Section R930-7-8 - Definitive Design Requirements(1) Location Requirements. (a) Longitudinal Installations. The type of utility construction, vertical clearances, lateral location of poles and down guys, and related ground -mounted utility facilities along roadways are factors of major importance in preserving a safe traffic environment, the appearance of the highway, and the efficiency and economy of department project construction and maintenance. Longitudinal utility facilities shall be located on a uniform alignment and as close to the right of way line as practicable. The joint use of pole lines is acceptable and encouraged; however, all installations shall be located so that all servicing may be performed with minimal traffic interference. The following additional requirements apply to longitudinal installations. (i) Utility facilities shall be located to minimize the need for future utility relocations due to highway or public transit facility improvements, avoid risks to the highway or public transit facility, and not adversely impact environmentally protected areas.(ii) The location of utility installations along urban streets with closely abutting structures such as buildings and signs generally requires special considerations. These considerations shall be resolved in a manner consistent with the prevailing limitations and as approved by UDOT.(iii) The location of utility facilities and associated appurtenances shall be in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.(iv) The horizontal location of utility facilities and appurtenances within the right of way shall conform to the AASHTO Roadside Design Guide.(v) Adequate warning devices, barricades, and protective devices must be used to prevent traffic hazards. Where circumstances require the excavation closer to the edge of pavement than established above, concrete barriers or other UDOT -approved devices shall be installed for the protection of traffic in accordance with UDOT Traffic Control Standards and UDOT's Supplemental Drawings.(vi) There are greater restrictions on the accommodation of utility facilities within interstate, freeway, and other access- controlled highway right of way. See Section R930-7-10 for details.(b) Overhead Installations. (i) Minimal vertical clearances for installed overhead lines are 18 feet for crossings and longitudinal installations, and 23 feet for intersections. In addition, the vertical clearance for overhead lines above the highway and the vertical and lateral clearance from bridges and above -ground UDOT facilities shall meet or exceed the current edition of the National Electrical Safety Code. Where overhead lines cross UDOT above -ground facilities, including signs, traffic signal heads, poles, and mast arms, vertical and lateral clearance shall meet OSHA working clearances for electrical lines in effect at the time of the installation which will accommodate maintenance work by UDOT personnel without having to discharge or shield the lines.(ii) Utility companies planning to attach cable to other utility company poles shall obtain approval from the owner of the poles prior to a permit being issued by UDOT.(iii) The utility facility shall conform to the current edition of the AASHTO Roadside Design Guide. Where there are existing curbed sections, utility facilities shall be located as far as practicable behind the face of curbs and, where feasible, behind sidewalks at locations that will not interfere with adjacent property use. In all cases, there shall be a minimum of two feet of clearance behind the face of the curb. All cases shall be resolved in a manner consistent with prevailing limitations and conditions.(iv) Before locating a utility facility at other than the right of way line, consideration shall be given to designs using self-supporting, armless single pole construction, with vertical alignment of wires or cables, or other techniques permitted by government or industry codes that provide a safe traffic environment. Deviations from required clearances may be made where poles and guys can be shielded by existing traffic barriers or placed in areas that are inaccessible to vehicular traffic.(v) Where irregular shaped portions of the right of way extend beyond or do not reach the normal right of way limits, variances in the location of utility facilities may be allowed to maintain a reasonably uniform alignment and thereby reduce the need for guys and anchors between poles and roadway.(c) Subsurface Installations. (i) Underground utility may be placed longitudinally outside of the pavement by plowing or open trench method. Underground utility shall be located on a uniform alignment and as near as practicable to the right of way line to provide a safe environment for traffic operations, preserve the integrity of the highway, and preserve space for future highway improvements or other utility facility installations. The allowable distance from the right of way line will generally depend upon the terrain and obstructions such as trees and other existing underground and overhead objects. On highways with frontage roads, longitudinal installations shall be located between the frontage roads and the right of way lines. Utility companies shall include the placement of markers referenced in Subsection R930-7-11(5).(ii) Unless UDOT grants a deviation, underground utility installations across existing roadways shall be performed by trenchless method in accordance with UDOT requirements and casings may be required. Bore pits shall be located outside of the clear zone and at least 30 feet from the edge of the nearest through traffic lane and at least 20 feet from the edge of pavement on ramps. On low traffic roadways and frontage roads, as determined by UDOT, bore pits shall be at least ten feet from the edge of pavement, five feet beyond toe of slope under fill sections and at least five feet from the face of curb and meet clear zone requirements from the edge of the traveled way whichever is greater. Bore pits shall be located and constructed to eliminate interference with highway structural footings. Shoring shall be used where necessary. TABLE 1 Bore Pit Location |
Bore Pit Set Back | Outside Clear Zone |
At least ten feet from the edge of the pavement, five feet beyond the toe of slop underfill sections, and at least five feet from the face of the curb | At least 30 feet from the edge of the nearest through traffic lane and at least 20 feet from the edge of pavement on ramps |
(iii) The depth of bury for all facilities under pavement, sidewalk, drainage features or existing ground surface shall meet the minimum requirements outlined in Table 2 or the Company shall install its facilities to the depth requirement stated in each individual permit.(iv) Each underground utilities installed in the right of way must meet the minimum standards for compaction as outlined in the current edition of the UDOT Standards and Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction.(v) Where the minimum depth of bury is not feasible, the facility shall be rerouted or, if permitted by UDOT through the deviation process outlined in Section R930-7-13, shall be protected with a casing, encasement, concrete slab, or other suitable protective measures. TABLE 2 MINIMUM DEPTH OF BURY (Cover) For Underground Utility Facilities |
Location | Under Pavement | Under Sidewalk | Under Ditch | Utility Location Less Than 20 ft. From Edge | Utility Location Greater Than 20 ft. From Edge of Pavement |
Minimum Depth | 4 ft. | 3 ft. | 3 ft. | 5 ft. | 3 ft. |
Measure From | Top of Pavement | Top of Sidewalk | Low Point of Ditch | Ground Surface | Ground Surface |
Measured Top of Utility Facility or Utility Buffer Zone, if required To by Utility Company |
Applies to longitudinal and crossing installations, cased and uncased. Specific types of facilities such as high-pressure gas lines may require additional cover. |
(d) Crossings. (i) Utility crossings shall be at 90 degrees unless a deviation from this rule is approved by UDOT through the deviation process outlined in Section R930-7-13. Crossing installations under paved surfaces shall be by trenchless methods. Jetting by means of water or compressed air is not permitted.(ii) Utility crossings shall be avoided in deep roadway cuts, near bridge footings, near retaining and noise walls, at highway cross drains where flow of water may be obstructed, in wet or rocky terrain where it is difficult to attain minimum cover, and through slopes under structures.(e) Median Installations.(i) Overhead utility facilities such as poles, guys, or other related facilities may not be located in highway medians. Deviations may be considered for crossings where wide medians provide for sufficient space to meet clear zone requirements from the edges of the traveled ways.(f) Appurtenances.(i) Utility appurtenances shall be located outside the clear zone and as close to the right of way line as practicable. Where these requirements cannot be met, and no feasible alternative exists, a deviation to locate appurtenances within the clear zone in areas that are shielded by traffic barriers may be considered after the utility company provides written justification for such location for UDOT review through the deviation process outlined in Section R930-7-13. Cabinets, regulator stations, and other similar utility components may not be located on the right of way unless they are determined by UDOT to be sufficiently small to allow a deviation.(ii) Manholes, valve pits, and similar appurtenances shall be installed so that their uppermost surfaces are flush with the adjacent undisturbed surface.(iii) Utility access points and valve covers shall be located outside the roadway where practicable. In urbanized areas where no feasible alternative exists, the utility company must coordinate with UDOT to meet safety, operational, and maintenance requirements of both the utility company and UDOT.(iv) Utility companies shall avoid placing manholes in the pavement of high speed and high-volume highways. Deviations may be considered after written justification for such location is submitted by the utility company and reviewed and approved by UDOT through the deviation process outline in Section R930-7-13. New manhole installations shall be avoided at highway intersections and within the wheel path of traffic lanes.(v) Vents, drains, markers, utility access holes, shafts, shut-offs, cross-connect boxes, pedestals, pad-mounted devices, and similar appurtenances shall be located along or across highway rights of way in accordance with the provisions of the Americans With Disabilities Act.(2) Environmental Compliance. (a) The utility company shall comply with all applicable state and federal environmental laws and regulations and shall obtain necessary permits. Environmental requirements include the following: (i) Water Quality. A "Storm Water General Permit for Construction Activities" is required from the Utah Division of Water Quality for disturbances of one or more acres of ground surface.(ii) Wetlands and Other Waters of the U.S. A "Section 404 Permit" is required from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for any impact to a wetland or water of the U.S.(iii) Threatened or Endangered (T and E) Species. Comply with the Endangered Species Act; avoid impacts to T and E species or obtain a Permit from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.(iv) Historic and Archaeological Resources. Comply with the "National Historic Preservation Act"; avoid impacts to historic and archaeological resources. If resources could be impacted, contact the Utah State Historic Preservation Office.(b) The utility company is responsible for environmental impacts and violations resulting from construction activities performed by the utility company or its contractors.(c) If UDOT discovers or is made aware of a violation by the utility company or a failure to comply with state and federal environmental laws, regulations and permits, UDOT may revoke the permit, notify appropriate agencies, or both.(3) Installation of Utilities in Scenic Areas.(a) The type, size, design, and construction of utility facilities in areas of natural beauty may not materially alter the scenic quality, appearance, and views from the highway or roadsides. These areas include scenic strips, overlooks, rest areas, recreation areas, adjacent rights of way and highways passing through public parks, recreation areas, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and historic sites. Utility installations in these areas may not be permitted. Deviation from this requirement may be allowed if there is no reasonable or feasible alternative as determined by UDOT based on written justification submitted by the utility company through the deviation process outlined in Section R930-7-13. On Federal-aid highways, all decisions related to utility installations within these areas shall be subject to the provisions detailed in 23 CFR Section 645.209(h). (i) New underground utility installations may be permitted within scenic strips, overlooks, scenic areas, or in the adjacent rights of way, when they do not require extensive removal, or alteration of trees, and other shrubbery visible to the highway user, or do not impair the scenic appearance of the area.(ii) New overhead installations of telecommunication and electric power lines are not permitted in such locations unless there is no feasible and reasonable alternative as determined by UDOT through the deviation process outlined in Section R930-7-13. Overhead installations shall be justified to UDOT by demonstrating that other locations are not available and that underground facilities are not technically feasible, economical or are more detrimental to the scenic appearance of the area. Any installation of overhead facilities shall be made at a location and in a manner that will not detract from the scenic quality of the area being traversed. The installation shall utilize a suitable design and use materials aesthetically compatible to the scenic area, as approved by UDOT.
(4) Casing and Encasement Requirements. (a) General. A carrier pipe is sometimes installed inside of a larger diameter pipe defined as a casing. Casings are typically used to provide complete independence of the carrier pipe from the surrounding roadway structure, and to provide adequate protection to the roadway from leakage of a carrier pipeline. It also provides a means for insertion and replacement of carriers without access or disturbance to through-traffic roadways.(b) Casing requirements for crossing installations. (i) All pipelines under pressure crossing under the roadbed of highways shall be in casings unless the pipeline is welded steel, meets industry corrosion protection standards, complies with federal and state requirements, and meets accepted industry standards regarding wall thickness and operating stress levels. In some cases, UDOT may require a casing regardless of these exceptions if needed to protect the roadway, maintain public safety, or both.(ii) In urban areas where space is limited for venting or where small pipelines are crossing, specifically intermediate high-pressure lines, deviations for casing may be granted by UDOT.(iii) Where a casing is required, it must be provided under medians, from top of back-slope to top of back-slope for cut sections, five feet beyond toe of slope under fill sections, five feet beyond face of curb in urban sections and all side streets, and five feet beyond any structure where the line passes under or through the structure. Deviations, outlined in Section R930-7-13, must be approved by UDOT. On freeways, expressways, and other access-controlled highways, casings shall extend to the access control lines.(iv) Utility installations by trenchless technologies, such as jacking, boring, or horizontal directional drilling methods, may be placed under highways without a casing pipe if approved by a UDOT through the deviation process outlined in Section R930-7-13.(v) Where minimum depth of bury is not feasible, the facility shall be rerouted or protected with a casing, concrete slab, or other suitable measures as determined by UDOT through the deviation process outlined in Section R930-7-13.(c) Casings shall be considered for the following conditions:(i) as an expedient method for the insertion, removal, replacement, or maintenance of carrier pipe crossings of freeways, expressways, and other access-controlled highways, and at other locations where it is necessary to avoid open -trenched construction;(ii) as protection for carrier pipe from external loads or shock either during or after construction of the highway; and(iii) as a means of conveying leaking fluids or gases away from the area directly beneath the roadway to a point of venting at or near the right of way line, or to a point of drainage in the highway ditch or a natural drainage way.(d) UDOT may require casings for pressurized carriers or carriers of a flammable, corrosive, expansive, energized, or unstable material.(e) Trenchless installations of coated carrier pipes shall be cased. Permission to deviate from this requirement may be granted where assurance is provided against damage to the protective coating.(f) Encasement or other suitable protections shall be considered for pipelines with less than minimum cover, such as those near bridge footings or other highway structures, or across unstable or subsiding ground, or near other locations where hazardous conditions may exist.(g) Rigid encasement or suitable bridging shall be used where the support of pavement structure may be impaired by depression of flexible carrier pipe. Casings shall be designed to support the load of the highway and superimposed loads thereon and, as a minimum, shall be equal to or exceed the structural requirements of UDOT highway culverts in the UDOT Structures Design and Detailing Manual (SDDM).(h) Casings shall be sealed at the ends using suitable material to prevent water and debris from entering the annular space between the casing and the carrier. Such installations shall include necessary appurtenances, such as vents and markers.(5) Mechanical and Other Protective Measures for Uncased Installation.(a) When highway pipeline crossings are installed without casings or encasement, the following are controls for providing mechanical or other protection. (i) The carrier pipe shall conform to utility material and design requirements and utility industry and government codes and standards. The carrier pipe shall be designed to support the load of the highway plus superimposed loads operating under all ranges of pressure from maximum internal to zero pressure. Such installations shall use a higher factor of safety in the design, construction, and testing than would normally be required for cased construction.(ii) Suitable bridging, concrete slabs, or other appropriate measures shall be used to protect existing uncased pipelines which may be vulnerable to damage from construction or maintenance operations. Construction or maintenance activities may not proceed until protective measures are approved by UDOT. (b) Uncased crossings of welded steel pipelines carrying flammable, corrosive, expansive, energized, or unstable materials may be permitted if additional protective measures are taken in lieu of encasement. Such measures shall use a higher factor of safety in the design, construction, and testing of the uncased carrier pipe, including thicker wall pipe, radiograph testing of welds, hydrostatic testing, coating and wrapping, and cathodic protection.Utah Admin. Code R930-7-8
Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2016-6, effective 2/23/2016Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2019-16, effective 7/23/2019Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2024-24, effective 12/11/2024