Frequently asked questions
Contact the District Utility Coordinator for your project. Contractors will be working with the districts for most of the permitting and construction process.
Allow at least 90 days to receive the necessary permit for the project.
TxDOT will require adequate depth of cover for underground installations (4-ft longitudinal and 5-ft crossing minimum) and adequate overhead clearance for aerial installations (18-ft minimum). Dimensions are measured from the top of the road surface.
The Right of Way Division at TxDOT uses an online application called the Right of Way Utility and Leasing Information System (RULIS) for utility permitting and leasing. For more information, login to RULIS here.
Training and Job aid documents for RULIS can be found here.
Advanced railroad coordination is strongly recommended and may be essential for funding consideration. Obtaining railroad approval can take several months. Coordination with a railroad is a requirement for all projects that are within 50 feet of railroad right-of-way (including grade-separated crossings) and/or all projects that begin or end within 500 feet from an at-grade highway-rail crossing to ensure traffic control and construction do not interfere with an active crossing.
Railroads require an agreement with the utility owner and a separate right-of-way agreement between the railroad company and the company/contractor whose project enters that space. TxDOT has no input or authority on the agreement.
As part of the requirement of HB2422, TxDOT developed an application that allows a method of coordination and communication between broadband providers interested in cost sharing infrastructure deployment and associated costs. Providers can enter a planned route and contact email into the application. When overlapping routes occur, an introductory email is sent from the application to the associated providers. Broadband providers conduct coordination and negotiations.
Access the Joint Trenching Application here.
Register your company by clicking the Register link below. Annual notification of the Texas State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) will be sent via email each fall. You can view the current STIP as any time by visiting.