N.J. Admin. Code § 16:25-8.2

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 16:25-8.2 - Location and alignment

(a) For all locations and alignments of new and relocated pipelines, an appropriately detailed evaluation shall be conducted by the utility, or the Department in consultation with the utility, to establish the presence, three dimensional location, and condition of existing underground utilities. Aged infrastructure, which may require special protection from damage, shall be identified. For pipeline relocations, plans for near-term improvements or expansion of services by utilities shall also be identified.

(b) Crossings shall be located as near perpendicular to the highway alignment as practical.

(c) Conditions unsuitable or undesirable for a pipeline crossing a highway shall be avoided. These include, but are not limited to:

1. In deep cuts;

2. Near footings of bridges and retaining walls;

3. Across intersections at grade or ramp terminals;

4. At cross drains and culverts;

5. Within a watershed area drained by a pump, if the pipeline carries a liquid or a liquefied gas;

6. In wet or rocky terrain where it would be difficult to attain minimum bury depth; and

7. Within the limits of Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls.

(d) On longitudinal installations, utility locations parallel to the pavement at, or adjacent to, the right-of-way line are preferable to minimize interference with highway drainage, the structural integrity of the traveled way, shoulders, embankments, and the safe operation of the highway. The lateral location shall be offset a suitable distance beyond the slope, ditch, or curb line. Longitudinal placement within the roadway shall be avoided by utilities. When installation of utility facilities in the roadway is unavoidable, due to right-of-way or environmental constraints, lack of sufficient border area, or other significant restriction, the utility may be allowed in the roadway upon verification that there is no alternative to locating the facility in the roadway. Location of utilities in the roadway shall take into consideration existing and future drainage pipe and structures and the installation of future utility facilities and the efficient maintenance of existing infrastructure.

(e) Vertical and horizontal clearance between a pipeline and a highway structure or other highway or utility facilities shall be sufficient to permit maintenance of the pipeline and the other facilities.

(f) The minimum lateral proximity to a parallel utility facility, including the State's fiber optic ducts, shall be 18 inches from the edge of utility facility to the edge of utility facility. Electric power and communication cables, gas lines, water lines, and sewer lines shall be separated from one another as required by appropriate industry codes. Separation of the utility from highway facilities or other utilities shall allow for reasonable success in locating utilities with electronic devices.

(g) Placement of new utility manholes, handholes, and valve covers within the roadway shall be avoided. When installation of utility facilities in the roadway is unavoidable due to right-of-way or environmental constraints, lack of sufficient border area, or other significant restriction, the utility may be allowed in the roadway upon verification that there is no alternative to locating the facility in the roadway. The utility shall construct manholes or handholes, so that the longest dimension is parallel to the roadway.

(h) When adjustment of existing facilities in the roadway is unavoidable, they shall not be located within a vehicular wheel path.

(i) Placement of pipelines shall avoid areas where damage from installation or replacement of guide rail, sign supports, or any other ground penetrating infrastructure is likely to occur.

(j) Installation of utilities within the limits of MSE walls shall not be permitted.

(k) The age and type of material of adjacent utility infrastructure shall be considered in determining the offset distances and methods of installation.

N.J. Admin. Code § 16:25-8.2

Adopted by 48 N.J.R. 209(a), effective 2/1/2016