Magazine
Fiber optics and forests: Mosaic Technologies weaves fiber beneath Wisconsin’s Northwoods
In the forests of Northwest Wisconsin, Mosaic Technologies is laying nearly 400 miles of fiber to connect over 2,500 addresses, overcoming rugged terrain and tight deadlines to bring high-speed internet to remote communities.
Fort Wayne, Ind., tunnel project uses Vortex inserts to protect sewer system
Fort Wayne City Utilities is constructing a five-mile-long tunnel deep beneath the city to reduce combined sewer overflows into local rivers. Part of its Tunnel Works program, the project includes nine drop shafts, five of which feature IPEX’s Vortex Flow Inserts designed to minimize odors, prevent corrosion and improve wastewater quality before treatment.
Bridging the digital divide: Fiber installation brings innovation to the Pennsylvania Turnpike
In Pennsylvania, a groundbreaking fiber optic installation along the Turnpike is tackling two challenges at once: expanding the state’s digital backbone and closing the broadband gap in rural communities. With innovative micro-trenching methods and all-season materials, the project is on track to deliver 325 miles of new connectivity infrastructure by 2026.
Editor’s Log: Easy come, easy go
In this month’s Editor’s Log, Editor-in-Chief Robert Carpenter reflects on the fleeting nature of federal infrastructure funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, warning that recent budget proposals could undermine years of progress unless states and cities step up to meet the challenge.
How to get more hours out of your heavy equipment
Extend the life of your heavy equipment with smart practices that cut costs and boost productivity. From using high-quality fluids to operator training and preventive maintenance, Volvo Construction Equipment’s Tony D’Angelica outlines four key strategies to help fleets get more hours—and value—out of every machine.
Rehab News
Saertex multiCom Sustainability is an integral part of the corporate culture at SAERTEX multiCom and embedded in its DNA. Trenchless pipe rehabilitation using SAERTEX-LINERS makes a valuable contribution to protecting the precious resource of drinking wate..
NASSCO Tech Tip: QC sampling for lateral lining installations
The installed properties of mainline CIPP are affected by the installation process. This phenomenon has been referred to as natural parameter variation. To ensure the installed CIPP exhibits the necessary physical properties after curing is completed, field samples are prepared during installation and then sent to a testing laboratory for testing flexural modulus, strength and wall thickness.
Utility and communications construction update
While the final plan for tariffs from the Trump Administration is unknown, the initial rollout shocked investors and caused a flurry of market activity. This will likely continue until a stable plan that is being strategically implemented has been negotiated.
Congress renews efforts to improve pipeline safety law
The Trump administration appears to be more interested in energizing the federal pipeline safety regulator than the Biden administration ever was. President Trump in late February nominated Paul Roberti to be the administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), a position that Biden left open for his four years in office.
Nebraska communities unite to build regional wastewater system, opening path for growth
Sarpy County and five cities in Nebraska completed the first phase of a major wastewater project, overcoming geographic barriers to expand sewer service and unlock regional development.
New Products - April 2025
In the latest New Products column, Underground Infrastructure highlights Bobcat’s new lineup of heavy-duty loaders and excavators, John Deere’s advanced 850 X-Tier Dozer and SmartDetect Digital system, and SPMR’s real-time utility work order platform – each designed to boost performance, safety, and efficiency in underground utility construction.
Editor’s Log: Miles and miles to go
In this month’s Editor’s Log, Editor-in-Chief Robert Carpenter examines the persistent challenges facing major cities like Chicago in managing stormwater and sewer infrastructure, highlighting why even billions in federal funding still leave critical gaps.
Rehab Spotlight: Trenchless technologies offer new solutions for pipeline rehabilitation
This Rehab Spotlight highlights innovative trenchless technologies from Danby, HammerHead, NuFlow, MaxLiner, Reline America, and more, offering structural and CIPP solutions for aging underground infrastructure.
UI Awards 2025: Top projects, technologies honored during Underground Infrastructure Conference
UI Awards 2025 recognized leading underground infrastructure achievements, including major sewer, fiber, water and rehabilitation projects, at the annual awards dinner during the Underground Infrastructure Conference.
Griffolyn pre-liners improve reliability in trenchless pipe lining
Griffolyn reinforced pre-liners offer added protection and reliability during CIPP trenchless pipe rehabilitation, helping prevent resin washout, liner buckling, and installation delays in water and sewer infrastructure projects.
Newsline April 2025
ASCE gives stormwater and wastewater infrastructure near-failing grades; Houston completes key segment of 72-inch water line upgrade; Newsom fast-tracks underground utility rebuilds after wildfires; Massachusetts blasts Trump for halting lead pipe funds — all in the latest issue of Underground Infrastructure’s Newsline!
NASSCO Tech Tip: Force main and siphon inspection and maintenance
EPA CMOM, as well as local and state regulatory agencies, urge collection system inspections, and two of the more difficult assets to inspect and maintain are wastewater force mains and siphons. Luckily, today there are currently more options than ever to better manage these assets.
Canada aims to speed up infrastructure development, rehab
Canada intends to speed implementation of its ambitious plans for massive development and renovation of its underground infrastructure, in order to raise its efficiency and achieve a net-zero emissions target by 2050.
Drilling through coral in South Florida
Mears Group overcomes South Florida’s coral rock drilling challenges with Vermeer’s Bit Boss system, enhancing HDD efficiency in dense urban environments like Miami and Coral Gables.
Understanding the ‘competent person’ and this critical role
Excavations are integral to underground infrastructure construction, but they pose significant dangers for workers when improperly planned or managed. On average, more than 20 workers die from trench cave-ins each year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
UIC return to Houston includes 30% attendance increase
The Underground Infrastructure Conference celebrated its 30th anniversary with a return to Houston, home to the original show in 1995. But unlike that first event, which was held in a hotel, UIC 25 was located at the George R. Brown Convention Center and netted more than 30-percent attendance growth from 2024.
Outgoing DCA president Mark Albert ‘fit right in’
AGI Construction founder Mark Albert reflects on his tenure as DCA president, emphasizing new leadership pathways, committee engagement, and the future of the natural gas pipeline industry.
Editor’s Log: Old problems, redux
In this month’s Editor’s Log, Editor-in-Chief Robert Carpenter delves into the growing tension between fiber optic installations and aging underground infrastructure in Katy, Texas. As the city halts fiber projects over repeated water line strikes, Carpenter explores the broader implications for utility safety, contractor responsibility, and the need for better locating practices nationwide.
Unique nozzles unlock full potential of recycled water trucks
Specially designed nozzles are helping contractors and municipalities get the most out of recycled water sewer trucks, increasing jetting productivity and reducing downtime caused by clogs.
Williams highlights infrastructure’s role in surging gas demand at UIC 2025
At UIC 2025, Williams Co. VP Glenn Koch outlined how underground infrastructure and natural gas storage are critical to meeting surging U.S. energy demand, driven by data centers and peak-day power needs.
New Products - March 2025
In the latest New Products column, Underground Infrastructure spotlights Vermeer’s AutoTension feature for HDD rigs, GMP’s AccelAir 3 fiber-blowing machine, and Subsite’s new UtiliView app — all designed to streamline operations, reduce downtime, and boost productivity in underground utility work.
Newsline March 2025
Texas city halts fiber projects after damaging 16 water lines; Trump administration to redirect billions from fiber to satellite Internet; HYLAN expands into gas and pipeline infrastructure nationwide; Fort Worth begins two-year sewer main replacement downtown; trench collapse kills two workers in Maryland; — all in the latest issue of Underground Infrastructure’s Newsline!
Turning awareness into action: 811 call centers
Despite widespread awareness of 811 requirements, damage to underground utilities remains high. This article urges contractors to consistently use state OneCall centers and provides a full directory for safe digging compliance.
Newsline: Latest industry developments
Trench collapse kills one construction worker in Houston A construction worker was killed Wednesday, Feb. 5 after an eight-foot-deep trench he was working in collapsed in southwest Houston, according to ABC13 Eyewitness News and the Houston Fire Department (HFD). Houston fire crews responded to..
HDD Reunion, Hall of Fame celebration brings out memories, friends, accomplishments and good times
Underground Infrastructure magazine and the Horizontal Directional Drilling Association, in conjunction with the HDD Reunion Organization, are proud to announce the HDD Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The honorees will be inducted during the HDD Reunion on Wednesday, March 5.
- Authorities investigating trench collapse that killed worker in Ashburn, Va.
- NTSB publishes preliminary report on fatal gas pipeline explosion in Lexington, Mo.
- 290-mile gas pipeline expansion proposed across Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina
- Ditch Witch West sells first Bulldog trencher to speed up undergrounding work along West Coast
- Centuri awarded nearly $400 million for U.S. gas infrastructure work
- Growing Pains and Gains
- Maryland lawmakers push to curb BGE pipeline spending, citing safety and cost concerns
- Charlottesville, Va., to begin work on 24-inch water line for Rivanna River crossing
- Mass. governor slams Trump for ‘dangerous delay’ of $50 million in lead pipe replacement funds
- City of Albuquerque halts fiber optic construction in response to damage, complaints