Research
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.
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.
2026 underground infrastructure markets: from lukewarm pipelines to white-hot fiber
A look ahead at 2026 underground infrastructure markets shows uneven momentum — from lukewarm oil pipelines to booming fiber, power grid expansion, and rising natural gas demand driven by data centers and federal broadband funding.
Carolinas water, sewer work shows resilience amid softer 2026 outlook
Water and sewer construction in North and South Carolina is expected to remain resilient in 2026, with contractors reporting solid backlogs and continued demand despite broader market uncertainty.
U.S. gas demand sets up largest pipeline expansion since 2008, report says
Rising LNG exports, data center power demand and Permian gas growth are driving the largest U.S. natural gas pipeline expansion since 2008, according to a new Morningstar DBRS analysis.
Construction jobs stumble into 2026 after weak year
Construction employment fell by 11,000 jobs in December, capping a weak 2025 that saw just 14,000 net jobs added, according to ABC and federal labor data.
Contractors brace for 2026, water and sewer work holds steady
Construction contractors are entering 2026 with dampened expectations as economic uncertainty grows, though water, sewer and utility projects remain among the stronger market segments, according to a new AGC and Sage industry outlook.
Why sewer and water markets enter 2026 cautiously optimistic
As federal infrastructure funding winds down, sewer and water markets enter 2026 with cautious optimism, driven by years of underinvestment, ongoing EPA programs, and record local spending.
Philadelphia-Camden sewers spill 12 billion gallons of sewage a year into local waterways, report finds
A new report warns that combined sewer overflows in the Philadelphia-Camden region are dumping 12 billion gallons of pollution into the Delaware River basin each year, threatening public health and water quality.
Global tunnel construction projects reach $1.5 trillion worldwide
Global tunnel construction activity hits a record $1.5 trillion, led by major investments in North-East Asia, Western Europe, and North America, according to a new report.
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.
- Inside Sempra’s 72-mile pipeline with 18 major trenchless crossings
- PHMSA warns of heat risks in aging plastic gas distribution pipelines following deadly Pennsylvania explosion
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- OSHA seeks $1.2 million fine after fatal trench collapse in Connecticut
- Phase 1 Alaska LNG pipeline advances with construction awards, pipe supply agreements
- T-Mobile to expand fiber broadband infrastructure footprint with $4.9 billion Metronet acquisition
- First tunnel boring machines complete testing for Hudson Tunnel Project
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- Construction jobs stumble into 2026 after weak year
- NWPX grows water infrastructure portfolio with Colorado precast facility