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Responsibilities
TxDOT has the responsibility of
providing a safe and efficient transportation system for the traveling public.
Vehicles that collide with obstructions on the right-of-way can cause
property damage, personal injury or even death. Efforts to create a safer
roadside for errant motorists have included the development and crash testing of
various breakaway supports for signs, illumination poles and mailboxes. TxDOT’s
safety supports have been crash-tested to federal National Cooperative Highway
Research Program standards. The tests performed on mailboxes and mailbox
supports established justification for TxDOT to replace mailboxes and mailbox
supports that are potentially dangerous to the traveling public.
In the interest of motorists’ safety, it is TxDOT policy to furnish and
install mailbox supports, free of charge, to individuals located on state
maintained highways.
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Standards
As a result of extensive research and testing, TxDOT has developed standards
which it follows when installing mailbox supports. TxDOT personnel will install
the correct type of support, in an appropriate location. Reflectors are provided
on the supports for added nighttime visibility of the roadside obstruction.
TxDOT encourages the use of Neighbor Delivery and Collection Box Units (NDCBU)
at locations with numerous mailboxes, such as mobile home parks and apartments.
Due to their size and weight, NDCBUs should be installed off of the highway
right-of-way. If possible, these mailbox units should be installed on low volume
intersecting roadways or on private property. If it is essential for a NDCBU to
be located on the right-of-way, TxDOT must be contacted to designate an
acceptable location. TxDOT is not responsible for the installation and
maintenance of NDCBUs. You may contact the U.S. Postal Service regarding
information about the installation of NDCBUs.
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Installation
If you live along a State maintained roadway, TxDOT will install your
mailbox. Provide a U.S. Postal Service approved
mailbox to your local TxDOT maintenance office and we will furnish the mailbox
support with mounting hardware and install your mailbox. We will also maintain
the installation of your mailbox. If you are not sure which mailboxes are
approved, call your local TxDOT office.
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Newspaper Delivery Tubes
Newspaper delivery tubes may be attached beneath the mailbox, opposite the
reflective marker on the same support. A separate support for newspaper tubes
will not be allowed. Newspaper tubes must consist of light sheet metal or
plastic construction. The name of the newspaper may be imprinted on the tube;
however, no other printing or advertising is allowed.
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Violations
Mailboxes and/or supports that do not comply with TxDOT standards create a
roadside hazard for the traveling public. For this reason, those not meeting
standards must be removed. When a non-compliant mailbox and/or support is
observed, TxDOT provides notification by mail requesting that the owner remove
the box or allow us to install an approved support system. If the violation is
not removed in a timely manner, the department will remove the installation.
Once the owner provides an acceptable mailbox, the department will furnish and
install the correct support system.
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More Information
TxDOT has 25 district offices located across the state to serve local
transportation needs. By contacting the local district office, information about
mailbox supports and installation can be coordinated. The postal patron will
need to provide the specific location, highway number and county to the local
district office. Please contact your local district office, or local maintenance
section office for mailbox supports, questions or comments.
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