Section 105 IAC 16-1-9 - TrenchingAuthority: IC 8-23-2-6; IC 8-23-5-10
Affected: IC 8-23-5-10
Sec. 9.
(a) In a common open trench, the ITS conduit, colored orange, blue and green, shall be placed first at the bottom of the trench. The limited access highway conduit shall be colored red, black, white, and grey and shall be placed above the ITS conduit. If there is space available in the trench, an operator may place conduit in the trench and the conduit shall be terracotta or purple colored.(b) Conduit may be trenched or plowed at the operator's discretion and as allowed by the site conditions.(c) All flexible roadside delineators disturbed during trenching operations shall be restored or replaced at no additional cost to the department.(d) The conduit type, number and size shall be shown on the permit plans.(e) Hand trenching is in areas where sensitive existing crossing utilities or broadband have been identified and will likely require positive identification of the existing utility or broadband prior to trenching above or below the existing utility line or where surface features such as riprap would inhibit trenching. The method of positive identification of the existing utility line shall be at the discretion of the operator and shall be accomplished with no additional compensation. Any material that is removed to accomplish hand trenching shall be restored or replaced in kind by the operator without additional compensation.(f) Conduit may be installed by directional drilling at locations specified as hand trenched or offset trench on the permit plans with no additional compensation.(g) Offset trench is in areas where the trench is located behind obstructions. This type of trenching shall utilize a long reach hydraulic driven trenching machine to reach over and beyond the obstruction to complete the trench.(h) Trenches, bedding and backfill shall be in accordance with the INDOT Specifications as outlined in this subdivision [subsection]:(1) Trenches will be cut with vertical faces where soil and depth conditions allow. The width of a trench will be the minimum necessary to accomplish the installation. Shoring shall be used when necessary, in accordance with Occupation Safety and Health Administration requirements.(2) Bedding will be provided to a depth of six (6) inches or fifty percent (50%) of the nominal diameter of the pipe, duct, or duct bank, whichever is less. Bedding shall not be required for pipes, ducts or duct banks encased in concrete or flowable fill. The bottom of the trench shall be prepared to provide the pipe, duct or duct bank with uniform bedding support throughout the length of the installation.(3) Backfill shall be provided in accordance with the INDOT Standard Specifications, Section 715.09* as effective September 1, 2019. *INDOT 2020 Standard Specifications are hereby incorporated by reference. Copies of the 2020 Standard Specifications can be found at https://www.in.gov/dot or may be obtained at the Indiana Department of Transportation, 100 North Senate Avenue, Room N730, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.
Indiana Department of Transportation; 105 IAC 16-1-9; emergency rule filed 12/16/2021, 12:43 p.m.: 20211222-IR-105210537ERA, eff Jan 1, 2022