Features
Data center growth creates new era for civil contractors
Rapid AI data center growth is driving unprecedented demand for power, water, transmission and civil infrastructure projects across North America.
Solvent welding best practices for reliable underground pipe joints
Proper solvent cement selection, environmental awareness and installation technique remain critical for reliable underground PVC, CPVC and ABS pipe systems.
Alberta’s Northwest Coast oil pipeline proposal weighed; critics express concern
A proposed Alberta pipeline project aimed at expanding crude oil exports to Asia is drawing support from industry leaders while facing opposition over environmental and Indigenous concerns.
How one HDD crew tracked a bore 60 feet above the Yellowstone River
Tru Directional used suspended HDD locating technology and all-terrain drilling equipment to complete two challenging fiber bores beneath Montana’s Yellowstone River during peak spring runoff.
Canada ramps up water infrastructure upgrades as system losses grow
Canada is increasing investment in water and wastewater infrastructure as aging systems, climate pressures and growing water losses strain utilities nationwide.
Microbial corrosion threatens concrete sewer pipes, new solution targets bacteria
Microbial corrosion is accelerating damage in concrete sewer systems, but new antimicrobial solutions are being developed to target the bacteria driving the problem.
HDPE training program helps utilities reduce leaks, strengthen workforce
A national HDPE pipeline training program is helping utilities reduce water loss, prevent leaks and build a skilled infrastructure workforce through hands-on education.
High-risk HDD bore in Calif. pushes precision limits beneath Deep Creek
A high-risk HDD bore beneath Deep Creek in California tested precision drilling, locator performance and real-time problem solving in challenging ground conditions.
When and why manhole rehabilitation is critical to sewer system performance
Manhole rehabilitation plays a key role in reducing infiltration, preventing structural failures and improving long-term sewer system performance.
Pipe cleaning critical to CIPP lining success in sewer rehabilitation
Proper pipe cleaning using high-powered nozzles and chain cutters is essential to ensure successful CIPP lining and long-term sewer system performance.
PCCA kicks off busy 2026 with D.C. Fly-In
The Power and Communication Contractors Association (PCCA) kicked off its 2026 agenda in Washington, D.C., pressing lawmakers on permitting reform, infrastructure funding, safety and workforce development.
Cold-weather injection grouting: Key considerations for below-grade structures
Cold weather can significantly affect injection grouting performance. This NASSCO Tech Tips feature highlights key considerations for grout selection, curing times, material storage and equipment care when rehabilitating below-grade wastewater structures in freezing conditions.
UI Editor-in-Chief inducted into HDD Hall of Fame at UIC 2026
Robert Carpenter, Editor-in-Chief of Underground Infrastructure, was inducted into the HDD Hall of Fame at UIC 2026 in San Antonio, honoring decades of leadership and influence in the HDD industry.
Digital asset management tools target $39 billion in global non-revenue water losses
Advanced technologies including AI, digital twins, AMI and GIS are helping utilities reduce non-revenue water, improve leak detection and optimize hydraulic efficiency, according to a Xylem Vue report on water technology trends.
Inside Infrastructure: Significant recent action means future of permit reform lies in the Senate
Permitting reform is gaining momentum after the House advanced the SPEED Act and PERMIT Act, while EPA proposes updates to Clean Water Act Section 401 — leaving the Senate as the next major hurdle for changes affecting pipeline, broadband and water infrastructure projects.
Dominican Republic, Jamaica lead Caribbean water infrastructure investment push
Caribbean nations including the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica are planning major water and wastewater infrastructure investments to address aging systems, drought pressures and growing potable water demand.
Municipal sewer and water spending projected to reach $26.9 billion in 2026
UI’s 29th Annual Municipal Sewer/Water Infrastructure Forecast projects $26.9 billion in 2026 spending as federal Infrastructure Bill funding winds down and cities continue aggressive project design and release plans.
Fiber construction market looks very strong through 2030
Michael C. Render, RVA LLC According to research conducted by RVA for the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) and data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), 2025 marked a record year for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) deployment. During this period, 11.8 million additional homes were passed an..
Canada plans active building of underground transmission infrastructure
Canada is accelerating plans to expand underground transmission infrastructure as utilities modernize aging grids, harden systems against extreme weather and prepare for rising urban electricity demand.
Raising QA/QC standards for in-building CIPP projects
Improving QA/QC documentation for in-building CIPP projects is becoming an industry expectation, helping contractors reduce risk, improve transparency and strengthen client confidence.
Dual-threat approach conquers West Texas pipeline challenge
A West Texas pipeline project for Kinetik highlights how 2 Stone Industries combined trenching and HDD methods to complete a 44-mile NGL pipeline under a tight construction timeline.
Underground cables market to hit $55.1 billion by 2033
The global underground cables market is projected to grow from $32.5 billion in 2024 to $55.1 billion by 2033, driven by urbanization, power reliability needs, and rising demand for resilient energy infrastructure.
2026 outlook bright for utility and communications construction markets
Utility and communications construction markets are heading into 2026 with strong momentum, driven by data center growth, rising power demand, grid investment and continued water and pipeline infrastructure work.
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.
UIC 2026: Moving your business forward starts here
The infrastructure problems you're facing today didn't exist five years ago. And the ones coming next year? You can't solve them with last decade's playbook. UIC 2026 exists to close that gap – two concentrated days where you get ahead of the curve instead of scrambling to catch up.
Underground Infrastructure Awards 2026 honor MVP, top projects
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.
ASTM F1216 updates reshape pressure pipe design for CIPP rehabilitation
Recent revisions to ASTM F1216 update how cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) liners are designed for pressure applications, correcting long-standing assumptions around hole spanning, internal pressure resistance, and groundwater loading.
SAWS’ Jeff Habey to be honored as 2026 MVP
Jeff Haby, senior vice president of production operations at San Antonio Water System, has been selected as the 2026 Most Valuable Professional for his leadership in delivering more than $1.2 billion in critical water and wastewater infrastructure improvements.
Two days that will change how you approach infrastructure projects
UIC 2026 is almost here. Two days. Real education. Real technology. Real industry leaders. Join us in San Antonio Jan. 27–28 to get ahead of the trends reshaping underground infrastructure.
- 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
- Texas811 launches real-time excavation detection to prevent utility strikes
- Fiber drilling strike triggers major sewer failure, lawsuits in Florida
- 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
- Inside Infrastructure: Utility locators warn of systemic failures in damage prevention process