a wealth of experience with over 25 years in the trenchless and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) industry.
Subsite launches M10 beacon for underground utility installation
Contractors can more easily and reliably run short shots of fiber lines and other underground utilities using the new M10 HDD guidance beacon from Subsite. The M10 beacon is designed for use with compact Ditch Witch horizontal directional drills (HDDs) like the JT5 and small drills from other manufacturers.
Understanding HDD pullback options: Conventional, direct and non-threaded methods explained
Explore HDD pullback options, including conventional setups, direct pullback, and non-threaded systems. Learn how each method impacts efficiency, flexibility, and jobsite performance.
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized
- 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
- $1.4 billion Midwest pipeline expansion to move more Canadian oil to U.S. Gulf
- 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