DAR File No. 39988

Transportation, Preconstruction

Rule R930-7

Utility Accommodation

Notice of Proposed Rule

(Amendment)

DAR File No.: 39988
Filed: 12/14/2015 10:46:56 AM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

The Department is amending Rule R930-7 to remove text from Section R930-7-12 that is no longer relevant because it was replaced by the new Rule R930-8. The amendment also includes technical changes intended to update the rule to reflect current practices.

Summary of the rule or change:

The definition of "relocate" is redrafted to reflect current use. The section addressing the Statewide (multiple use) Encroachment Permit Bonding Option is redrafted to improve clarity. The text that was Section R930-7-12 is replaced with new language on "Maintenance Responsibility" for utility facilities because the section was replaced by new Rule R930-8.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Subsection 72-6-116(2)

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

The Department does not anticipate any additional costs or cost savings to the state budget because the changes are technical in nature and should generate no fiscal effects.

local governments:

The Department does not anticipate any additional costs or cost savings to local governments because the changes are technical in nature and should generate no fiscal effects.

small businesses:

The Department does not anticipate any additional costs or cost savings to small businesses because the changes are technical in nature and should generate no fiscal effects.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

The Department does not anticipate any additional costs or cost savings to persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local government entities because the changes are technical in nature and should generate no fiscal effects.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

The Department does not anticipate any additional compliance costs for affected persons because the changes are technical in nature and should generate no fiscal effects.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

The Department is amending Rule R930-7 to reflect current practices and to account for the codification of Rule R930-8. The changes are technical in nature and should generate no fiscal effect on businesses.

Carlos Braceras, Executive Director

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Transportation
Preconstruction
CALVIN L RAMPTON COMPLEX
4501 S 2700 W
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84119-5998

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• James Palmer at the above address, by phone at 801-965-4000, by FAX at 801-965-4338, or by Internet E-mail at jimpalmer@utah.gov

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

02/16/2016

This rule may become effective on:

02/23/2016

Authorized by:

Carlos Braceras, Executive Director

R930. Transportation, Preconstruction.

R930-7. Utility Accommodation.

R930-7-3. Definitions.

(1) "Abandoned facility" is a utility facility that is not in use, no longer actively providing a service and is physically disconnected from the operating facility that is still in use and still actively providing a service. Abandoned facilities remain the property of the utility company.

(2) "Access control" is the regulation of public access to and from properties abutting the highway facilities. The two basic types of access control are:

(a) "No access (NA)" means access to through-traffic lanes is not allowed except at interchanges. Crossings at grade and direct driveway connections are prohibited.

(b) "Limited access (LA)" means access to selected public roads may be provided. There may be some crossings at grade and some private driveway connections.

(3) "Administrative citation" is a letter from UDOT to a utility company citing one or more non-compliance items and proper redress requirements such as action on the appropriate bond, revocation of permit, and revocation of a license agreement.

(4) "AASHTO" is the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

(5) "Backfill" means the replacement of soil removed during construction. It may also denote material placed over or around structures and utilities.

(6) "Bedding" means the composition and shaping of soil or other suitable material to support a pipe, conduit, casing, or utility tunnel.

(7) "Boring" means the operation by which carriers or casings are pushed or jacked under highways without disturbing the highway structure or prism. Bores are carved progressively ahead of the leading edge of the advancing pipe as soil is mucked back through the pipe.

(8) "Carrier" means a pipe directly enclosing a transmitted fluid (liquid, gas, or slurry).

(9) "Casing" is a larger pipe, conduit, or duct enclosing a carrier.

(10) "Clear Zone" means the total roadside border area, starting at the edge of the traveled way, available for safe use by errant vehicles. This area may consist of a shoulder, a recoverable slope, a non-recoverable slope, and a clear run-out area. The desired width is dependent upon traffic volumes, speeds, and roadside geometry.

(11) "Coating" is material applied to or wrapped around a pipe.

(12) "Conduit" is an enclosed tubular casing for the protection of wires and cables.

(13) "Depth of bury (cover)" means the depth from ground or roadway surface to top of pipe, conduit, casing, cable, utility tunnel, or similar facility.

(14) "Deviation" means a granted permission to depart from the standards and requirements of this rule.

(15) "Emergency work" is utility company work required to prevent loss of life or significant damage to property.

(16) "Encasement" is a structural element surrounding a carrier or casing.

(17) "Encroachment" means the unauthorized use of highway right of way.

(18) "Encroachment permit" is a document that specifies the requirements and conditions for performing work on the highway right of way.

(19) "Environmentally protected areas" are areas that include, but are not limited to, wetlands, flood plains, stream channels, rivers, threatened or endangered species, archaeological sites, and historic sites.

(20) "Expressway" is a divided arterial highway for through traffic with partial control of access and generally with grade separations at major intersections.

(21) "Federal-aid highways" are highways eligible to receive Federal-aid.

(22) "FHWA" is the Federal Highway Administration.

(23) "Flexible carrier pipe" is a plastic, fiberglass, or metallic pipe having a large diameter to wall thickness ratio and which can be deformed without undue stress.

(24) "Flowable fill" is low strength flowable concrete as defined in UDOT Standard Specification 03575.

(25) "Freeway" is an expressway with full control of access.

(26) "Frontage road" is a local street or road auxiliary to and located on the side of an arterial highway for service to abutting property and adjacent areas and for control of access.

(27) "Grade" is the rate or percent of change in slope, either ascending or descending, measured along the centerline of a roadway or access.

(28) "Grounded" means electrically connected to earth or to some extended conducting body that serves instead of the earth, whether the connection is intentional or accidental.

(29) "Grout" is a cement mortar or slurry of fine sand or clay.

(30) "Highway, street, or road" are general terms denoting a public way for the transportation of people, materials, and goods, but primarily for vehicular travel, including the entire area within the right of way.

(31) "Horizontal directional drilling" (HDD), also known as directional boring and directional drilling, is a method of installing underground pipes and conduits from the surface along a prescribed bore path. The process is used for installing telecommunications and power cable conduits, water lines, sewer lines, gas lines, oil lines, product pipelines, and casings used for environmental remediation. It is used for crossing waterways, roadways, congested areas, environmentally protected areas, and any area where other methods are not feasible.

(32) "Interstate highway system" (Interstate) is the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways as defined in the Federal-aid Highway Act of 1956 and any supplemental acts or amendments.

(33) "License Agreement or Statewide Utility License Agreement" is a document by which UDOT licenses the use and occupancy, with conditions, of highway rights of way for utility facilities.

(34) "Manhole" or "utility access hole" is an opening in an underground system that workers or others may enter for the purpose of making installations, removals, inspections, repairs, connections, and tests.

(35) "Median" is the portion of a divided highway separating the traveled ways for traffic in opposite directions.

(36) "MUTCD (Utah MUTCD)" means the current version of Utah Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices referenced in R920-1.

(37) "Pavement structure" is the combination of sub-base, base course, and surface course placed on a sub-grade to support the traffic load.

(38) "Permit" means encroachment permit.

(39) "Pipe" is a tubular product made as a production item for the transmission of liquid or gaseous substances. Cylinders formed from plate material in the fabrication of auxiliary equipment are not pipe as defined here.

(40) "Pipeline" is a continuous carrier used primarily for the transportation of liquids, gases, or solids from one point to another using either gravity or pressure flow.

(41) "Plowing" means the direct burial of utility lines by means of a mechanism that breaks the ground, places the utility line, and closes the break in the ground in a single operation.

(42) "Practicable" means reasonably capable of being accomplished or feasible as determined by UDOT.

(43) "Relocate" means [to move an existing utility facility to a new location when found by UDOT to be necessary for construction or maintenance of a highway]the adjustment of utility facilities when found by UDOT to be necessary for construction or maintenance of a highway. It includes removing and reinstalling the facility, including necessary temporary facilities, acquiring the necessary right-of-way on the new location, moving, rearranging or changing the type of existing facilities and taking any necessary safety and protective measures. It also means constructing a replacement facility that is both functionally equivalent to the existing facility and necessary for continuous operation of the utility service, the project economy, or sequence of highway construction.

(44) "Right of way" is a general term denoting land, property, or interest therein, usually in a strip acquired for or devoted to transportation purposes.

(45) "Roadside" is a general term denoting the area between the outer edge of the roadway shoulder and the right of way limits.

(46) "Roadway" is the portion of a highway, including shoulders, for vehicular use. A divided highway has two or more roadways.

(47) "Slope" is the relative steepness of the terrain expressed as a ratio or percentage. Slopes may be categorized as positive or negative and as parallel or cross slopes in relation to the direction of traffic.

(48) "State highways" are those highways designated as State Highways in Title 72, Chapter 4, Designation of State Highways.

(49) "Structure" means any device used to convey vehicles, pedestrians, animals, waterways or other materials over highways, streams, canyons, or other obstacles. It also includes buildings, signs, and UDOT facilities with foundations.

(50) "Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)" is the management of certain risks associated with utility mapping at appropriate quality levels, utility coordination, utility relocation, communication of utility data, utility relocation cost estimates, implementation of utility accommodation policies, and utility design. SUE tools include traditional records, site surveys, and new technologies such as surface geophysical methods and non-destructive vacuum excavation, to provide quality levels of information. The SUE process for collecting and depicting information on existing subsurface Utility Facilities is described in ASCE Standard 38-02, Standard Guideline for the Collection and Depiction of Existing Subsurface Utility Data.

(51) "Trenched" means installed in a narrow open excavation.

(52) "Trenchless (Untrenched)" means installed without breaking the ground or pavement surface by a construction method such as directional drilling, boring, tunneling, jacking, or auguring.

(53) "UDOT" is the Utah Department of Transportation and where referenced to be contacted, submitted to, approved by, accepted by or otherwise engaged, means an authorized representative.

(54) "Utility" or "utility facility" means privately, publicly, cooperatively, or municipally owned pipelines, facilities, or systems for producing, transmitting, or distributing communications, power, electricity, light, heat, gas, oil, petroleum products, cable television, water, sewer, steam, waste, storm water not connected with highway drainage, and other similar commodities, which directly or indirectly service the public, or any part thereof.

(55) "Utility appurtenances" include but are not limited to pedestals, manholes, vents, drains, rigid markers, meter pits, sprinkler pits, valve pits, and regulator pits.

(56) "Utility company" is a privately, cooperatively, or publicly owned utility, including utilities owned by political subdivisions, and where referenced includes authorized representatives, contractors, and agents.

(57) "Vent" is an appurtenance designed to discharge gaseous contaminants from a casing.

 

R930-7-6. General Installation Requirements.

(1) General.

(a) Utility companies desiring to use right of way under the jurisdiction of UDOT for the installation or maintenance of any utility facility must be licensed to do so by entering into a license agreement with UDOT. This statewide agreement sets forth the procedures and conditions for the issuance of encroachment permits for all installations statewide. Encroachment permits are not issued without a license agreement first being executed. UDOT may impose additional restrictions or requirements for license agreements or encroachment permits.

(b) A permitted facility shall, if necessary, be modified by the utility company to improve safety or facilitate alteration or maintenance of the right of way as determined by UDOT.

(2) License Agreements or Statewide Utility License Agreements.

(a) Agreements are executed by UDOT and utility companies to set forth the terms and conditions for the accommodation and maintenance of utility facilities within the right of way. A license agreement is required for, but does not guarantee the approval of encroachment permits.

(b) As part of executing a license agreement with UDOT, owners of facilities located in the right of way are required to post a continuous bond in the amount of $100,000, naming UDOT as the insured, to guarantee satisfactory performance. The Statewide Utilities Engineer may approve a lesser amount. Failure by a utility company to maintain a valid bond in the amount required is cause for denying issuance of future permits to that utility company, and for the removal of that utility company's facilities from the right of way.

(c) A public utility is exempt from the bond requirements described in this section if the public utility:

(i) is a member of the municipal insurance pool;

(ii) is a political subdivision; or

(iii) at UDOT's option carries liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and as more specifically described in its License Agreement.

(d) Upon discovery of utility caused damage to the highway or to the right of way, UDOT may opt to exercise its bonding rights in recovering costs incurred to restore the highway or right of way. The utility company is liable for all restoration costs incurred as a result of damages caused by its utility, and its liability is not limited to the amount of the bond.

(e) License agreements may be terminated at any time by either party upon 30 days advance written notice to the other. Permits previously issued and approved under a terminated agreement are not affected and remain in effect on the same terms and conditions set forth in the agreement and permits. The obligation to maintain the $100,000 bond continues until the utility company's facilities are removed from UDOT's right of way.

(3) Emergency Work.

(a) In all emergency work situations, the utility company or its representative shall contact UDOT immediately and on the first business day shall contact UDOT to complete a formal permit. Failure to contact UDOT for an emergency work situation and obtain an encroachment permit within the stated time period is considered to be a violation of the terms and conditions of the utility company's license agreement. At the discretion of the utility company, emergency work may be performed by a bonded contractor, public agency, or a utility company. None of the provisions of this rule are waived for emergency work except for the requirement of a prior permit.

(4) One Call Requirements.

(a) Underground facilities are not permitted within the right of way unless the utility company subscribes to Blue Stakes of Utah and other appropriate "call-before-you-dig" systems, or otherwise provides utility plans as detailed in Section R930-7-11(6)(a) of this rule.

(5) Preservation of New Pavement.

(a) Cuts or open excavations on newly constructed, paved, or overlaid highways are not allowed for two years. If an emergency cut or excavation occurs, the responsible utility company shall comply with any special conditions imposed by UDOT regarding restoration of the roadway.

(6) Encroachment Permits.

(a) Encroachment Permits on State Highways.

Utility companies shall obtain an encroachment permit from UDOT for the installation and maintenance of utility facilities on the right of way. Encroachment permits are approved or disapproved by UDOT. Applications for encroachment permits are submitted to the Region Permits Officers by the utility company or its contractor. No utility company or utility company contractor shall begin any utility work on the right of way until an approved encroachment permit is issued by UDOT and the utility company is authorized to proceed in writing. Prior to the issuance of encroachment permits, fees are assessed to cover related costs incurred by UDOT including costs for planning, coordination, and utility plan review.

If the utility company expects work to significantly impact travel lane capacity, UDOT recommends the utility company contact the appropriate Region Permit Office to discuss concepts in advance of submitting an encroachment permit application.

Utility companies shall submit two sets of plans depicting the proposed installation. The plans shall be sized as required by UDOT and include utility company identification, work location, utility type and size, type of construction, vertical and horizontal location of facilities relative to the centerline of road, location of all appurtenances, trench details, right of way limits, and traffic control plans. Traffic control plans shall conform to the Utah MUTCD as outlined in Section R930-7-7(1)(d), are mandatory for each instance of utility construction or maintenance, and shall be attached to each permit application.

Utility companies may authorize their contractors to obtain permits on their behalf. All terms and conditions set forth in the license agreement apply. The utility company's construction forces or the utility contractor shall carry a copy of the approved permit at all times while working on the right of way.

(b) Bonding and Liability Insurance Requirements.

(i) Individual (one-time use) Encroachment Permit Bonding Requirements. As authorized by Sub-section 72-7-102(3)(b)(i) this rule requires encroachment permit applicants to post a Performance and Warranty [or Maintenance] Bond, using UDOT's approved bond form, for a period of three years from the date of beginning of work or two years from the end of work, whichever provides the longer period of coverage. A separate Performance and Warranty Bond is required for each individual encroachment permit. Political subdivisions of the state are not required to post a bond unless the political subdivision fails to meet the terms and conditions of previous permits issued as determined by UDOT. The amount of the bond is determined by the UDOT Region Permits Officer based on the scope of work being performed but will not be less than $10,000.

(ii) Statewide (multiple use) Encroachment Permit Bonding Option. In lieu of posting multiple individual one-time use bonds, [E]encroachment permit applicants who routinely acquire encroachment permits may elect to post a statewide performance and warranty [or maintenance ]bond , using UDOT's approved bond form[in lieu of posting multiple individual bonds]. A statewide bond satisfies bonding requirements for work in all UDOT Regions. The bond amount is determined by UDOT but will not be less than $100,000. A valid statewide bond period shall be not less than three years from the date of completion of permitted work[and will meet bonding requirements for UDOT permits for a period of one year from date of issue].[Encroachment permit applicants may submit a replacement statewide bond on an annual basis provided the bond period is not less than three years at time of replacement.]

(iii) Inspection Bond. UDOT may require an additional inspection bond to ensure payment for UDOT field review and inspection costs before an encroachment permit is granted.

(iv) Proceeds Against the Bond. UDOT may proceed against the bond to recover all expenses incurred if payment is not received from the permit applicant within 45 calendar days of receiving an invoice. Upon discovery of utility caused damage to the highway or to the right of way, UDOT may opt to exercise its bonding rights in recovering costs incurred to restore the highway or right of way due to utility caused damages. Failure by the utility company to maintain a valid bond in the amounts required shall be cause for denying issuance of future permits and for the removal of the utility from the right of way.

(v) Liability Insurance Requirements. Permit applicants are also required to provide a certificate of liability insurance in the minimum amounts of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 in aggregate. Failure to meet this requirement will result in application denial. Liability insurance coverage is required throughout the life of the permit and cancellation will result in permit revocation.

(vi) Information about bond forms and liability insurance requirements are available on UDOT's website at: http://www.udot.utah.gov/go/encroachmentpermit

(c) Cancellation of Permits. Any failure on the part of a utility company to comply with the terms and conditions set forth in the license agreement or the encroachment permit may result in cancellation of the permit. Failure to pay any sum of money for costs incurred by UDOT in association with installation or construction review, inspection, reconstruction, repair, or maintenance of the utility facilities may also result in cancellation of the permit. UDOT also may remove the facilities and restore the highway and right of way at the sole expense of the utility company. Prior to any cancellation, UDOT shall notify the utility company in writing, setting forth the violations, and will provide the utility company a reasonable time to correct the violations to the satisfaction of UDOT.

(d) Assignment of Permits. Permits shall not be assigned without the prior written consent of UDOT. All assignees shall be required to file a new permit application.

(e) Indemnification. Permit holders performing utility work on the right of way shall, at all times, indemnify and hold harmless UDOT, its employees, and the State of Utah from responsibility for any damage or liability arising from their construction, maintenance, repair, or any other related operation during the work or as a result of the work. Permit holders shall also be responsible for the completion, restoration, and maintenance of any excavation for a period of three years unless UDOT requires a longer period of indemnification due to specific or unique circumstances.

 

R930-7-8. Definitive Design Requirements.

(1) Location Requirements.

(a) Longitudinal Installations. The type of utility construction, vertical clearances, lateral location of poles and down guys, and related ground mounted utility facilities along roadways are factors of major importance in preserving a safe traffic environment, the appearance of the highway, and the efficiency and economy of highway construction and maintenance. Longitudinal utility facilities shall be located on a uniform alignment and as close to the right of way line as practicable. The joint use of pole lines is acceptable and encouraged; however, all installations shall be located so that all servicing may be performed with minimal traffic interference. The following additional requirements apply to longitudinal installations.

(i) Utility facilities shall be located so as to minimize the need for future utility relocations due to highway improvements, avoid risks to the highway, and not adversely impact environmentally protected areas.

(ii) The location of utility installations along urban streets with closely abutting structures such as buildings and signs generally requires special considerations. These considerations shall be resolved in a manner consistent with the prevailing limitations and as approved by UDOT.

(iii) The location of utility facilities and associated appurtenances shall be in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

(iv) The horizontal location of utility facilities and appurtenances within the right of way shall conform to the current edition of the AASHTO Roadside Design Guide.

(v) Adequate warning devices, barricades, and protective devices must be used to prevent traffic hazards. Where circumstances necessitate the excavation closer to the edge of pavement than established above, concrete barriers or other UDOT approved devices shall be installed for protection of traffic in accordance with UDOT Traffic Control Standards and UDOT's Supplemental Drawings.

(vi) There are greater restrictions on the accommodation of utility facilities within interstate, freeway, and other access controlled highway right of way. See Section R930-7-10 for details.

(b) Overhead Installations.

(i) Minimal vertical clearances for installed overhead lines are 18 feet for crossings and longitudinal installations, and 23 feet for intersections. In addition, the vertical clearance for overhead lines above the highway and the vertical and lateral clearance from bridges and above ground UDOT facilities shall meet or exceed the current edition of the National Electrical Safety Code. Where overhead lines cross UDOT above ground facilities, including but not limited to signs, traffic signal heads, poles, and mast arms, vertical and lateral clearance shall meet OSHA working clearances for electrical lines in effect at the time of the installation which will accommodate maintenance work by UDOT personnel without having to discharge or shield the lines.

(ii) Utility companies planning to attach cable to other utility company poles shall obtain approval from the owner of the poles prior to a permit being issued by UDOT.

(iii) The utility facility shall conform to the current edition of the AASHTO Roadside Design Guide. Where there are existing curbed sections, utility facilities shall be located as far as practicable behind the face of curbs and, where feasible, behind sidewalks at locations that will not interfere with adjacent property use. In all cases there shall be a minimum of two feet clearance behind the face of the curb. All cases shall be resolved in a manner consistent with prevailing limitations and conditions.

(iv) Before locating a utility facility at other than the right of way line, consideration shall be given to designs using self-supporting, armless single pole construction, with vertical alignment of wires or cables, or other techniques permitted by government or industry codes that provide a safe traffic environment. Deviations from required clearances may be made where poles and guys can be shielded by existing traffic barriers or placed in areas that are inaccessible to vehicular traffic.

(v) Where irregular shaped portions of the right of way extend beyond or do not reach the normal right of way limits, variances in the location of utility facilities may be allowed to maintain a reasonably uniform alignment and thereby reduce the need for guys and anchors between poles and roadway.

(c) Subsurface Installations.

(i) Underground utilities may be placed longitudinally outside of the pavement by plowing or open trench method. Underground utilities shall be located on a uniform alignment and as near as practicable to the right of -way line to provide a safe environment for traffic operations, preserve the integrity of the highway, and preserve space for future highway improvements or other utility facility installations. The allowable distance from the right of way line will generally depend upon the terrain and obstructions such as trees and other existing underground and overhead objects. On highways with frontage roads, longitudinal installations shall be located between the frontage roads and the right of way lines. Utility companies shall include the placement of markers referenced in Section R930-7-11(5).

(ii) Unless UDOT grants a deviation, underground utility installations across existing roadways shall be performed by trenchless method in accordance with UDOT requirements and casings may be required. Pits shall be located outside of the clear zone and at least 30 feet from the edge of the nearest through traffic lane and at least 20 feet from the edge of pavement on ramps. On low traffic roadways and frontage roads, as determined by UDOT, bore pits shall be at least ten feet from the edge of pavement, five feet beyond toe of slope under fill sections and at least five feet from the face of curb and meet clear zone requirements from the edge of the traveled way whichever is greater. Bore pits shall be located and constructed so as to eliminate interference with highway structural footings. Shoring shall be used where necessary.

 

TABLE 1

Bore Pit Locations



Bore Pit Set Back Outside Clear Zone



At least ten feet from the edge At least 30 feet from the

of pavement, five feet beyond edge of the nearest through

toe of slope under fill sections traffic lane and at least 20

and at least five feet from the feet from the edge of

face of curb pavement on ramps.

 

(iii) The depth of bury for all utility facilities under pavement shall be a minimum of four feet below the top of pavement or existing grade including open drainage features. Where utility facilities are installed within 20 feet from the edge of pavement, the depth of bury shall be a minimum of five feet below top of grade so as to allow for installation of UDOT signs or delineators. Utility facilities under sidewalks shall be installed a minimum of three feet below the top of sidewalk.

(iv) Utility facilities installed greater than 20 feet from the edge of pavement shall be installed a minimum depth of three feet below grade. Specific types of facilities such as high pressure gas lines or petroleum lines may require additional cover.

(v) All underground utilities installed in the right of way must meet the minimum standards for compaction as outlined in the current edition of the UDOT Standards and Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction.

(vi) Where minimum depth of bury is not feasible, the facility shall be rerouted or, if permitted by UDOT, protected with a casing, encasement, concrete slab, or other suitable protective measures.

 

TABLE 2

SUMMARY OF UDOT DEFINITIVE UTILITY REQUIREMENTS

MINIMUM DEPTH OF BURY

Longitudinal and Crossing Installations

All underground utilities (cased and uncased)



Under Under Under Less than Greater than

Pavement Sidewalks Ditch 20 ft. 20 ft.

Surface from edge from edge

 of pavement of pavement



Min. of Min. of Min. of Min. of five Min. of three

four ft. three ft. three ft. ft. below ft. below

below top below top below low natural natural

of pavement of sidewalk point of grade grade

 ditch

 

(d) Crossings.

(i) Utility crossings shall be at 90 degrees unless a deviation is approved by UDOT. Crossing installations under paved surfaces shall be by trenchless methods. Jetting by means of water or compressed air is not permitted.

(ii) Utility crossings shall be avoided in deep roadway cuts, near bridge footings, near retaining and noise walls, at highway cross drains where flow of water may be obstructed, in wet or rocky terrain where it is difficult to attain minimum cover, and through slopes under structures.

(e) Median Installations.

(i) Overhead utility facilities such as poles, guys, or other related facilities shall not be located in highway medians. Deviations may be considered for crossings where wide medians provide for sufficient space to meet clear zone requirements from the edges of the travelled ways.

(f) Appurtenances.

(i) Utility appurtenances shall be located outside the clear zone and as close to the right of way line as practicable. Where these requirements cannot be met and no feasible alternative exists, a deviation to locate appurtenances within the clear zone in areas that are shielded by traffic barriers may be considered after the utility company provides written justification for such location for UDOT review. Cabinets, regulator stations, and other similar utility components shall not be located on the right of way unless they are determined by UDOT to be sufficiently small to allow a deviation.

(ii) Manholes, valve pits, and similar appurtenances shall be installed so that their uppermost surfaces are flush with the adjacent undisturbed surface.

(iii) Utility access points and valve covers shall be located outside the roadway where practicable. In urbanized areas where no feasible alternative to locating utility access points and valve covers outside of the roadway exists, the utility company must coordinate with UDOT to meet safety, operational, and maintenance requirements of both the utility company and UDOT.

(iv) Utility companies shall avoid placing manholes in the pavement of high speed and high volume highways. Deviations may be considered after written justification for such location is submitted by the utility company and reviewed and approved by UDOT. New manhole installations shall be avoided at highway intersections and within the wheel path of traffic lanes.

(v) Vents, drains, markers, utility access holes, shafts, shut-offs, cross-connect boxes, pedestals, pad-mounted devices, and similar appurtenances shall be located along or across highway rights of way in accordance with the provisions of the Americans With Disabilities Act.

(2) Environmental Compliance.

(a) The utility company shall comply with all applicable state and federal environmental laws and regulations, and shall obtain necessary permits. Environmental requirements include but are not limited to the following.

(i) Water Quality. A "Storm Water General Permit for Construction Activities" is required from the Utah Division of Water Quality for disturbances of one or more acres of ground surface.

(ii) Wetlands and Other Waters of the U.S. A "Section 404 Permit" is required from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for any impact to a wetland or water of the U.S.

(iii) Threatened or Endangered (T and E) Species. Comply with the Endangered Species Act; avoid impacts to T and E species or obtain a Permit from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

(iv) Historic and Archaeological Resources. Comply with the "National Historic Preservation Act"; avoid impacts to historic and archaeological resources. If resources could be impacted, contact the Utah State Historic Preservation Office.

(b) The utility company is responsible for environmental impacts and violations resulting from construction activities performed by the utility company or its contractors.

(c) If UDOT discovers or is made aware of a violation by the utility company or a failure to comply with state and federal environmental laws, regulations and permits, UDOT may revoke the permit, notify appropriate agencies, or both.

(3) Installation of Utilities in Scenic Areas.

(a) The type, size, design, and construction of utility facilities in areas of natural beauty shall not materially alter the scenic quality, appearance, and views from the highway or roadsides. These areas include scenic strips, overlooks, rest areas, recreation areas, adjacent rights of way and highways passing through public parks, recreation areas, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and historic sites. Utility installations in these areas shall not be permitted. Deviation from this requirement may be allowed if there is no reasonable or feasible alternative as determined by UDOT based on written justification submitted by the utility company. On Federal-aid highways, all decisions related to utility installations within these areas shall be subject to the provisions detailed in 23 CFR 645.209(h).

(i) New underground utility installations may be permitted within scenic strips, overlooks, scenic areas, or in the adjacent rights of way, when they do not require extensive removal, or alteration of trees, and other shrubbery visible to the highway user, or do not impair the scenic appearance of the area.

(ii) New overhead installations of communication and electric power lines are not permitted in such locations unless there is no feasible and reasonable alternative as determined by UDOT. Overhead installations shall be justified to UDOT by demonstrating that other locations are not available and that underground facilities are not technically feasible, economical or are more detrimental to the scenic appearance of the area.

Any installation of overhead facilities shall be made at a location and in a manner that will not detract from the scenic quality of the area being traversed. The installation shall utilize a suitable design and use materials aesthetically compatible to the scenic area, as approved by UDOT.

(4) Casing and Encasement Requirements.

(a) General. A carrier pipe is sometimes installed inside of a larger diameter pipe defined as a casing. Casings are typically used to provide complete independence of the carrier pipe from the surrounding roadway structure, and to provide adequate protection to the roadway from leakage of a carrier pipeline. It also provides a means for insertion and replacement of carriers without access or disturbance to through-traffic roadways.

(b) Casing requirements for crossing installations.

(i) All pipelines under pressure crossing under the roadbed of highways shall be in casings unless the pipeline is welded steel, meets industry corrosion protection standards, complies with federal and state requirements, and meets accepted industry standards regarding wall thickness and operating stress levels. In some cases UDOT may require a casing regardless of these exceptions if needed to protect the roadway, maintain public safety, or both.

(ii) In urban areas where space is limited for venting or where small pipelines are crossing, specifically intermediate high pressure lines, deviations for casing may be granted by UDOT.

(iii) Where a casing is required, it must be provided under medians, from top of back-slope to top of back-slope for cut sections, five feet beyond toe of slope under fill sections, five feet beyond face of curb in urban sections and all side streets, and five feet beyond any structure where the line passes under or through the structure. Deviations must be approved by UDOT. On freeways, expressways, and other access controlled highways, casings shall extend to the access control lines.

(iv) Utility installations by trenchless technologies, such as jacking, boring, or horizontal directional drilling methods, may be placed under highways without a casing pipe if approved by a UDOT representative.

(v) Where minimum bury is not feasible, the facility shall be rerouted or protected with a casing, concrete slab, or other suitable measures as determined by UDOT.

(c) Casings shall be considered for the following conditions:

(i) as an expediency in the insertion, removal, replacement, or maintenance of carrier pipe crossings of freeways, expressways, and other access controlled highways, and at other locations where it is necessary to avoid trenched construction;

(ii) as protection for carrier pipe from external loads or shock either during or after construction of the highway; and

(iii) as a means of conveying leaking fluids or gases away from the area directly beneath the roadway to a point of venting at or near the right of way line, or to a point of drainage in the highway ditch or a natural drainage way.

(d) UDOT may require casings for pressurized carriers or carriers of a flammable, corrosive, expansive, energized, or unstable material.

(e) Trenchless installations of coated carrier pipes shall be cased. Permission to deviate from this requirement may be granted where assurance is provided against damage to the protective coating.

(f) Encasement or other suitable protections shall be considered for pipelines with less than minimum cover, such as those near bridge footings or other highway structures, or across unstable or subsiding ground, or near other locations where hazardous conditions may exist.

(g) Rigid encasement or suitable bridging shall be used where support of pavement structure may be impaired by depression of flexible carrier pipe. Casings shall be designed to support the load of the highway and superimposed loads thereon and, as a minimum, shall be equal to or exceed the structural requirements of UDOT highway culverts in the UDOT Bridge Design Manual.

(h) Casings shall be sealed at the ends using suitable material to prevent water and debris from entering the annular space between the casing and the carrier. Such installations shall include necessary appurtenances, such as vents and markers.

(5) Mechanical and Other Protective Measures for Uncased Installation.

(a) When highway pipeline crossings are installed without casings or encasement, the following are suggested controls for providing mechanical or other protection.

(i) The carrier pipe shall conform to utility material and design requirements and utility industry and government codes and standards. The carrier pipe shall be designed to support the load of the highway plus superimposed loads operating under all ranges of pressure from maximum internal to zero pressure. Such installations shall use a higher factor of safety in the design, construction, and testing than would normally be required for cased construction.

(ii) Suitable bridging, concrete slabs, or other appropriate measures shall be used to protect existing uncased pipelines which may be vulnerable to damage from construction or maintenance operations. Construction or maintenance activities shall not proceed until protective measures are approved by UDOT.

(b) Uncased crossings of welded steel pipelines carrying flammable, corrosive, expansive, energized, or unstable materials may be permitted if additional protective measures are taken in lieu of encasement. Such measures shall use a higher factor of safety in the design, construction, and testing of the uncased carrier pipe, including thicker wall pipe, radiograph testing of welds, hydrostatic testing, coating and wrapping, and cathodic protection.

 

R930-7-12. Maintenance Responsibility.

The utility company is responsible for maintenance and liability of its utility facilities and appurtenances on UDOT right of way or on UDOT property including facilities installed without a Statewide Utility License Agreement or permit, whether operational, out of service, or abandoned. [Utility Relocations Required by Highway Projects.

(1) General.

(a) Utility companies will comply with the requirements of Sections 54-3-29 and 72-6-116, when completing utility relocations necessitated by highway projects.

(b) This rule incorporates by reference 23 CFR Section 645, Subpart A, (November 22, 2000) for all utility relocations.

(c) The costs incurred by UDOT and the utility companies for compliance with the federal and state statutes, rules and regulations will be included as part of utility relocation costs.

(2) Longitudinal Telecommunications Relocations and Reimbursement.

(a) Utility companies are required to pay all relocation costs for their telecommunications facilities granted interstate access pursuant to Section 72-7-108. ]

 

KEY: right-of-way, utilities, utility accommodation

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [November 7, 2013]2016

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 72-6-116(2)