Features

Inside Team Fishel's race to deliver fiber for a major data hub

Team Fishel completed a 14-mile fiber installation for a major Maryland data hub in just eight months, overcoming solid granite, tight rights-of-way and an aggressive construction schedule.

Five questions to ask when selecting stormwater management pipe

Jonathan Sickels of Advanced Drainage Systems outlines five key questions engineers and designers should ask when selecting stormwater management pipe for long-term performance and durability.

Omaha ramps up water main replacement with HDD and HDPE pipe

Omaha's Metropolitan Utilities District is expanding its water main replacement program, using horizontal directional drilling and HDPE pipe to replace aging cast iron infrastructure and reduce water main breaks.

Utility-safer trees can help protect underground infrastructure

Jason Rosell of West Bloomfield Township Water Utilities Department explains how strategic tree selection and placement can reduce damage to underground utilities, lower maintenance costs and improve long-term infrastructure reliability.

Making the most of ASTM F3706 for spray-applied mortar linings

ASTM F3706 is bringing new consistency to spray-applied mortar lining projects, but successful implementation requires more than following the standard. NASSCO experts outline practical guidance for specification writing, structural design, installation and quality control in large-diameter sewer and stormwater rehabilitation projects.

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.