Technology
New Orleans expands use of trenchless technology to modernize underground pipes
New Orleans is expanding the use of trenchless pipe rehabilitation to repair underground water and sewer lines more efficiently, reducing disruption and speeding up infrastructure work across the city.
Topcon, Amberg launch integrated solutions for tunnel construction and surveying
Topcon and Amberg Technologies unveiled new integrated tunnel construction solutions at INTERGEO 2025, combining advanced positioning and measurement systems to improve accuracy, automation, and data workflows in underground infrastructure projects.
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Comcast expands fiber broadband rollout with Harmonic technology
Comcast is expanding its fiber broadband network with Harmonic’s cOS platform, enabling multi-gigabit speeds, low latency, and cost-effective rollouts, including in rural communities through BEAD projects.
Sonar technology gives sewer inspections a clearer view below the waterline
In this month’s Tech Tips, NASSCO highlights how sonar technology is transforming sewer inspections by revealing conditions below the waterline that CCTV misses, improving maintenance planning and rehabilitation design.
New tools boost underground infrastructure crews: HDD rigs, fusion clamps and AR rentals
The latest tools for underground infrastructure include TT Technologies’ new HDD rig, IPEX’s electrofusion clamps and fittings, and United Rentals’ AR planning tools — all designed to improve efficiency and reliability on job sites.
AI adoption accelerates in underground infrastructure as SewerAI reports strong utility uptake
A new market analysis shows utilities are adopting AI faster to manage underground infrastructure. SewerAI reports strong retention and cost savings as demand for digital water solutions grows.
Amazon, Xylem partner on smart water infrastructure to save 1.3 billion liters annually in Mexico
Mexico City and Monterrey have launched smart water projects with Xylem and Amazon, saving 1.3 billion liters annually and improving supply resilience.
AECOM launches Singapore AI center for underground infrastructure planning
Global infrastructure firm AECOM has launched its AI Innovation Centre in Singapore, backed by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). The initiative aims to support Singapore’s vision for sustainable urban development by optimizing underground spaces.
United Rentals adds AI and AR tools to streamline equipment rentals
United Rentals has launched AI-powered Smart Suggestions and augmented reality equipment fitting tools to speed rental decisions and improve jobsite planning.
Race for AI dominance renews focus on natural gas and pipeline capacity
Industry advocate Eben Wyman explains how the surging power needs of AI data centers are bringing natural gas back into the spotlight, and why expanded pipeline infrastructure and permitting reform are key to meeting demand.
New Orleans utility launches AI tool to track neighborhood flooding
New Orleans flooding tool, SWBNO FloodTracker, ISeeChange AI partnership, New Orleans stormwater management, catch basin reporting New Orleans, localized flooding New Orleans, SWBNO drainage maintenance, stormwater infrastructure tracking.
Study says 2.3x more fiber needed to support U.S. AI by 2029
The Fiber Broadband Association has published results from research performed by RVA LLC, emphasizing that 2.3x more fiber is needed in the U.S. to support AI performance, scalability and security.
CIPP lining strengthens 7,700-foot Fox River interceptor in Wisconsin
A Wisconsin sewer district completed a complex CIPP lining project beneath the Fox River, restoring more than 7,700 feet of interceptor pipe. The work, carried out entirely from barges, overcame unique challenges posed by the riverbed and urban setting.
Azuria, Inframark combine to form leading water solutions business
Azuria Water Solutions and Inframark are combining businesses to form a leading, independent water solutions and services platform. The merger brings anticipated revenue of more than $2 billion and more than 6,000 employees, the combination will give customers access to a leading end-to-end suite of solutions and technologies, the companies announced.
Exodigo raises $96 million to expand AI underground mapping for U.S., global projects
Underground mapping innovator Exodigo has secured $96 million in funding, doubling its valuation based on global demand from utility, transportation and infrastructure leaders. Exodigo's technology focuses on mapping buried pipes, wires and utility assets, to make designing and constructing new buildings, highways, subways, and other massive infrastructure projects safer and avoid unnecessary excavation.
Normet appoints new tunneling director to expand North, Latin America reach
Normet, a global technology company specializing in underground solutions, tunneling and civil engineering, has appointed Claudia Hernandez as Director of Tunneling Americas, reinforcing its goal to expand across both North America and Latin America. Claudia has held key technical and leadership roles supporting some of the world's most complex underground projects, Normet stated.
Leica unveils DS4000 system for deeper underground utility detection
Leica Geosystems has launched the DS4000, a utility detection system capable of identifying underground assets up to 60% deeper than traditional methods, with improved clarity for both shallow and deep utilities.
Azuria Water Solutions acquires BLD Services to expand pipeline rehab capabilities
Azuria Water Solutions has acquired BLD Services, the nation's largest installer of CIPP lateral liners, expanding its footprint in water pipeline rehabilitation across the Central and Eastern U.S.
Heath to divest 811 locate services to USIC, sharpen focus on emissions tech
Heath Consultants is selling its 811 locate services to USIC to focus on methane emissions detection technologies. The deal, expected to close by Q3 2025, supports Heath’s strategic pivot toward advanced leak detection and regulatory compliance tools.
Preparing brick masonry manholes for bonded rehabilitation systems
Brick masonry manholes made from clay or shale brick and laid with portland-cement mortar are still used in North America. Although typically historical, they are often found in manhole rehabilitation projects.
CASE introduces two new midi excavators to its lineup
CASE Construction Equipment has introduced two new compact, feature-packed midi excavators designed to bolster productivity and flexibility on the job: the CX85E and CX90E midi excavators.
Subsite launches M10 beacon for underground utility installation
Contractors can more easily and reliably run short shots of fiber lines and other underground utilities using the new M10 HDD guidance beacon from Subsite. The M10 beacon is designed for use with compact Ditch Witch horizontal directional drills (HDDs) like the JT5 and small drills from other manufacturers.
Fort Wayne, Ind., tunnel project uses Vortex inserts to protect sewer system
Fort Wayne City Utilities is constructing a five-mile-long tunnel deep beneath the city to reduce combined sewer overflows into local rivers. Part of its Tunnel Works program, the project includes nine drop shafts, five of which feature IPEX’s Vortex Flow Inserts designed to minimize odors, prevent corrosion and improve wastewater quality before treatment.
Bridging the digital divide: Fiber installation brings innovation to the Pennsylvania Turnpike
In Pennsylvania, a groundbreaking fiber optic installation along the Turnpike is tackling two challenges at once: expanding the state’s digital backbone and closing the broadband gap in rural communities. With innovative micro-trenching methods and all-season materials, the project is on track to deliver 325 miles of new connectivity infrastructure by 2026.
Cleveland, Texas, modernizes water system with new advanced metering infrastructure
Cleveland, Texas, completes AMI water system upgrade with Ameresco, improving meter accuracy, cutting costs, and boosting revenue recovery.
Understanding HDD pullback options: Conventional, direct and non-threaded methods explained
Explore HDD pullback options, including conventional setups, direct pullback, and non-threaded systems. Learn how each method impacts efficiency, flexibility, and jobsite performance.
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.
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.
- 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
- Funding approved for $1.3 billion, 60-mile water reuse system in southern Utah
- Is the Boring Company tunneling blind in Nashville? Experts warn rock tests fall short