LIS

Administrative Code

Creating a Report: Check the sections you'd like to appear in the report, then use the "Create Report" button at the bottom of the page to generate your report. Once the report is generated you'll then have the option to download it as a pdf, print or email the report.

Virginia Administrative Code
Title 24. Transportation And Motor Vehicles
Agency 30. Department of Transportation
Chapter 151. Land Use Permit Regulations
12/13/2024

24VAC30-151-310. Utility installations within limited access highways.

Utility installations on all limited access highways shall comply with the following provisions:

1. Requests for all utility installations within limited access right-of-way shall be reviewed and, if appropriate, be approved by the Commissioner of Highways prior to permit issuance.

2. New utilities will not be permitted to be installed parallel to the roadway longitudinally within the controlled or limited access right-of-way lines of any highway, except that in special cases or under resource sharing agreements such installations may be permitted under strictly controlled conditions and then only with approval from the Commissioner of Highways. However, in each such case the utility owner must show the following:

a. That the installation will not adversely affect the safety, design, construction, operation, maintenance or stability of the highway.

b. That the accommodation will not interfere with or impair the present use or future expansion of the highway.

c. That any alternative location would be contrary to the public interest. This determination would include an evaluation of the direct and indirect environmental and economic effects that would result from the disapproval of the use of such right-of-way for the accommodation of such utility.

d. In no case will parallel installations within limited access right-of-way be permitted that involve tree removal or severe tree trimming.

3. Overhead and underground utilities may be installed within limited access right-of-way by a utility company under an agreement that provides for a shared resource arrangement subject to VDOT's need for the shared resource.

4. All authorized longitudinal utility installations within limited access right-of-way, excluding communication tower facilities, shall be located in a utility area established along the outer edge of the right-of-way. Special exceptions must be approved by the Commissioner of Highways.

5. Authorized overhead utility installations within limited access right-of-way shall maintain a minimum of 21 feet of vertical clearance.

6. Authorized underground utility installations within limited access right-of-way shall have a minimum of 36 inches of cover.

7. Service connections to adjacent properties shall not be permitted from authorized utility installations within limited access right-of-way.

8. Overhead crossings shall be located on a line that is perpendicular to the highway alignment.

9. A utility access control line will be established between the proposed utility installation, the through lanes, and ramps.

Statutory Authority

§ 33.2-210 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 12, eff. March 17, 2010; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 4, eff. November 23, 2011.

Website addresses provided in the Virginia Administrative Code to documents incorporated by reference are for the reader's convenience only, may not necessarily be active or current, and should not be relied upon. To ensure the information incorporated by reference is accurate, the reader is encouraged to use the source document described in the regulation.

As a service to the public, the Virginia Administrative Code is provided online by the Virginia General Assembly. We are unable to answer legal questions or respond to requests for legal advice, including application of law to specific fact. To understand and protect your legal rights, you should consult an attorney.