This paper reviews the challenges for projects with long drives installed by microtunneling methods; and it provides a review for the state-of-the-art in equipment technology as well as specialized techniques for minimizing penetration resistance and limiting compressive stresses within the jacked pipe string. The length over which a pipe can be jacked using microtunneling methods depends on a number of interrelated and variable factors that can be roughly categorized as penetration resistance; strength of materials; limitations of microtunneling equipment, and installation feasibility to include production efficiency, cost containment, specialized techniques, improved technology, and safety of personnel. The actual distance achievable for a given set of site conditions. is optimized by implementing state-of-the-art equipment technology and by using a range of specialized techniques. Automated systems such as lubrication plants, intermediate jacking stations, and steering controls are intended to improve production rates. Safety issues involve personnel entry into the pipeline of increasing length. North America has witnessed microtunnel drive lengths that increased from 475 m in 1989 to 930 m in 2008; however in other parts of the world, longer pipe drives over 1000 m are relatively common. Municipalities that are able to make use of long drive microtunneling technology can realize increased benefits with greater flexibility to solve difficult problems such as locating shafts and accommodating surface disruptions in sensitive areas especially in urban centers, wetlands, and environmentally contaminated sites; significant cost benefits may also be realized by reducing the number of expensive shafts needed to install a pipeline. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.