Utility Infrastructure
H2scan’s HY-VAULT system improves safety for underground vault transformer monitoring
To reduce transformer failure risks, utilities traditionally use periodic manual oil sampling to assess asset health for these difficult-to-reach and potentially dangerous underground assets. H2scan's HY-VAULT™ system provides utilities with a cost-effective continuous monitoring solution that improves safety.
ASCE gives U.S. infrastructure best grade yet—stormwater, wastewater and energy still near failing
The American Society of Civil Engineers gave U.S. infrastructure its highest grade since 1998, but critical systems like stormwater, wastewater, and energy remain near failing, according to the 2025 Report Card.
Los Alamos, N.M., hit by second network outage after fiber line breaks during construction
For the second time in a week, Los Alamos, N.M., experienced a network outage on March 17 after construction crews accidentally severed fiber lines along NM-4.
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.
HYLAN launches new gas & pipeline division to transform infrastructure solutions
HYLAN, a market-leading provider of full-service turnkey communications solutions, electrical infrastructure design, and utility construction services, is expanding its capabilities with the launch of its new Pipeline Division.
New Jersey American Water advances lead pipe replacements, exceeds 12,000 replacements
The utility remains on track to meet a 2021 New Jersey law requiring the removal of both utility-owned and customer-owned lead and galvanized steel service lines by 2031.
Texas infrastructure stuck at ‘C’ as energy, water systems struggle
The Texas Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has given the state’s infrastructure a cumulative grade of ‘C’ in its 2025 Texas Infrastructure Report Card—unchanged from 2021.
Bipartisan legislation reintroduced to protect utilities, ratepayers from PFAS costs
The Water Environment Federation (WEF) has expressed strong support for the reintroduction of the Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to protect water utilities from undue financial burdens associated with PFAS cleanup under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
Subsite launches UtiliView to simplify utility locating, mapping
Subsite has announced the launch of its new UtiliView™ utility mapping app. The app allows contractors to locate and map utlities more quickly and with fewer steps, and without having to download data transfer or convert files. Subsite's goal is to streamline mapping and subsequently save contractors significant time on locate jobs.
Minn. utility, excavation company acquired by Bituminous, expanding underground reach
According to Southwest News Media, G.F. Jedlicki, an underground utility and excavation company based in Chanhassen, Minn., has been acquired by Bituminous Roadways, a local asphalt company.
Consor acquires Murfee Engineering, strengthening water infrastructure capabilities
Consor Engineering has acquired Murfee Engineering Company (MEC), a Texas-based civil engineering firm specializing in water and wastewater. Consor has nearly five decades of experience delivering solutions to complex projects for government agencies, private clients and special utility and conservation districts in Texas.
Fiber broadband deployment costs stabilizing, report finds
The Fiber Broadband Association’s latest Fiber Deployment Cost Annual Report, conducted by Cartesian, shows that broadband service providers expect fiber deployment costs to remain steady or rise slightly—less than 10%—compared to 2024. This marks an improvement from the previous year’s study, which reported steeper cost increases.
Utility & communications construction update, 2025 outlook
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Precision Pipeline, MPE form DIG parent company to grow utility offering in Midwest
Precision Pipeline Services, a portfolio company of MPE Partners (MPE), has formed Delphi Infrastructure Group (DIG) with the goal to become the leading contractor in Midwest U.S. markets for underground work across the natural gas, electrical, telecommunications and water sectors.
Kim Rush named president of Portland utility NW Natural Gas
Northwest Natural Gas Company (NW Natural) has announced the appointment of Kim Rush as its next president, effective April 1, 2025. Rush, a 26-year veteran of the Portland-headquartered utility, will take on full strategic, financial, and operational responsibilities for the company.
Ridgewood Infrastructure sells stake in SiEnergy Regulated Utility
Ridgewood Infrastructure has sold its 80% interest in SiEnergy to Northwest Natural Holding Company. Since acquiring the business in 2019, Ridgewood Infrastructure has helped transform SiEnergy into one of the fastest-growing natural gas distribution utilities in the nation.
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.
Azuria Water Solutions acquires Pipe Pros, expands Southeast utility services
Azuria Water Solutions has acquired Pipe Pros LLC, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based contractor specializing in sewer, sanitation, and storm utility services. The acquisition strengthens Azuria's presence in the Southeast and adds to its portfolio of technology-enabled water solutions.
Black Hills granted new Iowa utility rate approval, backing $100 million in pipeline investments
Black Hills Energy, the Iowa natural gas utility of Black Hills Corp. has received approval from the Iowa Utilities Commission for new rates. The rates are designed to recover approx. $100 million of pipeline system investments.
Hudson Tunnel Project utility relocation phase more than 50% complete, GDC says
The Gateway Development Commission (GDC) announced 50% completion of the Tonnelle Avenue Bridge and Utility Relocation Project. This work marks an essential phase of the Hudson Tunnel Project as it will create an access point for launching the Tunnel Boring Machines.
Pennsylvania 811 hits milestone with one millionth dig notification
Pennsylvania One Call System, Inc., dba Pennsylvania 811, recently hit a milestone with its one millionth dig notification received for the year on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 at 1516.
Aquarion Water Company closes $41M deal for municipal wastewater system in Ansonia, CT
Aquarion Water Company announced it has completed the purchase of the City of Ansonia's municipal wastewater system. The purchase marks the largest privatization of a municipal wastewater system in New England.
CGA report underscores progress, challenges of buried utilities damage prevention
The Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the national nonprofit trade association dedicated to protecting underground utility lines, people who dig near them and their communities, recently published its 2023 Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report.
JCP&L moving power lines underground in portions of Somerset County, N.J.
Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., is relocating and upgrading power lines in portions of Bernardsville, Somerset County, to enhance electric service for customers. The $1.75 million project is expected to be completed later this month.
Columbia Gas to replace high-pressure lines, add utility stations in Upper Arlington, Ohio
Columbia Gas is set to begin a major infrastructure overhaul across Upper Arlington in 2025, with projects aimed at replacing aging high-pressure gas lines and adding two above-ground utility stations.
Indiana American Water completes $45 million acquisition of Silver Creek Water
The transaction expands the utility’s service area to approximately 8,000 new customers in Silver Creek and Carr Townships in Clark County, and New Albany Township in Floyd County, located in southern Indiana.
CGA opens registration for 25th annual conference in Orlando, Florida
The conference will bring together industry leaders to reflect on CGA’s quarter-century legacy and explore future innovations in damage prevention.
Weeks after storm, major infrastructure repairs continue on I-40, utilities in Western North Carolina
Several weeks after Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina, significant infrastructure damage, including key sections of I-40 and local utilities, continues to hamper the region.
CGA’s 2023 DIRT report shows fewer utility damages, urges action on locating delays
The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) has released its 2023 Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report, showing a drop in utility damage incidents but highlighting ongoing challenges in reducing damages to buried infrastructure.
Federal charges filed against contractors for failing to remove lead pipes in Newark, N.J.
Two officials from a construction company contracted to remove lead pipes in Newark have been charged with fraud, accused of deceiving the city by leaving the hazardous pipes in place while falsely claiming to have replaced them.
- Trench collapse kills one construction worker in Houston, Texas
- 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
- Kinder Morgan moves forward with $1.7 billion natural gas pipeline project in Katy, Texas
- Final construction phase kicks off for Indianapolis deep rock tunnel
- Texas contractor penalized by OSHA for repeated trench safety violations
- Trench collapse kills one construction worker in Houston, Texas
- Nevada OSHA fines Elon Musk's Boring Company over safety violations in Vegas tunnel project
- WES tunnel boring machine retrieved from Oregon river after seven-month project