N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 17 § 131.9

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 45, November 2, 2024

Section 131.9 - Depth of bury and vertical and lateral clearance

(a) Depth of bury. The desirable minimum cover for underground facilities within the roadway is 60 inches below top of pavement. Outside the roadway and within the rights-of-way, the desirable minimum cover is 36 inches below finished grade. Installations at lesser depths require approval, based upon a determination that such installation is consistent with safe highway use and operation. Any utility facilities placed at less than the above or approved minimum cover, shall not be eligible for compensation or reimbursement for damage that the State, its employees or agents, may cause thereto. In addition to the standards provided below, the department may impose additional requirements in accordance with nationally recognized standards.

(b) Vertical and lateral clearances.

(1) Minimum clearances for structures for aerial power and communication lines are as follows:

(i) Minimum vertical clearance above all roadways must be 18 feet for

(a) wires carrying less than 750 volts,

(b) guys, message wires, and communication cables,

(c) supply cables encased in a continuous metal sheath, and

(d) insulated supply cables fastened to an effectively grounded messenger cable.

(ii) Minimum vertical clearances for wires carrying more than 750 volts:

(a) 750 to 15,000 volts - 20 feet;

(b) 15,000 to 50,000 volts - 22 feet; and

(c) Over 50,000 volts - 22 feet plus 4/10 inch for each 1,000 volt increase.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 17 § 131.9