N.J. Admin. Code § 16:25-9.9

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

Section 16:25-9.9 - Adjustment of existing underground power and communication lines

(a) The following shall be applied to determine when existing underground electric and communication facilities need adjustment to accommodate highway construction projects:

1. An existing underground electric and communication facility shall be adjusted or protected where:

i. Proposed fill increases the utility's depth of bury greater than the Department's or utility's maximum allowable;

ii. Proposed cut decreases the utility's depth of bury less than the Department's or utility's minimum allowable, whichever is greater;

iii. The existing underground electric and communication facility is in direct conflict with the Department's proposed project; or

iv. The existing underground electric and communication facility is too weak to support highway loads.

2. An existing utility that is determined to be too weak to support highway loads shall be relocated, replaced by stronger material, or protected in a manner acceptable to both the Department and the utility. The relative risk with respect to the product carried and engineering and safety factors shall be considered.

3. Suitable bridging, concrete slabs, or other appropriate measures shall be used to protect an existing utility, which lacks adequate bury depth, for protection against damage from highway vehicular loads and construction operations. Such existing lines may remain in place without further protective measures if they are adequately protected and do not conflict with highway construction or maintenance operations, provided both the Department and utilities are satisfied that the utilities are, and will remain, structurally sound and operationally safe.

(b) The following shall apply when adjusting existing underground electric and communication facilities to accommodate highway construction projects:

1. An existing utility shall be protected in the same manner as a new utility within the project limits.

2. Notwithstanding reinforcement or protection otherwise provided, the highway construction contractor will be advised by the Department and made responsible for maintaining the integrity of each existing utility within the construction zone during construction, pursuant to Department plans and specifications or permit requirements that have been developed in consultation with the utility. At locations where heavy construction equipment will be used, construction operations could impact existing utilities, or some form of temporary utility hazard may exist, it shall be arranged by the contractor to provide temporary protection at each location, which may consist of increased cover, use of protective steel plates, structural bridging/encasement, temporary utility shut-down, alternative construction methods, and/or vibration monitoring.

3. On relocated and new installations, the utility shall be installed at a depth and of a strength to permit the excavation and reconstruction of the roadway pavement structure consistent with existing grades or the grades set by the infrastructure project and to allow for the maintenance and replacement of existing or proposed drainage infrastructure.

4. Utility installation shall adhere to the utility's vertical clearance requirements at drainage pipe and utility crossings.

N.J. Admin. Code § 16:25-9.9

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