6.4.4 Utility Adjustments

Utility companies cannot break ground or start the accommodation until after environmental clearance is obtained. Throughout the adjustment period, continuous coordination must be maintained between TxDOT and utility owners.
Changes in adjustment schedules and changes in field conditions can affect the overall construction schedule. Periodic inspection by TxDOT of the following items is essential during adjustment of the utility:
  • Conformance with the TxDOT Utility Accommodation Rules;
  • Conformance with plan requirements; and
  • Traffic control in accordance with the TMUTCD and applicable Traffic Engineering Standard Sheets.
Considerations during utility adjustment include:
  • Ensure effective communication among utility owners to prevent delays. A responsible party (e.g., Project Manager or Utility Coordinator) should follow up with utility owners on coordinating adjustments on a regular basis. One owner’s facilities may not be able to be adjusted until another owner’s facilities are adjusted; and
  • Utility owners have legal rights to use highway rights of way in accordance with TxDOT policy, and they must be regarded as partners in the transportation business. Utility adjustments often require specialized equipment, trained crews, and expertise (e.g., fiber optic cables and electric transmission lines). They are often performed in advance of, and independently of, the transportation construction project. In some cases, the adjustment of a utility (e.g., water lines or drainage pipes) may be incorporated into the highway construction plans as joint bid to be executed by the contractor.
To avoid impacting proposed construction, start utility adjustments as soon as environmental clearance is obtained, necessary ROW is available, agreements are executed, and CONSTRUCT authority for the project is received.
6.4.4.1 Utility Adjustment Verification
The TxDOT Project Construction Engineer or the TxDOT Utility Inspector should check adjustment and relocation sites to ensure that:
  • All items and equipment, including salvage and scrap, used in the adjustment process have been removed from the site;
  • All backfill operations and site restoration have been successfully completed; and
  • Utility markers have been placed in accordance with the UAR.