4.4.7 Utilities

Known utility facilities within the ROW (existing and proposed) are shown on the geometric schematic. The designer should obtain information on existing utilities from utility owners and include the location of existing utilities on the geometric schematic.
A utility layout may be prepared more easily by performing the following steps:
  • Send the schematic to utility owners who do not have utility plans readily available;
  • Ask utility owners to draw their utilities on the schematic with distances referenced to the ROW or other reference points; and
  • Use additional SUE to identify underground utilities.
Refer to TxDOT’s ROW
Utilities Manual
for details on the TxDOT-Utility Cooperative Management Process.
4.4.7.1 Potential Utility Conflicts Identification
Utility conflicts refer to physical conflicts between existing utilities and the proposed transportation facility construction. Utility conflicts also refer to utilities not complying with TxDOT's Utility Accommodation Rules (UAR), such as utilities not complying with location, cover, or clearance requirements. After developing a utility layout, the designer can determine potential utility conflicts. If geospatial data is available, a 3D model review can be performed. Knowledge of these conflicts assists the utility owners in budgeting for anticipated adjustment costs.
Early utility coordination cuts construction time extension claims and delays that increase project costs.
Considerations to avoid utility conflicts:
  • Revise alignments and project features to avoid utilities when possible before requesting that the utilities be moved. Utility adjustment can be expensive and time-consuming so it must be done only when it is unavoidable; and
  • Advise utility owners of potential conflicts as soon as possible.
    One to two years
     may be needed to budget, design, and complete required adjustments.
For more detailed information on the utility accommodation process, see
Chapter 6
.
It is It is important to notify utility owners of potential noise mitigation locations proposed for a project to avoid relocating utilities that could provide conflict for the proposed sound wall.