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Subsurface utility engineering (SUE) helps project teams avoid major risks — such as delays, safety hazards, unexpected costs and public disruption — by accurately locating underground utilities before construction begins. We caught up with Atlas’ East Region Utility Manager and SUE lead to get insight into why SUE should be seen as an investment and not an added expense to project costs. He highlights a recent project for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) which showcases the value of 3D SUE technology by mapping extensive underground and overhead utility data into a detailed 3D model. The information provided to GDOT improved design decisions early in the project and minimized potential construction issues.

In the world of infrastructure, transportation and site development, one of the most overlooked risks comes from what lies beneath the surface: underground utilities. Systems like water, gas, electric, telecom and sewer lines create a complicated network that isn’t always accurately documented. When these utilities are struck or incorrectly located, the consequences can be significant — causing delays, safety risks and costly emergency repairs.

This is why subsurface utility engineering (SUE) is so important. SUE combines historical records research, advanced geophysical technologies and precise surveying to detect, identify and map underground utilities long before construction begins. By doing this early, project teams gain clear visibility into potential conflicts and can make better decisions throughout design and construction.

SUE has consistently proven to deliver one of the highest returns on investment in civil and construction projects. It’s a strategic tool that reduces risk, saves time and protects budgets.

Q: What is the cost of not knowing where underground utilities are? Or what happens if underground utilities are inaccurately located or undocumented?

The cost of not knowing the location of underground utilities can be severe, impacting every aspect of a project. When utilities are inaccurately mapped or completely unknown, project teams can face a series of escalating problems that jeopardize both safety and budgets, such as:

• Construction delays – When crews encounter unexpected utilities, work often stops immediately. Redesigns, relocations and change orders must be made on the fly, slowing progress and pushing schedules far beyond what was planned. These interruptions can ripple through the entire project timeline.
• Safety hazards – Striking a utility line isn’t just inconvenient, it can be dangerous. Hitting gas, electric or high-pressure lines puts workers, nearby residents and the public at risk.
• Unexpected costs – Emergency repairs, damage to utility infrastructure, specialized response teams and service restoration all come with significant price tags. These unplanned expenses can quickly overwhelm a project’s contingency budget and lead to substantial overruns.
• Public disruption – Utility strikes often affect far more than the construction site. They can cause service outages, traffic closures and public frustration.

This is why the financial value of SUE is so important to consider. According to a , every $1 invested in SUE delivers an average of $4.62 in measurable cost savings, with total returns commonly cited by FHWA in the $4–$20 range when broader risk‑reduction benefits are considered. Even under conservative estimates, SUE routinely delivers returns exceeding 400%. These numbers are not hypothetical; they’re backed by years of documented research from Departments of Transportation and proven results across the private sector.

Q: If we look beyond just the dollar cost of not using SUE, what other values do you see in terms of risk reduction and reputation?

Beyond the financial savings, SUE provides significant value in both risk reduction and protecting a project’s reputation. By identifying underground utilities early, teams greatly reduce the likelihood of utility strikes, safety incidents and unexpected disruptions. Fewer surprises mean smoother schedules, more predictable outcomes and a safer work environment for crews and the public.

There’s also a strong reputational benefit. Projects that avoid utility issues tend to stay on schedule, maintain public trust and demonstrate strong stewardship of taxpayer and stakeholder resources. When agencies and contractors deliver projects without delays, damage or service interruptions, it reinforces confidence in their processes, professionalism and commitment to safety. Ultimately, SUE helps safeguard not only the budget, but also the credibility of the team delivering the project.

Q: What advice can you offer clients when it comes to knowing when or whether to engage SUE?

The earlier SUE is integrated into a project, the more value it brings throughout the entire lifecycle of design and construction. When SUE is engaged during the concept and preliminary design stages, project teams gain a much clearer understanding of existing underground conditions before making major decisions. This early insight reduces the likelihood of costly redesigns, helps establish realistic budgets and provides designers with accurate information rather than assumptions.

As the project moves into final design, SUE continues to deliver significant benefits. With accurate data on utility locations, engineers can identify potential conflicts in advance and incorporate solutions directly into design plans. This proactive approach prevents issues that would otherwise surface during construction, where changes are not only more disruptive but also substantially more expensive.

SUE’s value doesn’t stop once construction begins. During field activities, SUE professionals verify utility locations to support real-time conflict resolution and guide necessary adjustments. This reduces the chances of unexpected discoveries, keeps crews safe and helps maintain project momentum by avoiding delays caused by unforeseen underground conditions.

In today’s project environment, SUE is not just a “nice to have” — it is an essential investment in responsible, risk-aware project delivery. Teams that integrate SUE into their standard workflow experience fewer surprises, reduced risk and stronger financial outcomes, ultimately protecting both the project budget and schedule.

From my perspective, it all comes down to one simple truth: if we know what’s underground, we can work around it. Planning around utilities will always be far cheaper and far safer than hitting an unmarked line during construction and learning the hard way.  

Q: Is there an example of how Atlas has leveraged its SUE capabilities on a complex infrastructure project?

We recently leveraged Atlas’ 3D SUE capabilities to help GDOT gain valuable insight into a 3.5-mile section of its roadway. The goal was to build a 3D map of all utilities and attach important details so designers could easily see and understand what was underground.

To do this, Atlas’ SUE team collected information using several methods, including:

• Quality Level B — utility designating to identify and mark the location of buried utilities.
• 14 test holes.
• Data collection on overhead utility poles.
• Sanitary sewer inspections.
• Utility impact analysis with clash detection.

In total, our team mapped more than 130,000 feet of underground utilities, 261 poles, 22 manholes and the 14 test holes. Information about depths came from the test holes, utility owner records and electronic measuring tools.

Once we collected all the horizontal and vertical data, we used it to build the 3D utility files. GIS technology helped by attaching useful details to each utility feature — like size, type and ownership. This enabled designers to simply click on a utility to see all its information.

The final deliverables included a 3D SUE database, a 3D report, the utility impact analysis and all the electronic 3D files.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Georgia Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration or any other DOT which may be mentioned herein.