Workforce
Hope Gas plans $250 million West Virginia pipeline project, 600 construction jobs
Hope Gas plans a $250 million pipeline expansion in West Virginia to boost capacity and reliability in Mason County, a project expected to create more than 600 construction jobs.
NWPX Infrastructure names new executives to lead water transmission, precast operations
NWPX Infrastructure has promoted four leaders into senior operations roles, strengthening oversight across its water transmission systems and precast infrastructure businesses as the company positions for continued growth.
Business People: Leadership moves and industry remembrance
McElroy promotes longtime HR leader Steve Caldwell to vice president of human resources, recognizing more than 15 years of workforce and safety leadership, while the underground construction industry remembers Vermeer veteran Tod Michael, a respected engineer and mentor whose career spanned nearly three decades.
NUCA urges release of Hudson Tunnel funding amid federal pause
NUCA and its New Jersey chapter are calling on the Trump administration to release approved funding for the $16-billion Hudson Tunnel project, warning that delays could halt construction, disrupt jobs, and increase costs for taxpayers.
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.
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.
Union workers' strike in Philadelphia will affect water, wastewater systems
Thousands of union workers went on strike this week following a stall in contract negotiations with the city of Philadelphia. Many employees who have walked off the job are responsible for repairing and maintaining the city's water, wastewater and stormwater systems, CBS Philadelphia reported.
Fatal scaffolding collapse halts work at Texas LNG construction site
Three workers were killed and two others injured on April 29 in an accident at Sempra's Port Arthur LNG construction site in Texas. Lead contractor Bechtel has suspended operations while the incident is investigated.
Turning awareness into action: 811 call centers
Despite widespread awareness of 811 requirements, damage to underground utilities remains high. This article urges contractors to consistently use state OneCall centers and provides a full directory for safe digging compliance.
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.
25th Utility Investigation School to take place January 2025 in Phoenix, Ariz.
The 25th Utility Investigation School (UIS), a joint initiative by the Buried Asset Management Institute-International (BAMI-I), the Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute (UESI), Purdue University, and Iowa State University, will take place January 27-31, 2025, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
OSHA extends comment period for proposed heat rule
OSHA has extended the public comment period for its proposed heat injury prevention rule to Jan. 14, 2025, allowing stakeholders more time to provide feedback.
Construction set to start on $627 million Toledo Bay View wastewater facility in 2025
(UI) — Construction on the Bay View Wastewater Treatment Plant in Toledo is set to begin in Spring 2025 following the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's completion of a Limited Environmental Review.
Utility Investigation School returns to Denver for 24th session with Kiewit
This event marks the fifth UIS session in Denver and the second collaboration between ASCE and Kiewit, with Kiewit providing facilities for both classroom instruction and on-site demonstrations.
Texas trench fatalities rise despite OSHA safety regulations
(UI) — Trench collapses continue to be a leading cause of preventable worker deaths in Texas, despite existing safety regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Federal government must address construction workforce shortage with better policies, survey finds
The nation’s failure to invest in construction workforce education and training programs is having a real, measurable impact on the country’s ability to build infrastructure and other construction projects, according to the results of a workforce survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and Arcoro.
Duke Energy breaks ground on Florida gas transmission, distribution training center
Beyond keeping the power flowing to homes and businesses, craft and technical workers – such as transmission and distribution line, substation and relay technicians – play a fundamental role in power grid improvement projects that are helping modernize and strengthen Duke Energy's system.
Urgent need to recruit 180,000 workers to complete federal- and state-funded broadband networks, study finds
The study suggests that 28,000 more broadband construction workers and 30,000 more broadband technician workers are needed to execute the planned federal and state broadband funding. Moreover, the research predicts that an additional 119,200 workers will be needed over the next 10 years to compensate for retirement.
OSHA fines El Paso contractor in deadly trench collapse, citing repeated safety lapses
OSHA determined that CMD Endeavors Inc. failed to provide a proper protective system for a pipe layer working in an excavation. As a result, a trench collapsed, causing a piece of asphalt to fall and severely injure the worker, who later died in a hospital.
Fiber Broadband Association research highlights importance of streamlining underground locate process amid workforce dilemma
Operators must take necessary precautions to prevent damage to utilities, ensure utility services remain intact, and prevent serious injury to telecommunications installation teams and residents.
McElroy receives OSHA SHARP recognition for workplace safety
McElroy has been recognized for its commitment to workplace safety with a new designation from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP).
EPA invests over $20 million in water workforce development across the nation
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is providing over $20 million to 13 workforce development organizations across the nation under its Innovative Water Workforce Development Grant Program, which supports expanding career opportunities in the drinking water and wastewater utility sector.
Inside Infrastructure: 8th DCA/AGA workshop bolsters communication, cooperation
The 8th annual DCA & AGA Workshop, held in Kansas City, brought together 140 industry representatives and featured discussions on pipeline safety, workforce development, cybersecurity, and legislative challenges, highlighting the critical importance of collaboration in the gas distribution industry.
Judge blocks Department of Labor's expanded Davis-Bacon rule
(UI) — A federal judge has blocked the Department of Labor's new rule expanding the Davis-Bacon Act, siding with the Associated General Contractors of America in their lawsuit.
United Rentals hosts trench safety webinar for 2024 Stand Down week
Join United Rentals' free trench safety webinar on June 19 during 2024 Stand Down week to enhance excavation safety knowledge and practices.
Great Lakes Water Authority, Wayne State University to develop water pipeline management education program
The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) has partnered with Wayne State University to develop its Workforce Development and Pipe Management Program, which will help recruit, teach and graduate the next generation of water pipeline managers.
Purdue University students attend 2024 Underground Infrastructure Conference in partnership with BAMI-I
A student delegation organized by Dr. Tom Iseley and Wei Liao from the Purdue/BAMI-I Underground Infrastructure team consisted of eleven Purdue University students representing the UCA (Underground Construction Association) and NASTT (North American Society for Trenchless Technology) chapters at the conference.
Guam contractor faces $1 million fine over repeated trench safety violations, OSHA investigation reveals
Giant Construction Corp., a Tamuning contractor, is under fire with over $1 million in penalties after federal inspectors discovered trench workers exposed to fatal hazards.
Hudson Tunnel Project set to generate 95,000 jobs during construction phase, report says
According to a recent study by the Regional Plan Association (RPA), the Hudson Tunnel Project, valued at $16.04 billion, is expected to generate 95,000 jobs during its construction phase, surpassing previous projections by a significant margin.
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.
- 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