Chapter 2
2.4 Utility Coordination96/
Practice Statement:
Project owners and facility owners/operators regularly communicate and coordinate with each other concerning future and current projects in the planning phase.
Practice Description:
Utility coordination requires a tiered approach: initially sharing proposed project information (Coordinate PA tool) that can result in cost sharing opportunities; and a deeper dive once design begins and the physical location of existing facilities becomes critical. It is in this latter state where the damage prevention process begins. Coordination fosters an open exchange of information among private and public facilities, governmental agencies, and construction-related organizations. Utility coordination also promotes cooperation among said groups in the planning, design, and construction of projects affecting the overall good of participating parties, their organizations and customers or constituents, and the general public. The formation of utility coordinating committees (or councils) include private utilities, public agency utilities, engineering firms, contractor associations, and others with facilities or business interests in public rights-of-way. Coordinating committees function in multiple communities, counties, and states/provinces to promote excavation project coordination. Typical items of discussion include facility excavations in existing and recently paved roadways, disruption of essential facility services, location of utility facilities, environmental impact of damages to utilities, permit procedures, right-of-way access controls, and underground facility damage prevention. Plans of future roadway improvement and of future facility installations are reviewed regularly.
Benefits:
- Wisconsin Administrative Rule Chapter Trans 220 “Utility Facilities Relocations”
- Arizona Utility Coordinating Committee (AUCC) Public Improvement/Project Guide, December 1996
- Highway/Utility Guide. Publication No. FHWA-SA-93-049. Office of logy Applications, FHWA, U.S. Department of Transportation, June 1993.
References:
- Pennsylvania One Call - Coordinate PA tool