Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)

Subsurface Utility Engineering, commonly referred to as SUE, is a critical component of modern infrastructure and land development projects. Understanding what lies below the surface is essential to reducing risk, avoiding conflicts, and supporting efficient project delivery. Farnsworth Group’s roots in surveying and underground utility design date back to the late 1800s, giving our teams a long‑standing foundation in managing subsurface conditions and utility coordination.

Today, the SUE process is increasingly required on public projects across the country and is widely recognized as a best practice for identifying and managing underground utility risks. Farnsworth Group provides comprehensive SUE services through close collaboration between our in‑house surveyors and civil engineers. This integrated approach allows utility information to be collected, analyzed, and depicted accurately to support informed design decisions.

Services

QL-A Through QL-D Utility Designating
Relocation Coordination
SUE Investigations
Utility Conflict Identification
Utility Coordination
Utility Mapping

Reliable Data

Project sites and rights‑of‑way have become increasingly congested with utilities. Inaccurate or incomplete utility information can lead to conflicts discovered during construction, resulting in delays, redesign, and added cost. Farnsworth Group’s SUE services focus on improving the quality and reliability of underground utility data early in the design process. By identifying conflicts in advance, SUE supports better coordination, safer construction, and reduced project risk.

Industry Standards

Farnsworth Group’s SUE services are performed in accordance with the American Society of Civil Engineers CI/ASCE 38‑22 and ASCE 75-22 guidelines for the collection and depiction of existing subsurface utility data. Our firm is prequalified to provide SUE services for the Colorado, Illinois, and Indiana Departments of Transportation. We also bring experience navigating varying state and agency requirements, allowing our SUE approach to be tailored to each project’s regulatory environment.