Trenchless Methods
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.
Vortex acquires Foraction to expand trenchless solutions in North America
Vortex Companies on Friday announced its acquisition of Foraction, a trenchless watermain rehab contractor based in Canada. Vortex, a leader in trenchless infrastructure solutions, is continuing an aggressive growth strategy to expand its global presence and portfolio of solutions.
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.
Vortex acquires Prism to expand trenchless capability, service portfolio
Vortex Companies, a global leader in trenchless water and sewer infrastructure solutions, has acquired Prism Contractors & Engineers, Inc., in a strategic move that will enhance its trenchless technology applications for infrastructure across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast U.S. regions. Prism's core service offerings include civil engineering & surveying, trenchless rehabilitation, and utility construction.
Charleston County, S.C. deploys trenchless tech for pipe repair, sinkhole prevention
Charleston County Public Works has successfully applied trenchless technology as a no-dig solution to fix aging stormwater pipes around the South Carolina county, and prevent sinkholes with minimal disruption, ABC4 News reported.
Cal/OSHA cites contractor after deadly 17-foot trench collapse
Cal/OSHA has cited a California contractor following a fatal trench collapse that killed a worker inside a 17-foot excavation. Investigators found the trench lacked required cave-in protections and safety protocols.
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.
Dresser Utility Solutions acquires pipe-pulling tech firm Kobus
Dresser Utility Solutions has acquired Kobus, a U.S.- and U.K.-based provider of gas and water pipe pulling technology, in a move aimed at expanding Dresser’s infrastructure repair capabilities for utility customers.
Evanston, Ill., begins sewer line rehabilitation project using CIPP trenchless technology
The City of Evanston has begun work on a multi-month sewer rehabilitation project using the Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) trenchless method. Sewer cleaning and inspection started on March 25, with pipe lining scheduled to begin in May, weather permitting.
Worm-like robot burrows underground to cut power line installation costs
The innovation, known as a "peristaltic conduit," mimics the segmented movement of earthworms to propel itself through the soil with minimal disruption to existing infrastructure.
Two workers killed in Maryland trench collapse during home renovation
Two construction workers were killed on Feb. 28 after a trench collapsed while they were working on a home renovation project in Catonsville, Maryland, fire officials confirmed.
PURIS acquires Creekside, expanding trenchless pipeline services
PURIS has completed its acquisition of Creekside. Creekside, through its Insight Pipe and IPC Services brands, specializes in trenchless pipeline rehabilitation services for wastewater and stormwater sewer applications through the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions.
- 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