Underground Construction
Enstor eyes FERC nod to double underground gas storage capacity at Mississippi Hub
Enstor Gas LLC has submitted an application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for an expansion of its underground natural gas storage facility located in Simpson County, Mississippi.
Wisconsin’s Menominee Tribe secures funding for underground power line project
FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant program has allocated $872,894 to support the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin's underground power line conversion initiative.
Damage prevention and safety: Turning awareness into action
Surveys and studies reveal that professional excavators/contractors are highly aware of Common Ground Alliance’s (CGA) 811 initiative that requires they (as well as landscapers and homeowners) contact their state’s OneCall Center so underground utility lines are identified and marked before breaking ground.
Western sanctions impacting Russian underground infrastructure
The Russian sector of underground infrastructure construction is potentially in a serious crisis. The ever deepening shortage of funding and the lack of technologies are posing a threat for implementation of many investment projects and planned modernization of existing infrastructure.
Colorado Springs Utilities undertakes underground power line shift post-2021 windstorm
In Colorado Springs, efforts are underway by Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) to relocate power lines underground after identifying susceptibility during a windstorm in 2021.
California regulators greenlight program to accelerate electric infrastructure undergrounding
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has introduced a new initiative aimed at accelerating the undergrounding of electric distribution infrastructure across the state. This program, mandated by Senate Bill (SB) 884, targets increased system resilience and climate adaptation.
Nevada OSHA fines Elon Musk's Boring Company over safety violations in Vegas tunnel project
Elon Musk's Boring Company incurred fines exceeding $112,000 due to safety breaches flagged by the Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration during the construction of the Vegas Loop underground tunnel last year.
Consumers Energy to bury electric lines in six Michigan counties
Consumers Energy has announced the approval of a targeted undergrounding pilot program by the Michigan Public Service Commission. With a $3.7 million investment, the company plans to bury 10 miles of overhead power lines within the next year.
I&M commences reconstruction of underground power line in Muncie, Ind.
Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) representatives plan to start construction next week to rebuild an aging underground power line along Tillotson Avenue in Muncie.
Underground electric cable replacement program in Geneva, Ill., to bolster service reliability
The city of Geneva, Illinois, is set to improve the reliability of its electric service by undertaking an underground cable replacement project slated to commence in March.
Austin Energy's distribution system undergoes assessment for underground feasibility
Twin independent studies by engineering firm Burns & McDonnell will begin in March 2024 to assess the underground feasibility and overhead resiliency of Austin Energy’s distribution system.
New York State OKs $57.8 million underground transmission line linking Nanuet to West Nyack
The New York State Public Service Commission has greenlit a $57.8 million project to install a new underground transmission line spanning approximately five-and-one-half miles between the Burns substation and the West Nyack Substation in the town of Clarkstown, New York.
Exodigo, PNNL partner to advance underground power line technology
Exodigo will work with participating utilities to support GOPHURRS' mission to strengthen and modernize America's aging power grid through the development of cost-effective, high-speed, and safe undergrounding technologies.
OPALCO invests in underground power lines project in Washington's Doe Bay area
OPALCO has commenced a project to relocate overhead power lines to an underground system, covering the (temporary) Doe Bay bridge to the Eagle Lake intersection in Washington.
EPA approves underground carbon injection well construction in Indiana
These underground injection wells will be used to store carbon dioxide from nearby fertilizer production that has been captured prior to release to the atmosphere, reducing emissions that contribute to climate change.
Maryland's ambitious flood mitigation project set to break ground in Ellicott City
The Extended North Tunnel, designed to carry 26,000 gallons of stormwater per second through a mile-long, 18-foot diameter tunnel, is a crucial element in the multimillion-dollar initiative to mitigate flooding in Ellicott City, Maryland.
DOE awards $34 million for advancing underground power line technologies
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $34 million for 12 projects across 11 states to strengthen and modernize America’s aging power grid through the development of cost-effective, high-speed, and safe undergrounding technologies.
Crossing the Bay
West of Houston, the region’s petrochemical infrastructure creates a tangled maze of pipelines, roads, swamps and endangered ecosystems. Performing HDD operations here would challenge any contractor. Add a crossing under the Intercoastal Waterway to the mix – arguably the busiest commercial shipping channel in the United States – and you have a job that is not for the faint of heart.
Greenville, S.C., residents eligible for $3,000 power line burial support from Duke Energy
In a collaborative effort, Duke Energy and Greenville, S.C. introduced the POWER ON initiative, aiming to assist homeowners in burying their power lines and ensuring a reliable energy supply.
Summit Carbon Solutions secures 80% right-of-way in North Dakota for carbon capture project
Summit Carbon Solutions has acquired 80% of the Right-of-Way (ROW) needed for its proposed carbon capture, transport, and storage project across North Dakota.
Zoo requires unique, specialized approach to infrastructure construction of new exhibit
Discover how Longhorn Organics utilizes high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes in a groundbreaking project at Caldwell Zoo's Amazon River's Edge exhibit. With a focus on water features for giant otters and jaguars, this article explores the fusion of 7,000 feet of HDPE pipe, ensuring reliability and durability.
Dig into your future at UIC
To unlock the secrets of this subterranean realm and revolutionize your approach to utility construction, rehabilitation and asset management, there's no better investment than the 2024 Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC) to be held in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Idaho Broadband Advisory Board invests $120 million in 18 statewide fiber optic projects
(UI) — The Idaho Broadband Advisory Board (IBAB) has awarded $120 million in funding from the Idaho Capital Projects Fund (CPF) to 18 broadband projects across Idaho, connecting over 30,000 homes and businesses.
Brentwood, Tenn., expanding fiber optic infrastructure along city’s western edge
(UI) — The company, Kane Konnections LLC, has been awarded a $266,068 contract by the Brentwood City Commission to install an underground fiber optic cable along Longstreet Drive and Robert E. Lee Lane, situated on the western side of Franklin Road.
UI Awards ’24 finalists announced
(UI) — The annual Underground Infrastructure Awards (UIA), the most comprehensive and prestigious program to recognize outstanding performance and technology for the entire underground infrastructure industry, has announced the finalists for the 2024 awards.
PG&E hits milestone with 600 miles of underground powerlines, reducing wildfire risk for 20 counties
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has constructed and energized more than 600 miles of underground powerlines since its ambitious 10,000-mile undergrounding program started in mid-2021, the company announced on Dec. 20.
Editor’s Log: And then reality sunk in
In the underground infrastructure realm, plastic piping, conduit and related products are essential to solving market needs. Plastic piping systems are sustainable and environmentally responsible because they are energy-efficient during manufacturing and provide protection from contamination during service.
Michigan regulators approve $500 million Great Lakes tunnel for aging oil pipeline
Michigan officials approved a $500 million plan Friday to encase in a protective tunnel a portion of an aging oil pipeline that runs beneath a channel connecting two Great Lakes, leaving just one more regulatory hurdle for the contentious project.
New York Transco's $1.4 billion power line plan receives state nod
(UI) — New York Transco has received the green light from New York State's utilities regulator on Thursday for three transmission projects. As part of this comprehensive project, the developer plans to introduce three new underground cables linking Long Island to the broader state.
Russ Ford named 2024 MVP of underground infrastructure industry
(UI) — Russ Ford, a noted infrastructure expert, has been selected as the Most Valuable Professional of the underground infrastructure industry for 2024. Ford, a senior associate at Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc., will be honored at a special luncheon on March 19 at the annual Underground Infrastructure Conference (UIC).
- Intrepid Fiber breaks ground on fiber optic network in Superior, Colo.
- Excavator collides with I-95 overpass in Henrico, Va., causing multi-vehicle crash
- Shrewsbury, Mass., expands sewer inspections and cleaning efforts
- Two workers rescued after hours trapped in Mich. trench collapse
- Trump calls for Keystone XL pipeline revival, but developer has moved on
- Illinois overhauls Peoples Gas pipeline program, mandates focus on high-risk pipes
- Ameren Illinois to invest $140 million in natural gas pipeline replacement program
- Charlottesville, Va., to begin work on 24-inch water line for Rivanna River crossing
- Mass. governor slams Trump for ‘dangerous delay’ of $50 million in lead pipe replacement funds