Research
Trenchless Technology Center research updates
Research activity at the Trenchless Technology Center (TTC) at Louisiana Tech University remains near all-time highs, both in terms of active projects and funding. The center currently has a dozen active externally funded projects, with several more in the p..
CGA report shows utility damages rising, nearly 200,000 incidents in 2024
The 2024 CGA DIRT Report shows nearly 200,000 utility damages last year, with incidents rising instead of declining. Industry leaders warn stronger enforcement, mapping, and training are needed to protect underground infrastructure.
Miami Beach may study underground transit tunnels to ease congestion
Miami Beach officials will explore whether underground transit tunnels could reduce congestion, tasking the commission with studying technical feasibility, funding, and integration with existing systems.
CGA report shows utility damage rates climbing, calls for stronger enforcement
The Common Ground Alliance’s 2024 DIRT Report shows buried utility damages are climbing, with late locates and recurring errors driving risk. CGA warns stronger enforcement and industry-wide changes are needed.
Promoting research, development and training in underground infrastructure construction, renewal technologies
The Center for Underground Infrastructure Research and Education (CUIRE) at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has been actively involved in advancing technologies such as trenchless rehabilitation methods, underground infrastructure renewal and supporting government and industry in innovation within this field.
Study: Aging systems, regulations to drive $515 billion in U.S. water infrastructure upgrades
Bluefield Research projects U.S. capital spending on water and wastewater treatment infrastructure will top $515 billion by 2035, with most funding going toward aging system upgrades and regulatory compliance.
Illinois notifies 47 water systems of PFAS violations, triggers right-to-know requirements
Illinois EPA has notified 47 community water systems of PFAS violations under newly adopted groundwater standards. Affected systems must alert the public under Right-to-Know rules, as state and federal agencies ramp up PFAS oversight.
Cyberattacks on U.S. water utilities worsen, posing growing threat to infrastructure, study finds
A new Semperis study reveals that 62% of utilities in the U.S. and U.K. faced cyberattacks last year, with over half suffering permanent data loss. Nation-state actors, including China's Volt Typhoon, are increasingly targeting power and water systems.
Willamette River goes sewer overflow-free thanks to Big Pipe system in Portland, Ore.
Portland recently marked a major environmental milestone: one full year without a combined sewer overflow (CSO) into the Willamette River, a testament to the long-term success of the city’s $1.4 billion Big Pipe Project.
ASCE gives U.S. infrastructure best grade yet—stormwater, wastewater and energy still near failing
The American Society of Civil Engineers gave U.S. infrastructure its highest grade since 1998, but critical systems like stormwater, wastewater, and energy remain near failing, according to the 2025 Report Card.
Report outlines strategies to strengthen water infrastructure in underserved communities
Many low-income and rural communities face deteriorating water infrastructure, leading to leaks, contamination, and unreliable access to clean water. In some areas, outdated systems waste billions of gallons of water annually, while families struggle to afford costly repairs and upgrades.
United Rentals highlights connected worksite strategies for safety, productivity
United Rentals Inc. has outlined strategies for construction, industrial, and manufacturing companies to enhance worksite performance by integrating data-driven solutions.
Fiber broadband deployment costs stabilizing, report finds
The Fiber Broadband Association’s latest Fiber Deployment Cost Annual Report, conducted by Cartesian, shows that broadband service providers expect fiber deployment costs to remain steady or rise slightly—less than 10%—compared to 2024. This marks an improvement from the previous year’s study, which reported steeper cost increases.
Special tracks, training & competition headline UIC 2025
We are gearing up for Underground Infrastructure magazine’s 30th Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC), March 4-6 in Houston. Attend UIC and be part of a transformative event designed to inspire, educate, and connect infrastructure professions across the industry. From groundbreaking sessions to exclusive networking opportunities, this year’s conference promises an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Transferring technology from control studies to field applications
The Center for Innovative Grouting Materials and Technology (CIGMAT), a joint university-industry consortium, is not only focused on performing highly challenging research, but also communicating and educating the leaders from various large counties, cities, transportation departments, construction and oil industries, and engineers and university students, with the new innovative technologies, models.
2024 Large horizontal directional drilling rigs census
When a project calls for horizontal directional drilling (HDD), it’s important to use a qualified contractor and the right equipment for the specific needs, especially when it involves a large rig. This annual census, compiled by Underground Infrastructure, serves as a valuable resource in the selection process and, ultimately, project success.
CGA report underscores progress, challenges of buried utilities damage prevention
The Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the national nonprofit trade association dedicated to protecting underground utility lines, people who dig near them and their communities, recently published its 2023 Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report.
Leaking wastewater systems named top source of San Diego River contamination, study finds
(UI) — A five-year study by the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP) has identified deteriorating wastewater infrastructure as the primary source of human fecal contamination in the San Diego River.
CGA opens registration for 25th annual conference in Orlando, Florida
The conference will bring together industry leaders to reflect on CGA’s quarter-century legacy and explore future innovations in damage prevention.
CGA’s 2023 DIRT report shows fewer utility damages, urges action on locating delays
The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) has released its 2023 Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report, showing a drop in utility damage incidents but highlighting ongoing challenges in reducing damages to buried infrastructure.
Federal government must address construction workforce shortage with better policies, survey finds
The nation’s failure to invest in construction workforce education and training programs is having a real, measurable impact on the country’s ability to build infrastructure and other construction projects, according to the results of a workforce survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and Arcoro.
Purdue University students gain industry insights at UIC 2024
Held in Oklahoma City, the annual conference provides a platform for attendees to share the latest research findings, technological advancements and best practices, thereby promoting the development of the underground infrastructure industry.
Survey reveals concerns over PFAS contamination in U.S. drinking water
A recent survey conducted by water treatment provider Culligan sheds light on widespread concerns among Americans regarding the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in their drinking water.
California achieves record groundwater recharge in 2023
Despite improvements, California faces a 40 million acre-feet groundwater storage deficit due to decades of over-pumping. Addressing this requires expanding recharge projects, upgrading infrastructure, and modernizing distribution systems.
Flume leads largest residential water use study in North America
Flume Water has been selected by the Water Research Foundation to conduct the largest-ever Residential End Uses of Water Study in North America, involving over 50 utility partners and data from over 100,000 households. This groundbreaking research aims to enhance water management and sustainability across the continent.
WRF funds 26 new water research projects worth $5.9 billion
Utilities and subject matter experts are invited to get involved with these new projects as participating utilities or Project Advisory Committee (PAC) members. Utilities can serve as test facilities, provide samples, respond to surveys, loan equipment, or share staff expertise on research projects of interest.
Fiber Broadband Association advocates for retiring copper in favor of future-proof fiber
FBA's new white paper argues that many telecommunications providers still face unnecessary expenses and complexity by maintaining legacy copper infrastructure, despite having migrated to fiber in core and access networks.
Hudson Tunnel Project set to generate 95,000 jobs during construction phase, report says
According to a recent study by the Regional Plan Association (RPA), the Hudson Tunnel Project, valued at $16.04 billion, is expected to generate 95,000 jobs during its construction phase, surpassing previous projections by a significant margin.
80% of New Jersey residents support natural gas pipeline construction, report finds
An analysis of New Jersey energy demand and requirements shows that three out of four New Jersey households currently rely on natural gas for heating and 80% of New Jersey residents support the construction of natural gas pipelines that would significantly reduce overall emissions.
New Jersey “overwhelmingly” prefers natural gas to power homes, survey says
Nearly 60% of residents also oppose New Jersey wasting millions of taxpayer dollars to stop natural gas pipeline projects.
- Three Houston workers killed by hydrogen sulfide leak during sewer repair
- Trump's tariffs drive $33 million cost increase for Cincinnati sewer project
- TxDOT advances massive drainage tunnel beneath I-35 in Austin
- Is the Boring Company tunneling blind in Nashville? Experts warn rock tests fall short
- MTA awards $1.97 billion tunnel-boring contract for subway expansion