N.J. Admin. Code § 16:25-9.3
Current through Register Vol. 57, No. 1, January 6, 2025
(a) The low point(s) in the highway cross-section controls the depth that underground electric power and communication line crossings shall be buried and that depth is typically the bottom of any longitudinal ditch.(b) The minimum bury depth shall be 36 inches. For fiber optic facilities the bury depth shall be as set forth in N.J.A.C. 16:25-9.4. Where minimum bury depth cannot be achieved due to the presence of other utilities, drainage structures, water table, or similar constraints, the electric power and communication line shall be rerouted or otherwise protected in a suitable manner that is in accordance with industry and utility company standards and approved by the Department.(c) In establishing the bury depth below an unpaved ditch, consideration should be given to potential increases in ditch depth resulting from scour, ditch maintenance operations, or the current or future need to increase the capacity of the ditch.(d) On longitudinal installations, the critical controls for bury are the depths of lateral drainage facilities, landscaping, other buried utility lines, bridge structures, and highway maintenance operations.(e) The bury depth shall be sufficient to withstand the increased impact loads transmitted through frozen soil.(f) To protect the integrity of the roadway, the bury depth of the underground electric and communication lines installed by trenchless methodology are dependent on size, material, utility carried, and method of construction. Bury depth is established on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with the utility.N.J. Admin. Code § 16:25-9.3
Adopted by 48 N.J.R. 209(a), effective 2/1/2016