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Avoiding Utility Relocations

Appendix A: Answer Sheet

  • Columns on some of the wide tables may be not be visible. Use the scroll bar at the bottom of the table or swipe to view columns to the right.
Responses to Avoiding Utility Relocation Questionaire
Agency Contact 1 1 (caveat) 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Comments
C Maricopa County Maricopa County DOT - Patty G. Pauly, Utility Coordinator Yes Yes N/A Utilities are sent the Bid Date Summary Report (5-year TIP Plan). Utilities are sent the 40%, 70%, 90%, 100% plans for review. Utility conflicts is determined at the 70% plan stage. It is at this plan stage that potential conflicts are potholed and designed around when possible. It is the utilities responsibility to provide MCDOT with prior rights documentation if claiming prior rights. MCDOT reviews this info and verifies their prior rights. When verified, the utility must provide an estimate of the cost to relocate their facilities which needs approval from the County Board of Supervisors. The project manager, designer, utility coordinator. Safety, cost, R/W, time etc. We only re-design if it does not compromise the integrity, purpose of the project. Added curb and gutter, re-designed a storm drain lateral, used an SRP electric pole as a Jt. use pole for a signal, eliminated unnecessary cutting to avoid utilities. Install curb and gutter, avoid unnecessary cutting, re-design storm drain laterals to avoid utilities, design conduit into bridges for future use, utilize SUE, coordinate with developers to minimize re-relocation, utility Jt. trenches, utilize aesthetic funding to underground electric and pipe irrigation. We allow the utility to relocate (at their expense) into the new MCDOT R/W at no cost to the utility. Coordinate Jt. trench use, recognize prior rights. We try to place utilities as close to the new R/W boundary as possible. We are experimenting on one project with constructing a duct bank for the future use of the utilities within the project area. We follow the Public Improvement Project Guide. We do not share databases at this time but it may happen in the near future. We do share info through a website (in-house and public). In the process of implementing a project management info system. No
M Columbus, OH City of Columbus, Public Service Department - Kenneth Alan Yost, Utility Coordinator No While some aspects of SUE are being used by some of the city's consultants to identify utility locations, the city has yet to make it a part of the standard engineering contracts. The city has started to include potholing and better coordination with utilities as part of the engineering process. Current practice consists of calling the state's one-all center to get facilities marked in the field so their survey crews can pick up the marks as part of the topo surveys. Very little coordination, communication or cooperation with the utilities is currently being done by the consultants for utility issues. I send out engineering notices to all utilities that have facilities in the city, informing them of the scope, limits and schedule for the project as well as the name of the consultant and the project manager. I ask them to respond within 2 weeks if they have facilities within the limits of the project. I send out a list of roadway projects monthly that covers a 2-year period indicating the project name, scope, limits and schedule. I currently submit preliminary, final and signed plans to utilities that I know have facilities in the limits of a project. I meet with utilities as needed for individual projects to work out conflicts or relocation schedules. I will decide, in collaboration with the project manager and the utility to have the consultant re-design to avoid a utility conflict. However, the utilities need to respond to my plan submittals to identify conflicts in a timely manner. If they do not get back to me early in the design, we may not be able to make the changes. The existence of a utility easement. If a utility has facilities in conflict with the project and it is in a utility easement, the city would have to pay for the relocation. The time and cost to the utilities to relocate the conflicting facility. The life-cycle cost considerations of the utility facility would be communicated to us by the utility. By the same notion if the city is going to rebuild the pavement, we do not want them to dig into it for 3 years after completion to preserve the pavement life. Re-design of sewer, traffic, curb, water facilities or construction techniques are all examples of changes we have made to the plans to avoid a conflict with utilities. I would not call them practices. If I saw a conflict or potential conflict in the preliminary plans, I would ask the consultant or utility to get a better location on the conflicting facility to confirm that a conflict exists. We have communicated to the consultant that relocation of utilities needs to be avoided where possible as part of the scope. No, we would work with the utility to try to accommodate their needs and concerns. We do not have utility corridor policy. The city's traffic division will look at proposed utility installation plans to see that they will not be in conflict with traffic's proposed facilities. The City of Columbus has a R/W permit process in place that requires existing utility facilities to be marked to help identify utilities that are encountered in the R/W. Other issues such as coordination and cooperation are also addressed in the R/W ordinance. The R/W ordinance requires that digital mapping of existing utilities be provided to the city starting in January 2002. However, the standards for this provision has not been established as yet. The division of engineering works closely with the local damage prevention council. I think overall, the city is doing everything we can to accommodate the utilities. We would like to see better and more timely coordination from the utilities to identify conflicts earlier in the design phase as well as identifying their R/W requirements.
P Private California Nossaman, Guthner, Knox & Elliott LLP, - Sandra Kanter, Partner Didn't answer I am an attorney in private practice. I have represented several agencies with respect to structuring utility relocation matters for their design/build highway projects - for example, the Colorado DOT with respect to the T-REX project. My answers to this survey should be considered in the design/build context only. However, I will not be answering most of the questions as I do not have the necessary specific or technical info. Didn't answer Didn't answer Didn't answer For design/build projects, the project owners delegate to the design/build contractor primary responsibility for coordinating with utilities, requiring the contractor to keep utility owners fully informed as to project matters impacting them, to consider their needs in designing and scheduling the project and to meet with utilities periodically. For the projects I have worked on, the project owners have generally entered into either nonbonding MOUs or binding master agreements with utilities governing the process of utility relocations. the contractors are required to comply with these agreements. In general, substantial flexibility is delegated to the contractor to make design decisions on a D/B project, including decisions with respect to addressing conflicting utilities. On the D/B projects, the contractor typically bears both the risk of increased costs and the potential savings resulting from design changes, within specified parameters. Many of the D/B contract require contractor to minimize relocations. One contract requires the contractor to endeavor to avoid multiple relocations, with the provision that the contractor is responsible for all relocation costs reimbursed to the utility owner by the project owner after the first relocation of a utility. Didn't answer Didn't answer Didn't answer Didn't answer In many of the master agreements that I have worked on, there is a requirement that the utility owner coordinate with the project owner and/or the D/B contractor as to the placement of new facilities in the vicinity of the project so as to avoid the need for future relocation. Didn't answer Didn't answer Didn't answer
P Private Arizona Salt River Project (Power) - Greg S. Wilson, Distribution Project Leader I don't know Haven't read the definition of SUE. We do use pothole info to locate possible UG conflicts. Yes, as well as "as-built maps" from other utilities N/A We have an ongoing monthly utility meeting process that starts prior to the development of ADOTs 15% plans and continues through 100% plans. During this process, this info is exchanged with other utilities and agencies. We also attend individual breakout meetings with ADOT's designer and other utilities that are using joint trenches or are adjacent to new planned work areas. Our water group has that authority. I don't know who makes that call, but I assume that it is the design group. N/A No We are a utility and are usually the one who gets moved. No See No. 9 No, we have no control of the ROW. No No Didn't answer
P Private Indiana Purdue University, Dept. of Building Construction Management, Jeffrey Lew, Professor No N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A No No You obtained my name because we authored the FHWA report on the Evaluation of SUE. If you are interested in our background data or SUE, plus our recent SUE data entry state DOTs, please feel free to contact me.
P Private Florida TBE Group Inc. - Steven J. Tidwell, Assistant Vice President Yes FDOT is a de-centralized agency. Each district has own SUE program. Each different. Yes, some more than other. N/A Distribute 5-year work program once a year. Distribute 2-year let plan once a month. District liaison meetings in 6 of 7 districts. State Liaison Committee. Each project has specific utility meetings. Utility coordinator with highway designer Cost benefit analysis Suppose to be, not always followed. Conflict structures, low head storm pipe, alternative type inlets, alternative foundations, barriers. Evaluate storm drainage trunk alignment. Allow concurrent to contract relocation to reduce restoration cost and MOT and clearing and grubbing. Place as close to ROW as possible. N/A No N/A
P Private Georgia Bell South Telecommunications, Inc. - Marie Piper, DOT Liaison for GA and MS Yes The GA DOT is using SUE on some of its projects, primarily on those which call for their assistance with local public utility relocations (i.e. city or county water and sewer facilities). I have not seen any evidence of the DOT designers using the info to avoid or minimize private utility relocations. However, very few SUE projects have reached the construction stage at this time. N/A The first notice that utilities get is with the first plan submission after a preliminary design has been developed. There is very little coordination with utilities by the GA DOT; but rather they expect the utilities to do the coordination themselves - as per an "agreement" which the utilities (voluntarily?) signed in 1986. It is almost impossible to get responses back from the other involved utilities. N/A As a utility, we have offered to work with DOT if a design change results in increased costs. In a few instances, we have offered to buy additional R/W or pay the incremental cost difference. Didn't answer Didn't answer Didn't answer Didn't answer Didn't answer Didn't answer Didn't answer Didn't answer
P Private Montana Harding ESE - Richard Clarke, SUE Services Supervisor Yes Harding ESE provides a dedicated SUE program. SUE info is a factor in Montana DOT and Harding ESE design projects. N/A Utilities are notified at the preliminary planning stage. Harding ESE works with the MDT Utilities Section. MDT Utilities Section coordinates utility matters affected by proposed highway construction. On work carried out for the MDT, MDT Utilities Section makes these determinations. A cost analysis is the major factor in Harding ESE's approach. Yes, life-cycle cost considerations are a factor. Storm drain design is a typical example of the type of design influenced by SUE. Harding ESE takes account of utility factors as early as practical in the design process. Didn't answer MDT Utilities Section makes requirements and recommendations as part of the ROW permitting process. Harding ESE is developing a utility GIS to allow SUE info to be inventoried in a reliable, current, easily accessible database. This will form a repository of utility info available to DOT staff, utility companies and consultants. See No. 13 Harding ESE and the MDT are major proponents of subsurface utility engineering and actively promote greater awareness and utilization of SUE.
S Alabama Alabama DOT - Robert G. Lee, State Utilities Engineer No Are considering it N/A In-house surveying, potholing by consultants Send out preliminary plans showing Const. and ROW limits. Utilities sent revised plans at 50% completion and invited to pre-con. Various Cost, status of plans when change is considered, schedule, envir. ROW. Occasionally Mainly raising the grade Costs are considered State and federal funds pay for utilities that gross <100m/yr Some permit methods and next to the ROW line. Do not allow longitudinal placement of facilities in Interstate ROW. Not aware of any. No
S Alaska Alaska DOT & Public Facilities - Al Risley No N/A As-builts, locates Begin of design Coordinate Design, Agreements, Relocation and Billing. Design and utility engineer work together, design engineer makes final call. Cost, schedule, ROW No Change alignment and grade, add a culvert in a ditch to prevent cutting around pole, insulation over H2O, concrete over electric. Change alignment or grade based on cost considerations. Locate utilities prior to design. Audit utility and work with utility to insure design is cost efficient. Yes, both written in AK code and try to use good judgment during permit process to insure offsets are sufficient to allow for possible realignment. Wishes they could use SUE. Provide utilities CAD files when asked. No
S Arkansas Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department, Ralph Williams, Section Head, Right-of-Way Division No Just let three projects N/A One call, in-house survey, coordination inspection Contact as in 3. 50% design, annual meetings with largest utilities to review proposed projects. AHTD evaluates costs and an effort is made to contact small utilities and cities to discuss. Joint effort between ROW, Utilities Section, and Design Division. Cost, no matter who is paying, relocation time may be longer than the available Construction time. Yes, If the facility is under consideration to remain in place, but is deteriorating LCC may affect the decision. Reduce to curb and gutter sections: change proposed locations and or elevations of storm drains and drop inlets; widen on one side of the highway as opposed to the other; etc. See 3&4 above. Yes, If the facility is reimbursable, the AHTD will only reimburse for the replacement in kind cost, and the estimate must be in complete detail and itemized for our review and approval. Yes, the utility must submit a set of adjustment plans for our approval including the exact location of the new facilities at the edge of the ROW. Yes, All utilities are adjusted, reimbursed and installed under the guidelines of our utility accommodation policy. We do send highway plans, and receive utility adjustment plans, electronically No
S California Caltrans - Lorrie Wilson, Office Chief, Utilities and Systems No N/A Info is directly provided from utilities and pothole work. As builts. Utility companies are notified of an upcoming project at the early design phase, if not sooner. At the early design phase, utility companies are asked to provide as builts and verify their facilities on the departments preliminary plans. It is possible Caltrans will have the utility facility potholed. (positively located) in the field. The in-house project engineer determines utility conflicts with proposed construction. Some factors that contribute to the proposed design being revised as opposed to the relocation are the flexibility of construction to work around existing underground facilities. Approved non-standard design changes e.g. place guardrail to avoid underground utility facility can be made or the protection of the utility facility that would otherwise be difficult to relocate e.g. gravity flow sewers. Yes, 1) Perform positive location of underground facilities. 2) Obtain facility plans from utility owners. 3) Homeowners verify the location of their facilities on the state's plan sheets. 4) Meetings are held between the departments' engineers and the utility companies to lessen the possibility of a utility conflict. The owner of the utility facility is required to provide their own relocation plan. Therefore, it is up to the utility company to develop reasonable methods to minimize the cost of relocation. Yes, there is a requirements through the Encroachment Permit process that the departments' utility branch check the placement of new utilities to help avoid future conflicts. In proposed highway improvement projects, the department attempts to keep existing utility poles as close as possible to the State right-of-way to avoid conflicts. Didn't answer. The departments' online manual can be found at http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq.row/ At the time of construction, the state's contractor is required to call the toll free underground alert telephone number to have the utilities marked in field. The department must comply with Government Code 4215 and 4216.
S Hawaii State of Hawaii DOT - Jeffrey Fujimoto, Engineer (Civil) VI No N/A Reference as-built and permit plans. Verify locations of critical utilities by toning. Sheet wasn't faxed. Sheet wasn't faxed. Sheet wasn't faxed. Safety, cost, environmental issues, community concerns/traffic impacts, project schedules and deadlines Life-cycle cost and depreciation are calculated in the utility agreement. Revised roadway alignments, installing guardrails and other barriers to separate or protect existing utilities from vehicles, bicyclists or pedestrians, design new structures to accommodate existing utilities. Sheet wasn't faxed. Sheet wasn't faxed. Sheet wasn't faxed. The Highways Division is preparing to develop utility agreement procedures. A policy on undergrounding utilities is also being considered. There are various policies, procedures, statutes and rules or shared databases, such as the Departmental Staff Manual, the Hawaii Revised Statutes, the Hawaii Administrative Rules, and the Code of Federal Regulations. Requesting utility companies to provide accurate as-built plans that show existing utility locations. Project scoping, done prior to the start of design, identifies aboveground, and sometimes underground utilities.
S Idaho Idaho Transportation Department - Jonathan Lenhart, Utilities/Railroad Engineer No Are considering it N/A Yes, designers should coordinate with utility companies to determine the location of facilities and work together to design relocation that is best for the project design. Just after concept approval and beginning of preliminary design. Throughout the design process and during the construction process The designer If the cost is less to do a design improvement (I.e. place guardrail at $50K rather than relocate large power poles at $100K each.) No See No. 7 for example I don't understand this question. Designer coordinates with utility company. The designer should coordinate with utility company for the best location to relocate. Under certain condition, state will pay the cost to relocate. Utilities are allowed to place their facility in locations determined by district's design. Future conflicts cannot always be determined. No No No
S Louisiana Louisiana DOT and Development - Melvin Bueche, DOTD Headquarters/Program Manager No LADOTD has no provisions to pay for this service. LADOTD has in place a LA one-call service--a "ticket" is called in and utility companies have 48 hours to locate facilities. N/A Survey info is provided to our design section. A plan-in-hand and joint-plan-review is held (60% completed plans) to review utility conflicts and costs. Letters sent at the survey stage. Companies are notified of our survey and are requested to assist our survey crews in locating their facilities. Pre-design conference with all utility companies HQ utility section and design Money. Design will look at alternatives to reduce utility costs. N/A Re-alignment and/or R/W reductions to avoid utilities (where possible). Yes, meetings are held to review and consider all alternatives. Yes, meet with the utility to work out the best plan of avoiding costly relocations and design changes. Utilities may choose to re-enter LADOTD's new R/W by permit or relocate on private R/W. N/A N/A Joint-plan review are held when plans are 60% complete.
S Mississippi Mississippi DOT - Kelly W. Standard, District Two Utility Coordinator No N/A During preliminary engineering, a survey crew topos, the project and collects all utilities When R/W starts Each district utility coordinator meets with the utilities to discuss the proposed project. This would be done by the construction department at the district level. Major utility such as transmission gas oil lines, time frame for relocation Yes Move a bridge end that would conflict with a pipeline. Detour roads at bridge replacement sites are built on the side with less utilities MDOT pays 100% if the utility is on private property. MDOT pays 0% if the utility is on public property. A proration is determined if some of both. We encourage locating on private property, but we do allow utilities on our R/W by permit. No Not that I know of No
S New Hampshire NHDOT - Charles Schmidt, Chief of Design Services No N/A The NHDOT places this responsibility upon the owner of the utility. We send plans to them of our surveyed info and they are required to mark up any corrections and or confirm the accuracy. Approximately the 15% stage We coordinate all of the relocations in order to show on our design plans. We will also include relocations that they desire that may not be required of our project. Initially, the individual utility coordinator, then the utility engineer and the chief of design services Construction delays and potential cost to the consumer, either the taxpayer or the rate payer No Drainage, alignment (horizontal and vertical) changes and structural box modifications Early coordination between the designers, the utility coordinator and the utility owners For municipally-owned utilities in state ROW per RSA, the town receives the costs of trenching and backfilling the new structure and they also receive any salvage value of the existing structure based upon a 100-year life. We require the utilities to be placed in accordance to our Utility Accommodation Manual. This basically stipulates depth requirements. Didn't answer No No
S North Dakota NDDOT - Joe Neuenschwander, Utilities Engineer No N/A Yes Depends on the facility, i.e., large hydrocarbon pipelines, electric transmission lines, and transcontinental or intrastate fiber cables will get the project info 12 to 20 months prior to the bid opening. Other utilities are notified 3 to 6 months prior to the bid opening. The utilities that budget on an annual basis contact us when starting their budgeting to see if any of our projects may require relocation or adjustments. The others stay in contact with one of our district offices, the utilities engineer, or by attending public forums, info meetings or public hearings. Both the designer and the utilities engineer with approval by the design engineer The impact to the consumers No Change in elevations, narrow the ditch widths, change the backslope rate, move storm drain facilities, move lighting or signal standards, increase the mast arm lengths and move signal standards, office location the road center line for short distances, other methods. All of these methods must fulfill the Design Guide criteria and have the approval of the design engineer. This is similar to the previous response. During the environmental stages, the public hearing process and implementation of the design concept report, future conflicts are brought to the attention of the utilities engineer. No, as all relocation work must be constructed according to the Utilities Accommodation Policies. See response to No. 5. Up until a few years ago, we had sent a 2 to 3-year proposed bid opening schedule to each utility company that has facilities in the state. Due to widespread flooding since 1994, the schedule was continually changing, so it wasn't too reliable. We do issue annual press releases through our district offices for the proposed projects for the next 3 years. Started on GIS program which will use highway inventories, USGS quad maps (1:24,000 scale), and these will be available in the future to the public on a website Didn't answer
S Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission - Ronald V. DiNinni, Right-of-Way Utility Coordinator No We use partial SUE applications on an as needed basis. It is rare that we use Federal money on our projects, but we do, I believe that we will or do incorporate this technique as identified by the FHWA. When we are in serious doubt, we use some SUE techniques and the info is then used to minimize relocations. They may combine SUE techniques along with one-call and in-house utility crossing license agreement file and field view data. The roadway alignment is determined during the preliminary design phase, at 40% the utilities are requested to verify if they are in the area and any potential conflict. An initial field meeting(s) is scheduled with utility companies, municipalities and railroads located within the project. Railroads are under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Utility Commission and their protocol. Once potential conflicts are determined, our consultant or we will set up a meeting with the affected facility (utility) owners in an attempt to resolve the conflict. Possible revisions to our design are considered prior to an order to relocate. This is a coordinated effort, but usually is decided by the R/W utility manager, and then is presented formerly to the Turnpike Commission by way of the project manager, consultant, assistant chief engineer - design, and chief engineer. Time as it relates to the project schedule, the ability for a municipality to be able to fund the relocation, an extreme hardship to a utility. Ease of maintenance would be a consideration. Alignment and profile changes , also, drainage re-design. Other considerations are re-design of structure footing and abutment modifications to allow bridge occupancy. An awareness of the utility presence within the project area and early interaction. This may involve telephone conversations with the utility's representative for this work. We will listen to any reasonable suggestion. If requested, we may provide R/W procurement assistance. Per state regulations, cost sharing up to 50% is allowable for municipal facilities. Ys, we have a specification that is attached to the original license agreement for the crossing, i.e. poles, manhole, boring and receiving pits are to be located outside of our R/W. Casing pipe through the R/W is often used and the amount of cover is 6 feet below the wearing surface at the lowest in the roadway cross section, etc. No If the request is reasonable and not sensitive info, we will share a database. No
S Wisconsin Wisconsin DOT - Ernest J. Peterson, Utility/Access Management Engineer No Horizontal not Vertical N/A We insist that utility facilities be field located horizontally. The utility must locate and mark the facility and design survey crews must pick up that info for the plans. Early in the design process, utilities are notified of the project. During final design, utilities are sent plans to identify conflicts and design their relocations. Annual meetings where the 6-year plan is distributed to utilities Highway designer with input form utility coordinator Notification of the complexity and high cost of a utility relocate. Input from utility company. No Adding retaining walls to the design, shifting alignment, changing storm sewer design Utility coordination meeting during preliminary design. Utilities are asked to identify potential conflicts, especially expensive ones that should be designed around No, Wisconsin DOT pays the cost of utility relocations for facilities in newly acquired R/W. As close to the R/W line as possible. Continual training of new highway designers on the importance and value of good utility coordination No No
S Arizona ADOT - Bruce Vana, Engineer - Manager Utility and Railroad Engineering Yes Yes Utilities are invited to participate early on in the development process. They are allowed to view and comment on the concept level plans through the 30% stage. At this stage once the Alignment has been set, we begin the actual utility locating effort. Monthly Utility meetings for projects we consider to have significant utility issues. Joint effort between the utility company, ADOT and our design consultant. Based on cost effectiveness and project needs. No Minor geometry changes, slight adjustments to the location of drainage features. We consider any small adjustment that does not detract from the original concept of the project. Between the utility locating and pothole data, the slight adjustments mentioned above is about all we can do to session the impact to utilities. If the utility so chooses, we can add his work into the work to be performed by the states contractor to possibly realize any volume savings. Historically this has only pertained to trenching and other small items as most utilities wish to do their own work. Yes. During the design review process relocated utilities are placed as best as possible out of the impact area to known future projects. Begin working with utilities as soon as possible. None that I am aware of. No. But when ROW is available we try to confine utilities to a separate corridor.
S Arizona ADOT - Al Field, Mag Freeway Utility Coordinator Yes Yes 5% Monthly Utility meetings and One on One meetings w/utilities Cooperative effort with ultimate decision by Project Manager. All factors are considered, gravity flow vs. pressure, outage, availability and cost. if necessary, benefits one way or the other are usually obvious. All sorts, too various to list. All designs evaluate possible cost/benefit trade-offs for total project cost which is to the ratepayer/taxpayer (same person usually) None except design alternative selections Permits require relocation at utility expense No cost permit has a ROW cost benefit utilities value as a relocation cost risk worth the possible cost. see #15 Question is to comprehensive Area Governments (mag) have a red letter policy ADOT is contacted prior to construction/design/zoning permits being issued in vicinity of proposed freeway corridor. (It works when used.)
S Colorado Colorado DOT - R. Bruce Johnson, Statewide Utilities Engineer Yes Not systematically The process is used more often as a means of accurately locating utilities and accurately determining the extent of an apparent conflict. Designers may then proceed to look for less costly alternatives. Other sources of information are generally not reliable enough to allow one to confidently re-design around utility conflicts. At some point after what CDOT calls the "Field Inspection Review" which is approximately the 30% completion stage for project plans. At the time of the FIR, we show only unverified, and possibly incomplete, utility info on the plans. Locations are verified and conflicts identified at some point between the (approx.) 30% and 60% design stages. At the FIR or shortly thereafter, CDOT and utility owners do a separate "walk-through" of the project site to verify preliminary plan info and/or inspect areas of probable conflict. May also have follow-up meetings to plan additional investigations, and/or to negotiate relocation requirements. Project designer usually makes such determinations based on project economic considerations. Designer should make a decision in consultation with our utility liaison. Designer should consider fiscal impact of design decisions on utility customers. Usually, it will be for reasons that solely benefit the project, such as reduced construction costs or expedited schedule. (In CO, the state must pay to relocate governmentally or municipally-owned utilities). Occasionally, it is determined that for a nominal increase in project re-design costs, a costly utility relocation that would otherwise have been the owner's cost responsibility can be avoided. Could be considered, but is not routinely used. A shift in alignment and/or profile grade will be considered as a means of allowing an existing utility line to remain in place. I am unaware of any such practices. If feasible, CDOT may seek to incorporate the utility relocation work into the highway construction contract. May not always have the effect of reducing relocation costs. Consolidating the work under a single contract improves the highway contractor's control over the utility relocation which may result in lower costs. We try to determine if a proposed utility installation is in the area of future planned highway improvements, and if so, we'll try to have the utility line installed at a location that is least likely to conflict with future improvements. Otherwise, we can only hope to place new utilities at locations within the ROW that are unlikely to be affected in the future. None that I am aware of, or that occur to me at being relevant. No Not that I am aware of, or that occur to me as being relevant. State responsible for moving government owned utilities, Private is owners responsibility.
S Connecticut Connecticut DOT - Robert Ritsick, Transportation Utilities Engineer Yes We have been using a modified SUE on our own for a long time. Yes When we have a project, we inform the utilities as soon as possible. We have meetings with the utilities as needed. We may have anywhere from one to as many as are needed to complete the job. Our philosophy is to design around them if possible. We design around them because of the project cost and time involved. No We have moved drainage around. This may reduce cuts in certain areas. We look at every avenue to minimize the need to relocate utilities. We try to avoid them. We don't like to relocate utilities unless there is a problem. Yes, we try to minimize the impact. We pick one utility and design around it. Yes, we send out an advertising list. This tells the utilities what projects are upcoming so there are no future conflicts. No No We constantly have meetings with the utilities. We have seminars with the government and we are all open with ideas. We have statutes and avoid trying to relocate because of time and project cost.
S Delaware Delaware DOT - Fran Hahn, Utilities Engineer Yes Yes When the project is scheduled for design Regular meetings Me If the utility can be avoided without undue cost, then we avoid it. No Drainage, geometrics, pavement Test holes No Yes No No No
S Florida Florida DOT - Rocco DePrimo, District Utility/Value Engineer Yes Extensive use of SUE Yes Approximately 60% plans or early if information is available Some SUE with initial design survey, 30% plan meeting with utilities, utility adjustment sheets, part of plans package. Utility relocation schedules part of highway specifications (life blood of utility coordination). Team effort designer, utility office Saving utility company time and money would be a factor. Saving state agency time and money is always a factor. Life-cycle cost are used Relocate/change storm drain design, move road to one side of right-of-way, have utility companies provide highway lighting Yes, preliminary meetings with the utility owners, SUE Yes, the department can enter a joint project agreement (work by highway contractor) with the utility owner. This will save the owner money and time. There is no additional cost for backfilling and no coordination time. No, a study is being proposed through the University of South Florida to address this issue. See #12. A value engineering study has been conducted on the placement of utility access holes in the R/W which recommends new policy. No, it is being addressed for future. Address utilities in the preliminary planning stages. Pay utilities to clear and grub R/W so they can relocate in advance of highway consultant.
S Florida Florida DOT - Vince Camp, FDOT District 2 Utility Engineer Yes My district is currently using SUE to some extent on each and every project within our district work program. We use it on minor signal projects, which involve underground investigation of the proposed signal foundation location…all the way up to complete underground survey and mapping of our right-of-way when a proposed roadway multi-lane project is being designed. Have been managing four SUE district-wide in-house contracts at $750K per contract for over 2 years and we require our consultants in our design scopes to provide SUE services on each project they are designing. My district has been performing SUE at some level for over 12 year. Our district construction office manages one SUE contract for active construction projects to provide the necessary support to field personnel during active construction projects. Our district-wide SUE contract supports in-house design, and design consultant have it within their design scope to provide and use the SUE info to design around conflicts and minimize relocations. See No. 2 We provide both monthly and yearly notifications of our work program schedule, 5-year is maximum and concentrate on a 2-year window. We try and coordinate with all utility owners prior to 30% plans. After the PD and E report is finalized, utility owners' facility are surveyed and located horizontally during topo survey phase for entire project. Additional SUE needs are decided and discussed with the utility owner and pre-30 design plans are utilized. Minor projects may not have the first coordination meeting until 60% plans. My office coordinates some of the additional tasks..roadway lighting provided by the local power companies, lighting maintenance agreements with local governmental agencies, inclusion of utility work into our highway contract, replacement of utility easements taken during the design of transportation projects, utility permit review, liaison activities involving the work program (see No. 4), guidance on the use of utility materials and equipment for placement of utilities within our right-of-way upon direction from the state utility office. The decision to relocate utilities is a joint decision between the district utility office and the Designer of Record on each project. The District Design Engineer provides the final resolution on situations unable to be resolved between design and the utility office. Safety is the first factor. Next is constructability. Thirdly, is it economically the best alternative for everyone…both the state and the utility owner? We do look at life-cycle cost of the road and the utility facility for relocation and redesign issues. Simple things like changing the design location of a proposed signal and sign location or storm sewer inlet, using black base instead of full depth widening with lime rock, requiring hand digging or trench boxes for certain type of excavation as a design plan note, redesign of ditches from flat bottom to "v" bottom, use of elliptical pipe instead of round pipe thus allowing the underground utility to pass under or over the new pipe. On foundation, we have used spread footers, straddled large telephone duct banks and pressure mains with customized foundation designs, and the simplest thing..deleted the design item all together. Use of SUE up through Level A is the primary design practice. Extensive design meetings during the 30 through 90% plans development stage, both meeting the utility owners as a group and individually. Each utility owner is required to develop a utility work schedule that identifies their utility facilities within our proposed project and provides a disposition of what is going to happen to that facility during construction, i.e. locate, protect, relocate, adjust..dependent activity..i.e. after clearing and grubbing by contractor, during pipe installation, etc. and the associated maintenance of traffic phase that this work will take place in..i.e. phase I, II, III etc. and the number of days for the utility work to take place. This schedule becomes part of the construction contract and is in the spec. One method is to include the work into our contract. Currently, the utility owner is responsible for all cost but the FDOT can participate in any cost above 10% of the FDOT's official estimate prior to the bid..state law..Next, state law allows the FDOT to reimburse a utility owner for clearing the new proposed right-of-way in order to advance their relocation effort. Currently, the FDOT has the 1999 Utility Accommodation Manual and is studying utility corridor assignments and placement criteria for specialized utility item..i.e. manholes, communication cabinets etc. Contact Mr. Weldon: kenneth.weldon@dot.state.fl.us Contact Mr. Weldon
S Illinois Illinois DOT - John Bellis, Agreements Unit Chief Yes We recently hired three SUE consultants. Illinois is divided into 9 highway districts. One consultant will handle our Schaumburg (District 1) region, the second will handle our Peoria (D4) region, and the third will handle the remainder of the state. Both in-house designers and our design consultants will utilize the gathered information. The full impact is not known as the consultants have been authorized for less than 6 months. Prior to the adoption of a SUE policy, the department would require the utility owners to "pot-hole" locations to obtain accurate horizontal and vertical locations. This was done at no cost to the department. Department personnel were generally on hand to provide surveying services. The info was then given to the designer and the project support engineer at the district. A request for utility location info is sent via certified mail to all the known utility owners within a proposed project location. This is done early in Phase 1 (Planning). The request contains aerial mapping, aerial mosaics, and/or preliminary plan sheets which show the project and existing right-of-way limits. The districts hold annual utility coordination meetings to discuss the projects funded in our annual program, our 5-year program, and our multi-year long range proposed improvements. This info is presented to allow the utility to review their long range improvement plans and as a budgeting tool for future utility relocations. District office personnel. The project support engineer or a member of his staff will identify the utility conflicts and meet with the designer to see what, if anything, may be changed to avoid the utility conflict. Ease of making a proposed design change. Will the proposed change compromise the design? Need for additional right-of-way. Cost of making the design change. Additional construction cost. No economic models are being utilized or life-cycle cost considerations. All cost comparisons are based upon current dollars. Relocating drainage structures, relocating fire hydrants, adjusting flow lines, adjusting sewer grade lines, use of drop structures, use of encasements and/or protective shielding (reventment material), adjusting/relocating proposed ditch lines, slope etc. Major conflicts occur as a result of proposed subsurface drainage or expansion of the roadway cross-section. An evaluation of the overall drainage system is made to see if adjustments may be readily accommodated. If an existing utility is not in conflict with the proposed improvement, but will be under the new pavement, consideration is given to allow it to remain in place until such time as it becomes a maintenance problem. Other items include, but are not limited to, those mentioned in No. 9. We have no formal process or method to help reduce the cost of a relocation. We will host individual utility coordination meetings on major projects to initiate conversation and dialogue among all the affected utilities. Topics such as joint trenching, utility corridors, joint ventures for contract utility relocations, relocation scheduling, etc. often arise out of these meetings. Requirements for placing new utilities is spelled out in our "Accommodation of Utilities on Right-of-way of the Illinois State Highway System". Policy is not geared to help avoid future relocations. However, a utility owner is also required to obtain a permit in conjunction with relocations/adjustments required by a highway improvement. The permit must contain the relocation plan. Plan is reviewed by the District Project Support Section and designer to ensure there are no conflicts with the relocation plan and the proposed construction. Our strategy is to begin utility coordination early in project development (Phase 1 - Planning) and keep it an open interactive process through out the life of the project (Phase 2 - detailed plans, specifications, and estimates) culminating in minimal utility relocations. Minimal relocations will reduce/eliminate contractor delay claims during construction as a result of utility relocation work. No, we do not store any utility location info. Our SUE consultants have proposed establishing a web-based info center, but the department has not committed to this endeavor. Our Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act requires utility owners to provide utility location info free of charge. None that I am aware of.
S Illinois Illinois DOT - Cheryl Cathey, Chief of Preliminary Engineering Yes IDOT's policy is to utilize SUE consultant engineers on urban projects involving subsurface excavations where potential utility conflicts exist. Yes, in the limited projects cited above, the SUE info is used extensively in the PEI (planning) and PE II (design) phases. The district project support engineer in cooperation with the utilities and the statewide One Call System determine the location and depth of the utilities located within the limits of a proposed improvement. Individual preliminary plans are sent to utilities located within an improvement during the PEI (planning phase) and usually twice during the PE II (design) phase. General info is made available to the industry through the publication of IDOT's 5-year construction program. Other than the supplying of plans to the utilities, as stated in No. 4, the utilities are also invited to the preconstruction conference. Recent changes to Illinois Statutes have mandated the organization of coordination councils comprised of state and utility personnel to enhance coordination and communication. The district's project engineer in cooperation with the project support engineer and the affected utility. The single most important factor is: can we get the same quality of improvement with little or no extra cost to the taxpayers with a re-design? If this is affirmative, the re-design is normally pursued. No Changes include the steepening of ditch backslopes, changing ditch grades, varying storm sewer elevations, changing manhole locations, using elliptical or arch pipes instead of round, adding paved ditches to protect utilities, changing form ditch cross section to a gutter cross section. No, there are no specific practices to avoid utilities. IDOT's Design and Environment Manual explicity states the desire to avoid utility conflicts when practical. IDOT employs innovation and "thinking outside the box" to mitigate utility conflicts. No method exists per se. However, we feel by minimizing the amount of relocation required, we minimize the costs incurred. No, those utilities locating on public right-of-way are required by IDOT policy to locate as near as practicable to the right-of-way line. Those utilities electing to relocate to private easement are not bound by any IDOT policies or rules. It should be noted that not all relocations qualify for reimbursement. Illinois Statute 605ILCS 5/9-113 requires utilities located on public right-of-way to relocate at no cost to the state, when directed by the state. IDOT does not have specific policies on shared databases. Access to these databases is limited to only IDOT personnel. The supplying of a copy of the information on the database on disk or CD would be addressed on a case by case basis. Recent changes to Illinois Statutes will affect the policies and procedures IDOT now utilizes. The impact of these changes, most of which have not been mentioned, are as yet to be seen.
S Indiana Indiana DOT - Matt Thomas, Highway-Utility Manager Yes Limited basis Yes, we give the info to our designers and ask them to look at it to see if there is anything we can do to minimize impacts on major utility lines. We involve utility companies in our "grade review" meeting and preliminary field check. We try to collect info on the location of their facilities and gather any major concerns they may have with regards to their facilities. We have utility companies and designers in direct contact. We send utility companies that are affected on a regular basis a quarterly report listing all their upcoming projects. We meet with individual utilities as needed to discuss upcoming projects and their relocation plans. The utility coordinators act as mediator between utilities and designers. The utility coordinator and the project manager/designer should come to a conclusion as what should be done. We look at the cost benefit of what it may take to avoid a utility. No specific policy or procedure. Judgement is left up to the engineer doing design work and utility coordinator as to what is reasonable. Utility coordinators work with info later in the project and may suggest alternative ideas to avoid conflicts with utilities. We do not have models, but we try to take into consideration the age of the utility facilities when we consider design changes, especially when it involves pressurized lines. Adjust ditch locations. Adjust manhole/storm sewer locations. Extend storm pipe runs to avoid ditch cuts that impact utilities. No Our state law allows us to financially help a utility if their relocation costs are: 1) greater than 10% of the total operating revenue received by the utility during the utility's most recent full fiscal year. 2) more than 50% of the total estimated cost of a proposed highway or bridge construction or improvement project. We have minimum depth requirements under ditches and pavement. N/A No
S Kansas Kansas DOT - Al Cathcart, Coordinating Engineer, Bureau of Design Yes Only used SUE on one project in Kansas In the one instance where SUE was used, the info collected was used to avoid utility relocations. In most cases, the underground facilities are probed or pot-holed to determine depth and location. We notify utility companies that we have a project when we begin design surveys. We share design plans for the project at field check when plans are about 50% complete. Utility adjustment agreements are prepared and executed for utility adjustments where KDOT is funding all or a share of the costs. Local construction office works with utility companies in locating new right-of-way and limits of construction and ditch elevations. Coordinating Section of the Bureau of Design Cost of utility relocation. Cost of redesign. Revised construction cost. Need for additional R/W. Access to utility for maintenance. Not directly Revise ditch grades. Relocate storm sewers. Move field entrances. Concrete slabs over utilities in the ditch bottom. On major projects, a utility coordination meeting is arrange to foster cooperation between utility companies. The Discovery Phase of each project allows project scopes to be reviewed in light of possible required utility adjustments. Communication, cooperation, trust and a good working relationship allow alternative solutions to be investigated. Our Utility Accommodation Policy Our Utility Accommodation Policy. http://www.ink.org/public/kdot/burdesign/coorsect/sectndefault.htm See No. 13 Each project goes through a discovery phase to determine project scope. Utility relocation issues can help to shape the project scope.
S Kentucky Kentucky Transportation Cabinet - Greg Smith, Transportation Engineer/Branch Manager Yes Not routinely Yes ? Varies from location to location and project to project. We try to brief utilities regularly on status of 6-year plan so they may plan and budget. We involve companies early enough before project advances form Phase I to Phase II design. Periodic meetings to track status of projects. Regular meetings with utilities involved on several projects statewide. Project Design Team chooses the option of designing around facilities. District Utilities Agent, in communication with C.O. Utilities and Rails Branch, make final determination if relocation is necessary and/or compensible. Cost of facility relocation. Will customers lose service for a significant period of time? Will relocation delay project letting? No Raise grades. Change storm sewer locations/elevations/grades. Utilities are identified. Cost estimates are generated. All contract work is subject to Cabinet approval. Reimbursable work is subject to Cabinet approval (scope). Utility facilities are installed in accordance with Cabinet policies. Permit work (non-relocation type work) is reviewed to eliminate conflicts with projects on 6-year plan. Utilities proposed for construction that are in conflict with projects in design/planning stages are pre-authorized to allow utility owners to modify plans and design around proposed highway construction. The Cabinet's utilities function is supervised at the District Level by an engineer who also supervises R/W and design functions. Individual responsible for coordinating all phases of pre-construction to improve delivery times and decrease costs/increase value of projects. Don't know what this means KyTC holds quarterly meetings with all Districts to review progress of projects. 6-year plan, including all phases of pre-construction to track progress. District and C.O. meet together to keep projects on schedule. Value Engineering can be used to increase value of projects.
S Maine Maine DOT - Brian Burne Yes Don't use consultants Use info collected as described in No. 1. If SUE is interpreted as only hiring SUE consultants, then may answers to No. 1 and 2 can be used here. When a project is started, the utilities are notified and coordination occurs throughout. Conflicts are identified along the way. We hold periodic meetings to discuss upcoming projects and other meetings to discuss overall policies. Joint effort between the utility coordinator, project designer and their management. General work around them unless it degrades the overall design. Both our costs and the utilities' costs are a factor. There is no formal process to consider these factors. Revise or eliminate portions of the drainage design, install closed drainage and curbing, highway realignment. Just getting an idea of where they are before starting the design. We allow them into our contracts if they so desire. Yes, our new draft policy is located at: http://www.state.me.us/mdot/utility/uap.htm Nothing else Not yet We try to coordinate with them on their betterment projects to assure locations will not conflict with future highway projects.
S Maryland Maryland State Highway - Joe Bissett, Statewide Utility Engineer Yes To identify underground utilities Yes, to minimize utility relocations N/A We notify utilities of upcoming projects. We have a 6-year plan and share monthly add schedules. We have project initiation which we have P.I. Meetings with utility companies. We have a number of coordination meetings. At the construction phase, we involve the utilities with the prebid and preconstruction. We have a combination of highway designers and utility coordination people. These are all discussed at our meetings and it is a joint decision. We adjust storm drainage, shift alignment. If it is a major cost issue, we will make changes. Didn't answer We make storm drainage revisions, adjust curves, profiles, and sidewalk alignments. In the design stage, we identify all of the existing utilities involved to avoid relocating. There are based on the prior right. If there is a permit involved, it is their responsibility for the cost involved. We have a policy to place utilities as close to the R/W. We look at the future plan so they are placed so they are not impacted. We have our own state policy. We have our own policy books and manuals. Didn't answer.
S Michigan Michigan DOT - Mark Dionise, Utility Coordination and Permit Engineer Yes Limited basis Yes, MDOT uses SUE on projects which may have significant utility conflicts in order to minimize or avoid conflicts and relocations. If SUE is used, utility information supplied by the utility owner is used. We request utility info as early in the design process as possible. Notify company of potential conflicts at 50% plan completion. MDOT includes some utility work in construction contracts. The MDOT contractor is responsible for utility work, thus minimizing potential conflict and delays. Design project manager along with input from other MDOT staff and utility companies. Cost of relocation, difficulty of relocation, available R/W for relocation. No Mainly re-design of storm sewer systems to avoid large relocation costs MDOT is currently considering acquiring some utility info during the scoping process (2-4 years before design) so more info can be known. No, in Michigan, if utility relocation is required, the utility company is responsible to relocate at no cost to the department (unless the utility has property rights). Yes, in some high population areas, utility attachments to bridges are not allowed unless the utility can show that there is no practical alternative. No No No
S Montana Montana DOT - Walt Scott, Supervisor/Utility Section Yes Selected projects only Our designers have been instructed to design around utilities when at all possible. Our designers have the option to request utility survey from staff personnel, who in turn request underground locates from one call. A copy of the department's project management schedule is mailed to every utility company in the state four times a year. On specific urban projects, meetings are held with affected utility companies to plan relocation corridors and timelines for placement based on R/W acquisition. The department's utility agents determine whether to relocate utility conflicts. Sufficient R/W, high cost of relocating the utility and acceptable terrain. Life-cycle cost is not a consideration. On occasion, estimated utility relocation costs are presented to design personnel for consideration as possible re-design issues. Remove slope rounding, steeper back slopes, minor centerline projections, ditch blocks, adjusting storm drain grades, adjusting storm drain pipe dimensions. The preliminary field review report has a line item for design personnel to indicate whether or not a SUE study will be needed. Annual unit costs are requested by the department from all utility companies within the state. These unit costs are then applied to relocations by a utility company when submitting estimates and bills for payment. When a utility company elects to locate within the R/W, they are permitted 5 feet from the R/W line and any additional facilities no more than 4 feet of separation between them. Above ground utilities are installed at or near the R/W line. Any underground facilities placed longitudinally within the roadway prism are allowed by a revocable permit. No No No
S Nebraska Nebraska Department of Roads - Mark Ottemann, Utilities Engineer Yes Yes N/A 1 year ahead of letting date Pre-construction conferences Roadway Design Engineer Cost No Adjust back slopes to pull in limits of construction. Look at utilities during corridor studies. No Locate close to R/W line. Didn't answer Yes No
S Nevada Nevada DOT - Paul A. Saucedo, Supervisory R/W Agent - Utilities Yes Both, to avoid if possible and to minimize if relocation is required N/A Usually around 30% design plans, we send out initial plans and request to start process. At 60% plans, we ask the utility companies to begin their relocation design plans. The district offices provide info on upcoming projects prior to the 30% design stage. Project coordinator in conjunction with the project designer and the individual utility company. 1) Is the relocation reimbursable? (See 3) 2) Cost-effectiveness 3) Prior rights status 4) Project deadlines Not that I'm aware of Moving of drainage facilities, shorten culvert piper, eliminating certain highway improvements that do not affect highway safety, minor changes for the most part. No If the affected utility has a prior right, which is compensable in court, we can reimburse the utility for certain relocation costs. Yes, we require all utilities to be installed as far to the edge of R/W as possible. Every permit is reviewed to see if any conflicts exist with current or future projects. No No No
S North Carolina NCDOT - Aydren D. Flowers, State Utility Agent Yes Yes, where practical and cost-effective N/A Depends in magnitude of project. Low impact projects: probably would not involve utilities until R/W plans were involved. High impact projects: utilities are involved early on, usually during project scoping and preliminary design. Coordination activities are continuous throughout the life of a project. Joint effort between the utility section, design, construction and R/W Cost and difficulty of the utility relocation or adjustment versus the design problem and the possible cost of R/W acquisition Yes, see No. 7 Altering proposed highway drainage systems, location of bridge pilings, altering proposed grade changes and slight shifts in alignment Utilization of SUE data in establishing drainage pipe elevation. Utilization of survey data in establishing a design that will avoid a major utility, such as substation, treatment plants, etc. The only procedure would be to work with the utility owner in making the relocation as minimum as possible, such as adjusting in place rather than doing a replacement and relocating within the highway R/W rather than securing additional R/W for the utility All requests for new installations are reviewed and approved with any future highway plans in mind. See No. 15. Attempting to secure input from utility owners in the early design stages so that better decisions can be made. Not at this time; however, all of our data is shared with the utility owners on a regular basis. Providing utilities with info on future projects (7-year Transportation Improvement Program) so that utility upgrades or new installations can be made with consideration to the planned highway improvement.
S Ohio Ohio DOT - Bruce B. Gaddis, Manager, Central Office Utilities Yes Yes, whenever possible On projects where SUE is not used. Rely on info from utilities through the Ohio one-call system and readily available field info gathered by designer. Initial stage of project development, utilities are notified of project and provided basic project info. On-site field meetings with utilities and preliminary discussions on special needs such as material ordering, time frames, splicing needs, outage restrictions and relocation time frames in general. Would be a cooperative effort involving designer, the utilities and ODOT utility personnel. Cost to the project and potential for saving of time during construction. No Most common would be to water, sewer or storm drainage - alignment changes would be extremely rare. Not particularly No ODOT Utilities Manual incorporates design provisions which can help to eliminate or mitigate future utility relocation. Ohio is an old state with old and congested infrastructure often located on marginally wide rights-of-way - utility avoidance is difficult. Major emphasis is early involvement and coordination with utilities. ODOT website has the Utilities Manual available. No
S Ohio Ohio DOT - District 4 - Steve Jones, District Utilities Coordinator Yes Yes N/A Most of the time. As soon as the scope of services is approved and awarded to a design consultant. 4 stages - utilities are informed no later than stage 1. Have two utility coordination meetings during design stages and continue those meetings through construction. I make sure the final decision after consulting with the design engineers. The cost, make plan changes as much as possible, consider the utility in conflict. No Move catch basins, manholes, storm sewer runs and laterals, underdrain, etc. We don't have any standard practices. If I don't check the conflict during review, nothing is done to resolve the conflict until construction. The cost of relocation is important but not the first thing considered. Depends on what type of facility is in conflict. Gas and water lines are much easier and cheaper to move than fiber or copper phone cables. If we can elbow around a catch basin, that helps to minimize the cost but most of the time, this is not the case. No, we buy the minimum amount of R/W to keep project costs down. Therefore, the chances of hitting the utilities I the future are fairly good. ODOT has a utility manual that covers all the policies in regards to reimbursement, relocations and such. None other than the printed manual. No
S Oklahoma Oklahoma DOT - Lynn Whitford, Manager of Utilities Yes One time That is what we hope will happen. Plans have not been submitted yet. Very recently, ODOT has modified its attitude of relocating utilities to accommodate the construction to considering the cost of relocation compared to alignment. Didn't answer Didn't answer Didn't answer Cost of the utility - ease of revision No Mostly ditch elevations. Some detours have been revised, curb and gutter sections have been extended to eliminate ditches, stormwater collectors and C.I.C.I. Systems have been modified. Rarely, the grade of the roadway is revised. ODOT has changed the P.I.H. process to include a 30% plan completion meeting to access R/W and conflicting utilities. Trying to utilize a combination of utility easements and fee tackings to minimize power pole overhang easements. Try to acquire enough R/W to accommodate all the utilities, thus saving the cost of replacement easements. New utility placements must apply for a permit and furnish drawings with proposed locations. This does not generally keep utilities form conflicting with new construction. No No No
S Pennsylvania PennDOT - John G. Proud, Utility Relocation Administrator Yes SUE is not used on all projects. Yes, the info must be provided early in the design to be most beneficial. On projects where SUE is not used, PennDOT uses info provided by the utility relative to their location. If the info received is questionable, the utility will excavate test holes to determine the horizontal and vertical location. On major projects, utilities are notified early in the final design. When plans showing existing topography are available (30-40% complete), utilities are requested to verify and correct the info. On minor projects, utilities are notified when a plan is approximately 60-70% complete. These projects have minimal utility involvement and are usually designed and built within one year. Designers use PA one call to help determine utilities within project limits. A scoping field view is attended by the District Utility Administrator and other department personnel. Personal knowledge and experience of District Utility Administrator. Design Utility meetings. Project manager/designer with input form District Utility Administrator. R/W Administrator and other affected units. Time required by the utilities to complete the relocation and the affect this may have on the project schedule. The extent of any design change and the overall affect on the schedule. Cost of relocation. No Revisions to drainage items. Change the type of retaining wall. Change the type of bridge or abutment. Use of a retaining wall in lieu of extending fill slopes. None None If the facility needs to be relocated, we prefer that it be outside the R/W. If not possible, then we will consider placing facilities as far from the shoulder as practical. Only in extreme cases will we consider relocating facilities within the pavement cross section. None None None
S Tennessee Tennessee DOT - Joseph E. Shaw, (No. 2) State Utility Coordinator Yes The department has used SUE on 3 projects on a pilot basis. There has been no proposals for independent SUE industry consultants to perform contract SUE work. There is not a standard department policy or procedure for the use of SUE this time. No, the info provided has been used as a comparison to standard survey methods and primarily as a "locating" function for identifying existing utilities and relative location. Utility location is done by the utility or by the one-call services. Underground horizontal locations are somewhat accurate based on above ground features. Vertical locations are very questionable. When the project is identified or defined by the department, normally at the Advance Planning Report. State Statute requires that complete plans be sent to the utility for construction coordination. The Department Business Process Re-engineering effort defined the need for a 20-year plan, 5-year program to identify potential projects. At this time, an outline 3-year program, State Transportation Improvement Program, containing federally funded projects, is provided on the internet. The designers have the initial responsibility. Normally, utility conflicts are not identified until the ROW plans are issued and the utility has an opportunity to provide input. The utilities office is then responsible for coordinating the relocation or the revision to the design. Major factor is the time required for relocation. Reimbursable cost to the utility is a contributing factor. The cost, time and effort to re-design normally determine if a plan's revision will be considered by the department. If ROW plans have been issued, the status of property acquisition may contribute to the decision to re-design or not to re-design. No, current value is considered for reimbursable circumstances. Roadway template was widened or to relocate to an area on a bridge crossing that required phased demolition. Adding a retaining wall/gravity wall to eliminate encroachment that would conflict with existing utility facilities. Invite the utilities to the preliminary engineering meetings and as development team resource is an attempt to identify potential conflicts and negotiate a solution prior to ROW plan issuance. The BPR effort also initiated the need for a more detailed project description plan, now referred to as the Final Scoping Report which provides for more advance info concerning utilities and possible utility conflicts. By statute and case law, utilities within public rights-of-way are not eligible for reimbursement. A 1999 statute requires the state to reimburse utilities with less than 500 customers for all relocation cost. The utility is encouraged to include the relocation work in the state contract and this results in a lower cost. Permitted utility facilities are generally located as near the existing ROW line as possible to reduce the possibility of conflicts resulting form roadway widening. Utility office reviews relocation plans with department. No None concerning utility applications. No
S Tennessee Tennessee DOT - Joseph E. Shaw, (No. 1) State Utility Coordinator Yes Three pilots This office advocates the use of SUE to guide the roadway designers in the development of projects to avoid utility conflicts if possible. The Survey office has been requested to include this issue in the development of TDOT policy and procedures for SUE. Two issues in Tennessee. Location of utilities is a continuing problem for department surveys. The second issue is to make the designers aware of the impact of utility relocations to various people. The department notifies utilities of the general project location as per the Advance Planning Report. The utilities have been invited and have been provided development plans during project development. Utilities are required to be contacted when ROW plans are distributed within 120 days, with stipulation of 45 additional days. There are no penalties for noncompliance with this statute. Regional utility staff meet with utilities as required during utility relocation plan development. Utilities office hold statewide meetings with utilities across the state. The department is attempting to make available long range plans, this years adding the 2002-2004 STIP to the website. Regional utility staff works with the utilities. Resolutions related to re-design are then submitted to the HQ Utility office for coordination with the design office. Primary factor is delay to construction. Secondary is cost. Utilities have shared in the costs of re-designs that avoid conflict and subsequent relocation of existing facilities. No Use of gravity retaining walls to minimize slope encroachment on existing utility facilities. Relocation of ramps to avoid conflicts. Re-design storm sewer location to avoid conflict. The department implemented project managers, teams and constructability reviews. The teams involve the utility office. We have had three constructability reviews so far. These are the only known practices during the design process Regional staff determine relocation needs. State does have a Utility Relocation Loan Program. State law stipulates reimbursement for Interstate projects or for public utilities with less than 500 customers. Otherwise, the utility staff, construction, and the utility work out in the field the best relocation construction. All utilities are placed in accordance with TDOT Rules and Regulations for accommodating utilities within highway ROW. Regional utility staff attempt to provide utilities "best" plans for projects. The intent is for the utility to make locations compatible with the preliminary plan in mind. In some situations, this may negate potential reimbursement if they make adjustments for our plans prior to ROW being acquired, e.g. casement of pipes on easements, not needed until ROW is acquired and roadway built. None other than those already discussed. Electronic drawings are shared after the utility has signed a disclaimer. General policy is if the agency is working with the department on a project and the info is not used for profit. As part of the BPR process, we identified a need for a more detailed document than the Advance Planning Report and are establishing a Final Scoping Report that has a section to address utility concerns.
S Texas TxDOT - Randall W. Anderson, State Utility Coordinator/ROW Supervisor Yes Since 1997 Some do, some have admitted they don't use SUE info even when they have it to tweak highway design. Probably quality level D & C type resources/info Realistically just before or right after letting. Theoretically - end of advance planning to 30% PS&E. As a result of a Business Process Re-engineering, TxDOT derived the "TxDOT/Utility Cooperative Management Process" to give structure and methodology to utility coordination efforts. Design/project engineer Path of least resistance = move the utilities, NOT re-do design Not to my knowledge Storm sewer inlets, trunkline modifications, bridge column moves See No. 5 Yes Utility Accommodation Policy Penal initiative Don't know Just continually emphasizing coordination, communication and cooperation
S Texas TxDOT - Gary L. Ray, District Design Operations - Public Utility Coordinator Yes State of Texas initiated the use of SUE providers in 1997 and were established for implementation on a statewide basis using 4 SUE providers. A second series were negotiated with 9 SUE providers in 1999. Currently, the Houston District is in the process of developing a local program which will entail the use of 4 SUE providers performing work within a 6-county area. Yes, identifying utility facilities located within the various highway corridors does allow designers to minimize impact, facilitate the accommodation of utility facilities and minimize inconvenience to the traveling public. Allows us to evaluate the facility with regard to state's utility accommodation policies. Where SUE is not utilized, designers rely upon field inspection, review of old plan sets/R/W mapping, red-line drawings and utility installation applications, etc. Upon initiation of the design process. The Houston District began an electronic distribution of our project award schedule on a monthly basis. Per Houston District policy, designers are required to communicate and coordinate with the utility entities themselves. We have a representative that participates on a Utility Coordinating Council. Houston district hosts a series of meetings. The Houston District produces a newsletter entitled the "Utility Focus". We have been approved to develop a website. Number of variables involved. WE strive to have utilities located, conflicts identified and be actively pursuing accommodation by the time project design reaches the 70% complete milestone. a) Project type: sometimes the type of project at hand may dictate available options. b) Compliance with state's utility accommodation policy: facility must be reviewed for compliance or be able to meet the criteria necessary to be granted an exception to policy. c) Type, size and relative complexity of the facility. d) Timing. e) Cost, f) age of facility See No. 7-f Those related to storm sewer and the placement thereof. Changes to the alignment and/or elevation or type of storm sewer system used. Designer's ability to fit the proposed storm sewer beneath the curb line or pavement structure. Raising, lowering and resizing of piping to facilitate required clearances. Similar discussion in No. 10 Raising roadway profiles, adjusting location and/or design of proposed structural columns or footings, adjusting location and/or design of retaining wall, changing storm sewer inlet types to increase clearances, enveloping lines in protective casings or utilization of protective slabs, altering design form a deeper open ditch stormwater system to a closed system, utilizing concrete riprap on open ditch stormwater system designs, adjusting flow line grades to clearances, using protective impact attentuation devices for above ground appurtenances. See attachments. Yes, we include city water and sanitary sewer facility adjustments/relocations in the project scope of work. We have coordinate joint trenching and adjustment activities between various pipeline entities. Yes, Houston District procedures dictate that all "Notice of Proposed Installation" forms submitted by a utility entity be circulated to various departments and/or relative design section involved in project. Both state law and TxDOT policy dictate that utility lines shall be located to avoid or minimize the need for adjustment. Didn't answer No, but we are in the process of developing a utility website. Didn't answer
S Texas Turnpike Texas Turnpike Authority Division Yes Yes N/A We hold annual meetings to discuss upcoming projects with utilities in the region. We start early in the design phase. The Austin Area Utility Coordination Council. The Section Engineer/Developer through consultation with TTA Time to relocate the facility and cost to TTA for the relocation. The extra design/construction cost to avoid the utility may be less than the cost to adjust the utility. No Bridge bents, storm drain, and moving the roadway alignment. Aerial photo. SUE = Q.L. D &C Investigate the most economical method of adjustment (alternatives). Maximize the use of available ROW. Stacking conduit vertically more so than horizontally. If future design is know, adjust utilities to the ultimate design. The coordinated solution of utility conflicts in Transportation Projects Manual Limited shared database allowed Not at this time
S Virginia Virginia DOT - Dave Austin, State Utility Engineer Yes Both uses the sup surface info N/A At the field inspection phase We hold a utility field inspection for affected utilities. Location and design division Cost of utility relocation involved Are considered Drainage, traffic control Didn't answer Try to review relocation with utility and designers No No No No
S West Virginia West Virginia DOT - Guy W. Mick, Chief, Railroads and Utilities Unit Yes Sometimes Yes Verification plans from utility companies Utility companies become aware of a project when they are asked to verify their facilities for the project. They become aware of specific conflicts when they are given plans and authorization. We try to provide yearly project schedules. But recently, this has been very difficult due to schedule changes. The decision is made by our upper management based on info provided by the utility companies. Cost of relocating the utilities. Time delay in relocating utilities. No Highway route has been altered to avoid high voltage electric lines. A bridge design was altered to avoid high pressure gas transmission lines. Route selection based on preliminary utility info West Virginia now reimburses the total cost of utility relocations. Permits are required for utility placement in existing R/W. Not that I am aware of Not yet No
S Wisconsin Wisconsin DOT - Sheldon E. Larsen, State Utility Projects Coordinator Yes Only on some projects Yes Utility locations are determined and placed on plan and plat. Then info meetings are held involving utilities to see if conflicts can be eliminated. We hold annual utility coordination meetings where we present our 6-year plan (booklet). We invite utilities to our operations projects meeting at inception of project. We also held at least two utility coordination meetings during the design process. Utility coordination meetings (2). Meet with utilities as needed to resolve conflicts. Joint effort. Utility coordinator, designer and utility representative. Usually a mutual cost-driven solution. Cost. If design changes can be made to reduce utility cost without compromising the design, they are made. Yes Horizontal and vertical alignment changes, pre-bore and batter pile driving to miss utility facilities, special design of storm drainage to allow existing utilities to remain in place. Describe in No. 9 If utilities are on R/W, they move at their own cost. If they are on private easement, they are compensable. Yes, we have a "Utility Accommodation Policy." Copy available upon request. "Wisconsin DOT Guide to Utility Coordination," and "Utility Accommodation Policy" Not at this time. Available in the future. Communicate
S Wyoming Wyoming DOT - David R. Bryden, Utilities/Railroad Administrator Yes Yes, but not 100%. The info is used for locating, but little in the way of avoidance. Yes, field surveys by DOT personnel. Not much done in the way of avoidance. Sheet wasn't faxed. Sheet wasn't faxed. Sheet wasn't faxed. Cost to relocate utility and/or critical nature of utility No Both alignment and grade changes. Occasional design changes such as moving a storm sewer. Sheet wasn't faxed. Sheet wasn't faxed. Sheet wasn't faxed. No No No
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Updated: 04/19/2018
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