The use of SUE can prove to be a valuable resource to benefit TxDOT, LPAs, and utilities. An FHWA study, entitled “Cost Savings on Highway Projects Utilizing Subsurface Utility Engineering (2000),” reports a significant cost saving by more than 4:1 spent on SUE.

Using SUE early can aid in determining:

the accurate alignment, elevation of a utility facility
those facilities that may remain in place,
those facilities that can be accommodated by implementation of design modifications; and
those facilities that will require adjustment to clear proposed construction.

TxDOT design teams should use SUE for the following reasons:

Use of SUE providers conserves TxDOT resources.
SUE providers are trained and equipped to determine locations and elevations of utilities.
Information provided by SUE can aid in identifying utility facilities' owners.
Data can be obtained and submitted in a format compatible with design data.
Conflicts can be avoided through design changes.
Determination of adjustments will accommodate proposed designs.
Locations of unmarked or unknown utilities can be identified.
Risk to TxDOT is minimized; SUE provider assumes risk.

SUE deliverables should be integrated into TxDOT’s PS&E to enable the contractor and all other pertinent parties to have maximum information on utilities within the construction area.

If the SUE data is

not

integrated into TxDOT’s PS&E, SUE deliverables should be shared between:

TxDOT designers or consultants,
affected utilities,
District Utility Section, and
LPAs (optional).
Note:
Use of TxDOT CADD standards in SUE deliverables is required.