Trenchless Methods
Florida water pipeline uses curved steel casing in microtunneling first
A Florida water transmission project is using curved steel casing to navigate constrained underground corridors without adding shafts. The approach offers a new option for microtunneling in dense utility environments where straight-line alignments are difficult.
Strategic merger unites Mi-Tech and J.D. Hair, strengthening trenchless infrastructure delivery
Mi-Tech and J.D. Hair & Associates have merged to deliver a deeper bench in trenchless and HDD engineering, backed by geotechnical labs, surveying, and construction services. With all employees retained, clients should see seamless support for pipeline replacement, sewer rehabilitation, and alternative delivery projects starting immediately.
Trenchless HDPE upgrades New Orleans water transmission mains
New Orleans is replacing aging cast iron water transmission mains with trenchless HDPE pipe, cutting leaks, stabilizing pressure, and reducing construction disruption through a FEMA-funded program.
Vancouver pilots microtunneling to renew sewer beneath Memorial West Park
Vancouver is piloting microtunneling and sliplining beneath Memorial West Park to renew aging sewer infrastructure while keeping most construction underground and minimizing park disruption.
Toro completes $279 million acquisition of Tornado Infrastructure Equipment
The Toro Company has completed its acquisition of hydrovac equipment manufacturer Tornado Infrastructure Equipment, expanding its underground construction and vacuum excavation portfolio.
Eagle Merchant Partners invests in Atlantic Pipe Services to expand water infrastructure rehabilitation
Eagle Merchant Partners has made a strategic investment in Atlantic Pipe Services, one of Florida’s largest stormwater and wastewater inspection and rehabilitation providers. The partnership will support APS’ expansion, equipment investments and acquisitions as demand for water infrastructure maintenance grows statewide.
UV curing technology advances trenchless sewer rehabilitation efficiency
UV curing is transforming trenchless sewer rehabilitation with faster, safer, and more sustainable pipe repair methods. Learn how new UV machine technology is reshaping underground infrastructure maintenance.
Private equity backs trenchless rehabilitation firm in major infrastructure move
HCAP Partners has invested in Georgia-based Federal EC to expand its trenchless rehabilitation and underground utility services, supporting Crescent Peak and FVLCRUM’s acquisition and growth plans.
Navajo-Gallup project brings long-awaited water infrastructure to New Mexico
The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project is bringing long-awaited clean water infrastructure to Navajo Nation communities in New Mexico and Arizona. The $143 million project includes more than 35 miles of pipeline, multiple HDD crossings, and new storage tanks, with completion targeted for 2029.
Azuria expands rehab services with Atlantic Coast Contractors acquisition
Azuria Water Solutions has acquired North Carolina-based Atlantic Coast Contractors, a trenchless pipeline rehabilitation firm specializing in CIPP, slip lining, and water main replacement. The deal expands Azuria’s Southeast presence and strengthens its rehab service network.
Vortex expands pipeline rehab capabilities with PrimeLine acquisition
Vortex Companies has acquired PrimeLine Products to expand its small-diameter trenchless pipe rehabilitation solutions and strengthen customer support nationwide.
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.
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..
Azuria grants first license for EPA-approved trenchless CTPS pipeline rehab
Azuria Water Solutions has granted its first license for Close Tolerance Pipe Slurrification (CTPS), the only EPA-approved trenchless method for asbestos-cement pipeline replacement, to Basaraba Excavating in North Dakota. The partnership promises safer, cost-effective, and sustainable water infrastructure renewal.
City of Arlington deploys trenchless solutions for water main renewal
Arlington, Texas, is replacing nearly a mile of century-old water mains in its downtown using trenchless technology. The project, led by the city’s Water Utilities team, aims to modernize critical infrastructure with less disruption and greater efficiency, with completion expected by 2026.
Shenandoah acquires Nu-Pipe, expanding trenchless expertise across Southeast U.S.
Shenandoah, a leading provider of underground infrastructure services and a portfolio company of GenNx360 Capital Partners, has acquired Nu-Pipe LLC, strengthening its trenchless pipe rehabilitation capabilities across the Southeast.
UK's Halma expands into trenchless drilling with Brownline acquisition
Halma plc, a UK-based HSE company with global reach, has acquired Brownline, a Netherlands-based provider of smart, trenchless underground drilling technology. The $175 million deal represents a strategic expansion into infrastructure resilience and energy transition technologies for Halma’s Environmental & Analysis sector.
Vortex Companies appoints Ram Vela as Chief Strategy Officer
Trenchless leader The Vortex Companies has promoted Ram Vela to Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). The appointment follows several other recent leadership shifts by Vortex as part of its broader growth strategy.
Vortex promotes Chuck Parsons and Ryan Helmuth to key leadership positions
The Vortex Companies, a leading provider of trenchless water and sewer rehabilitation solutions, has promoted Chuck Parsons to Senior Vice President of Strategy and Operations, and Ryan Helmuth to Regional Vice President of its West Coast affiliate, Sancon Technologies.
UK’s Joseph Gallagher Ltd wins $67 million trenchless construction contract
London-based civil engineering & tunneling firm Joseph Gallagher Limited (JGL) has been awarded a contract to perform trenchless construction for the HyNet North West carbon capture project. JGL’s scope of work covers the design and construction of 53 trenchless crossings across a ~22 mi (35 km) pipeline route.
Vermeer launches RH9 drill head for compact rock bores
Vermeer’s new RH9 rock drill head gives dual-rod HDD crews a lighter, shorter option for installing small-diameter utilities in hard ground, pairing with the D23x30DR S3 and D40x55DR S3 rigs.
Dual conductor barrels keep HDD interceptor project on target
In a complex HDD interceptor crossing, Amici Engineering Contractors used telescoping conductor barrels and pneumatic pipe ramming to navigate poor soils and ensure successful bore alignment. The 7,600-foot reclaimed water main installation along a waterway was completed with precision using multi-stage casing and reaming techniques.
Vortex names Pete Dannenberg as new chief revenue officer
The Vortex Companies has promoted Pete Dannenberg to the role of Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). Dannenberg's expertise spans advanced trenchless technologies, including Vortex's Schwalm robotics, UV-CIPP curing systems, and CIPP curing monitoring tools, and his leadership will be instrumental in driving the company's growth initiatives, Vortex said in a statement.
Granite, Contri form joint venture to advance Nev. water infrastructure project
The project includes the installation of approximately 22,000 linear feet of 120-inch steel water pipeline, featuring up to three trenchless crossings beneath critical infrastructure: an existing 108-inch waterline, Interstate I-11, and Union Pacific Railroad tracks.
COREAQUA launches to address critical infrastructure needs across North America
As a family of companies, COREAQUA delivers integrated solutions for watermain rehabilitation and end-to-end water transfer, helping municipalities extend the life of critical infrastructure while protecting water quality. COREAQUA's formation is intended to align technical knowledge, field experience, and manufacturing capabilities under one brand.
Vortex partners with EBAA Iron on turnkey water main renewal system
Vortex Companies has announced a strategic partnership with EBAA Iron, a U.S. manufacturer of joint restraints for water and wastewater pipelines. The collaboration combines Vortex trenchless technologies with American manufacturing to offer a scalable, effective solution that's built entirely in the U.S.
ECI Contracting appoints Travis Vander Wert as new President
ECI Contracting has appointed Travis Vander Wert as President, effective in April 2025, the company announced this week. Vander Wert will lead ECI Contracting’s trenchless and distribution operations, taking on day-to-day leadership responsibilities. Vander Wert possesses a wealth of experience with over 25 years in the trenchless and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) industry.
Fiber optics and forests: Mosaic Technologies weaves fiber beneath Wisconsin’s Northwoods
In the forests of Northwest Wisconsin, Mosaic Technologies is laying nearly 400 miles of fiber to connect over 2,500 addresses, overcoming rugged terrain and tight deadlines to bring high-speed internet to remote communities.
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.
Body retrieved day after fatal trench collapse at Bakersfield, Calif., job site
A construction worker died after falling into a 20-foot trench at a site in west Bakersfield, Calif. Rescue teams recovered the body overnight, and an investigation is ongoing.
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized
- Alaska LNG pipeline could require 7,000 workers at peak construction, developers say
- Ohio trench collapse kills one worker, injures two during pipe installation
- Elon Musk's Boring Co. fined for dumping drilling waste into Vegas sewer system
- $1.4 billion Midwest pipeline expansion to move more Canadian oil to U.S. Gulf
- Glenfarne Alaska LNG targets late-2026 construction start for 807-mile pipeline project
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized
- Massive water line failure leaves majority of Waterbury without service
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- Pennsylvania American Water launches interactive map to identify, replace lead water service lines