Underground Infrastructure Services
Underground Infrastructure Solutions
Underground infrastructure is the network of buried conduits—electric, telecommunications, and water—that silently keeps modern cities, utilities, and industries running. Moving critical assets below grade protects them from weather, vandalism, and right-of-way conflicts, creating cleaner skylines and more resilient customer service. For utilities, municipalities, and telecom carriers, the question is no longer about why to build underground but how to deliver these vital assets safely, efficiently, and at scale.
Comprehensive Utility Installation Services
Centuri’s turnkey expertise spans the whole spectrum of underground infrastructure projects. Our crews install and rehabilitate power feeders, broadband cable and fiber, potable water and wastewater mains, and multi-duct telecom routes for carriers and utilities. From greenfield cable installations to underground line replacement programs, we apply conventional open-cut methods or trenchless techniques like horizontal directional drilling (HDD) depending on soil conditions, traffic constraints, and regulatory requirements.
Fiber Optic and Broadband Installation
Demand for low-latency connectivity is exploding. Having achieved a record of 10.3 million new homes in 2024, fiber now surpasses 56.5 percent of U.S. households (Fiber Broadband Association, 2025). Centuri supports this surge with specialized cable and fiber optic installation programs. Our construction managers coordinate multi-crew plowing, micro-trenching, and directional drilling so providers can connect new markets quickly. During broadband installation, our field teams follow stringent optical-loss and bend-radius controls. At the same time, our splicing artisans verify each joint to deliver gigabit-ready and fiber-optic internet installation on day one.
Enhancing Resiliency Through Underground Infrastructure
For utilities and telecom carriers confronting hurricanes, wildfires, and aging overhead assets, burying critical cables is the most straightforward path to network resiliency. Studies comparing overhead and buried lines across seven U.S. states found that underground wires experience 78 percent fewer outages and are 97 percent less likely to fail in major storms (Scenic America, 2019). Centuri designs flood-resistant vaults and deploys internal camera inspections so operators can isolate issues quickly. The result is safer streets, fewer emergency truck rolls, and infrastructure that is future-proofed against climate volatility.
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Innovative Technology and Mapping for Accurate Installation
Underground accuracy begins with seeing what the eye cannot. Our technicians utilize LiDAR to create 3-D subsurface models that then feed that data into GIS platforms for clash detection and permit drawings. During HDD, inertial-guided drill heads maintain sub-inch precision, while innovations like the safety hook ensure safety.
Why Choose Centuri?
Long-standing utility partnerships – averaging 24.2 years – testify to our quality installations. We meet schedule, cost, and community expectations through:
- Safe operations: Centuri’s safety record outperforms Bureau of Labor Statistics TRIR and DART averages.
- Regulatory compliance: Our permitting experts help obtain all civil, electric, and environmental permits while coordinating with regulatory agencies.
- Sustainability: We specify and adopt low-carbon technologies like cross-compression, measures to protect wildlife, waste management protocols, and ways to cut emissions.
- Proven operating experience: Our portfolio spans miles of underground infrastructure delivered for Tier-1 utilities, state DOTs, and telecom providers.
Start Your Next Underground Infrastructure Project with Centuri
Whether you’re relocating your electric distribution from overhead to underground or bridging the digital divide, Centuri has the people, equipment, and know-how to deliver. Contact our underground solutions team for a site walk-through, preliminary constructability review, or full design-build proposal tailored to your schedule and budget goals.
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Featured Underground Infrastructure Projects
Sewer Line Expansion – Gary/Chicago Airport
2025 in Indiana
The istallation of nearly 2,000 feet deep sewer pipe with an extensive dewaterinf and trench shielding, supports a $24 million cargo expansion program at Gary/Chicago International Airport.
Texas Avenue Substation Upgrade
2023 in New Jersey
Earning NECA’s 2024 Excellence Award, Lawrence Township substation ugrade includes the installation of new 13kV and 69kV bus systems, two 69/13kV transformers, six 145kV circuit breakers, and switches on a fast-track schedule.
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)
2024 in South Dakota
This sustainable energy project delivered 35 miles of biogas and HDPE pipeline linking South Dakota dairy farms to the gas grid, converting captured methane into renewable natural gas.
Citations
Fiber Broadband Association (2025, April 17). U.S. Home Fiber Deployments Top 88M homes passed. https://fiberbroadband.org/2025/04/17/u-s-home-fiber-deployments-top-88m-homes-passed/
Scenic America (2019, April 14). Clear Skies Ahead: The Case for Undergrounding Utility Infrastructure. https://www.scenic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ClearSkiesAhead82580.pdf