October 22, 2026
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – WSB, a fast-growing design and consulting firm, has promoted Justin Messner to director, trenchless technology, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to delivering innovative underground infrastructure solutions for municipalities, utilities and contractors across the country.
In his new role, Messner will lead the continued growth of WSB’s trenchless technology practice, building on more than two decades of experience delivering trenchless utility projects throughout Minnesota. The expanded leadership position reflects WSB’s continued investment in trenchless solutions and its longstanding expertise in helping clients rehabilitate and replace critical infrastructure while minimizing excavation, reducing costs and limiting disruption to communities.
Trenchless technology encompasses a variety of methods used to install, rehabilitate, maintain, and replace underground utilities with minimal surface disruption compared to traditional open-cut construction. WSB has extensive experience delivering trenchless solutions for municipal clients, including sanitary sewer and watermain rehabilitation and replacement methods such as cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining, pipe bursting, sliplining, watermain lining, horizontal directional drilling (HDD), microtunneling, auger boring, and utility tunneling. Our capabilities also include the planning, design, and management of temporary water potable water service and bypass pumping systems, which are critical to maintaining uninterrupted utility service during rehabilitation and replacement projects. By leveraging a comprehensive suite of trenchless technologies, WSB helps communities reduce construction impacts, accelerate project delivery, extend asset life, improve system reliability, and optimize infrastructure investments.
“Trenchless technology has been a significant part of my career for more than 20 years,” Messner said. “I’ve had the opportunity to work on projects that improve critical infrastructure while minimizing impacts to residents, businesses and the traveling public. I’m excited to focus on growing these capabilities across WSB and bringing our experience to communities and clients nationwide.”
Messner has become a recognized industry leader in trenchless technology through his project experience, conference presentations and involvement in industry organizations. He has presented at national trenchless technology conferences and continues to contribute to industry conversations focused on innovative infrastructure solutions.
While the leadership role is new, trenchless technology is not a new service for WSB. The firm has incorporated trenchless methods into municipal infrastructure projects for years and has developed extensive experience delivering cost-effective, low-impact solutions for aging utility systems.
“Justin’s leadership and technical expertise make him the ideal person to guide the future of our trenchless technology practice,” said Monica Heil, senior vice president, municipal. “As communities across the country look for innovative ways to rehabilitate and replace aging infrastructure, we see tremendous opportunities to expand these services. Justin’s experience, combined with the depth of expertise across WSB, positions us to continue delivering exceptional solutions for our clients.”
WSB will continue supporting municipalities, utilities and contractors with trenchless planning, design, rehabilitation and replacement services. The firm will leverage resources and expertise from across its national footprint to deliver trenchless solutions tailored to clients’ infrastructure needs.
