Magazine
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.
28th annual municipal sewer/water infrastructure forecast & market analysis: How long will the money flow?
Underground Infrastructure provides its forecast and market analysis of the U.S. municipal sewer/water infrastructure sector. This survey polls U.S. municipalities about their top concerns and issues, 2025 infrastructure spending plans and much more.
Inside Infrastructure: Trump executive actions offer both promise and concern for construction
Following a historic election, the lighting speed of President Donald Trump’s efforts to fast track his agenda were unprecedented. The response to the Trump agenda can only be described as vocal and divided, with promising proposals related to energy policy injecting confidence in an industry that has been attacked over the past couple of decades.
New products: Latest industry developments
Ditch Witch HDD contractors can now more efficiently complete fiber and other underground utility jobs with the new JT21 directional drill from Ditch Witch. An upgraded replacement for the JT20, the JT21 delivers up to 40-percent more downhole horsepower..
Washington watch: Last-minute Biden pipeline actions in the balance
The Biden administration’s attempts in its last month to make significant changes to pipeline regulation may be early targets for reversal for the incoming Trump administration. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) was particularly active as the clock ran out, finalizing one pipeline leak detection rule and issuing its intent to define “categorical exclusions” which are proposed pipeline operational changes that would not need environmental review.
Brewer Water Department tackles lead service line inventory with vac excavation
The Brewer Water Department in Maine has adopted an innovative approach to meet the demands of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). These revisions, finalized in December 2020, require water systems to prepare and maintain an inventory of service line materials later in 2025.
Cold weather hydro excavation: Tips for safe digging
Jobs don’t stop when temperatures drop. Hydro excavation remains a safe and effective method for accessing underground utilities in freezing conditions. Learn key tips for maintaining efficiency and safety in cold weather.
MVP celebration approaches sell-out
Houston-based underground infrastructure contractor Mark L. Boyer has been selected as the Most Valuable Professional of the underground industry for 2025. He has been serving the Texas and surrounding states’ markets for almost 40 years.
PCCA enters 2025 with full agenda
With the federal government in tremendous flux at the start of the year, leaders of the Power & Communication Contractors Association knew they had to hit the ground running in 2025. They knew that with President Trump returning to the White House and a new GOP-led Congress, our industry would be buoyed by pro-business policies and unshackled from the over-regulation and imposed social policies of the last four years.
- Oil pipeline struck during fiber optic construction spills into L.A. storm drains
- Fiber drilling strike triggers major sewer failure, lawsuits in Florida
- Utility strike at center of Dallas explosion investigation
- $1 billion Ohio River Tunnel project awarded in Pittsburgh
- Las Vegas advances multibillion-dollar water pipeline expansion
- 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
- Senate passes PIPELINE Safety Act aimed at strengthening buried utility protection
- $104 million Lynchburg, Va., tunnel nears breakthrough beneath Blackwater Creek