N.J. Admin. Code § 16:25-9.6

Current through Register Vol. 57, No. 1, January 6, 2025

Section 16:25-9.6 - Casing requirements

(a) Encasement is required for all utility facility crossings directly under State highways, unless a waiver is approved by the Department pursuant to N.J.A.C. 16:25-13.2.

(b) Casings shall also be used for, but not limited to, the following conditions:

1. As an expediency for the insertion, removal, replacement, or maintenance of utility crossings of highways and at other locations where it is necessary to avoid open trenched construction;

2. When protection from external loads or shock, either during or after construction of the highway is required;

3. When less than minimum bury depth is unavoidable;

4. Near footings of bridges or other highway structures or across unstable or subsiding ground; and

5. Near other locations where there may be a hazard.

(c) Casings shall be designed in accordance with the following requirements:

1. To support the load of the highway and superimposed loads thereon, and at a minimum, the casing shall equal the structural requirements for highway drainage facilities;

2. Be composed of material of satisfactory durability for the conditions to which they may be exposed;

3. Extend a suitable distance beyond the slope or ditch lines. Where appropriate, extend the casing to the access control lines, to the outside of frontage roads, outside the outer curbs on curbed roadways, or to an indicated line that allows for future widening of the highway without the need for any utility adjustment;

4. The casing ends sealed with a flexible material to prevent flowing water and debris from entering the annular space between the casing and the carrier. All necessary appurtenances shall be included; and

5. If required, provided with cathodic protection anti-corrosion systems. The utilities shall be effectively insulated from each other, cathodically protected as a unit, or provided with alternative protection.

(d) Approved uncased carrier pipelines crossing a highway shall require a higher factor of safety in the location, design, construction, and testing, including such features as increased depth of cover, thicker wall conduit, use of greater strength conduit, and joint-less installations.

(e) For Department projects, if it has been determined that both cased and uncased utility crossing alternatives are technically acceptable, the most economical alternative shall be considered. If the utility elects to advance a betterment or a more costly alternative, the utility is responsible for the cost differential.

N.J. Admin. Code § 16:25-9.6

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