Part VI. Utilities
24VAC30-151-300. General provisions governing utilities.
Utility installations on all highway rights-of-way shall comply with the following provisions:
1. Overhead or underground utilities may be installed across any right-of-way by a utility under a permit. Requests for accommodations within the right-of-way shall be submitted to and reviewed by the district administrator's designee. These regulations govern all rights-of-way and apply to public and private utilities. These regulations also govern the location, design, methods and financial responsibility for installing, adjusting, accommodating and maintaining utilities.
2. Utility lines shall be located to minimize the need for later adjustments to accommodate future highway improvements and to allow servicing of the lines with minimum interference to highway traffic. Utility lines residing within the highway right-of-way shall conform to the type of highway and specific conditions for the highway section involved. Utility installations within the highway right-of-way and attachments to highway structures shall be of durable materials, designed for long service life and relatively free from the need for routine servicing and maintenance. All temporary attachments to highway structures must be approved by VDOT.
3. The permittee assumes full responsibility for any and all damages caused by improperly installed facilities within the right-of-way under permit (single use or districtwide); therefore, the permittee must make every effort to install its facilities properly so as to preclude the possibility of damage.
4. The permittee is responsible for the continuing maintenance of its facilities placed within the right-of-way under permit.
5. Any conflicts with existing utility facilities shall be resolved between the permittee and the existing utility owner.
6. Utilities shall not be attached to a bridge or other structure unless the utility owner can demonstrate that the installation and maintenance methods will not interfere with VDOT's ability to maintain the bridge or other structure, will not impact the durability and operational characteristics of the bridge or other structure, and except for installation, will not require access from a limited access highway. The attachment method must be approved by VDOT (see 24VAC30-151-430).
7. The encasement of underground utility crossings shall be in accordance with 24VAC30-151-370.
Statutory Authority
§ 33.2-210 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 12, eff. March 17, 2010.
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.
24VAC30-151-320. Reserved.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 12, eff. March 17, 2010.
24VAC30-151-330. Overhead utility installations within nonlimited access highways.
A. Overhead utility crossings shall be located on a line that is perpendicular to the highway alignment. Longitudinal installations shall be located on a uniform alignment as near as possible to the right-of-way line to provide a safe environment and space for future highway improvements and other utility installations.
B. Overhead longitudinal utilities may be installed on all nonlimited access highways, except in scenic areas as follows:
1. Overhead utilities may be installed within nonlimited access right-of-way by a utility company under permit, including a districtwide permit as allowed under 24VAC30-151-30 C 1.
2. All overhead installations, excluding communication tower facilities, shall be located adjacent to the right-of-way line and in accordance with clear zone requirements. Repairs and replacement of similar installations may be performed in existing locations under the existing permit providing the work shall not impede the traveled way. Additional poles, taller poles, or cross-arms require a separate permit.
C. Longitudinal installations of overhead lines within the right-of-way shall be limited to single-pole construction. Joint-use, single-pole construction will be encouraged at locations where more than one utility or type of facility is involved, especially where the right-of-way widths approach the minimum needed for safe operations or maintenance requirements, or where separate installations may require extensive removal or alteration of trees.
D. Consideration will not be given to poles placed on a highway right-of-way of less than 40 feet in width. Longitudinal pole line installation shall be located on the outer 15 feet of the right-of-way greater than 40 feet in width.
E. Highway crossings should be grouped at one location whenever practical, and as near as possible to right angles to the center of the road.
F. New overhead installations crossing existing or proposed nonlimited access highways shall provide a minimum of 18 feet of vertical clearance or at a minimum height as established by the National Electric Safety Code (see 24VAC30-151-760), whichever is greater. The overlashing of telecommunications lines onto existing lines or strand is not considered a new overhead installation.
G. Existing overhead utilities that are found to be in horizontal or vertical conflict, or both, with proposed traffic control devices or signage, or both, shall be adjusted, at no cost to VDOT, to provide an unobstructed view for the traveling public and the appropriate clearance from traffic control devices or signage.
H. The vertical clearance for all new overhead installations parallel to an existing or proposed highway and within nonlimited access rights-of-way shall be in compliance with standards as specified in the National Electric Safety Code (see 24VAC30-151-760). The overlashing of telecommunications lines onto existing lines or strand is not considered a new overhead installation.
I. When crossing a median, all poles or other overhead facilities shall be placed to maintain an adequate clear zone in each direction.
J. Longitudinal pole line installation will not be allowed in the median.
Statutory Authority
§ 33.2-210 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 12, eff. March 17, 2010.
24VAC30-151-340. Underground utility installations within nonlimited access highways.
Underground longitudinal utilities may be installed under permit on all nonlimited access highways, except in scenic areas, as follows:
1. Underground utilities may be installed within nonlimited access right-of-way by a utility company under permit, including a districtwide permit as allowed under 24VAC30-151-30 C 1.
2. All underground utilities within VDOT rights-of-way will require a minimum of 36 inches of cover, except underground cables that provide cable or telecommunications services shall be at a minimum of 30 inches of cover. The district administrator's designee has the discretion to grant an exception to depth of cover requirements if the permittee encounters obstacles preventing the installation of main line facilities at the minimum depth of cover, as long as installation at the minimum depth of cover is resumed when the installation passes by the obstacle.
3. An underground utility shall not be attached to a bridge or other structure unless the utility owner can demonstrate that the installation and maintenance methods will not interfere with VDOT's ability to maintain the bridge or other structure, will not impact the durability and operational characteristics of the bridge or other structure, and will not require access from the roadway or interfere with roadway traffic. The attachment method must be approved by VDOT (see 24VAC30-151-430).
4. The proposed method for placing an underground facility requires approval from the district administrator's designee. All underground facilities shall be designed to support the load of the highway and any superimposed loads. All pipelines and encasements shall be installed in accordance with 24VAC30-151-360 and 24VAC30-151-370.
5. Underground utilities shall not be installed within the median area except, in special cases or under shared resource agreements, with approval from the Commissioner of Highways.
6. Underground utilities may be installed under sidewalk areas with approval from the district administrator's designee.
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.
24VAC30-151-350. Nonlimited access highways: communication towers and site installations.
Communication tower structures and other types of surface mounted or underground utility facilities may be installed by a utility company under an agreement providing for a shared resource arrangement or the payment of appropriate compensation, or both. The Commissioner of Highways may grant an exception for a nonshared resource arrangement, under strictly controlled conditions. The utility owner must show 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. Communication pedestals, nodes, and amplifiers may be installed in the right-of-way pursuant to permit unless the district administrator's designee reasonably concludes that safety concerns at a specific location require placement of communication pedestals, nodes, or amplifiers elsewhere in the right-of-way. The placement of communication pedestals, nodes, or amplifiers between the edge of pavement or back of curb and the sidewalk shall not be permitted.
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.
24VAC30-151-360. Pipelines.
The permittee shall maintain minimum cover for any underground facility. Where pavement exists, the permittee shall bore, push, or jack and maintain a minimum cover of 36 inches.
The vertical and horizontal clearance between a pipeline and a structure or other highway facility shall be sufficient to permit maintenance of the pipeline and facility. Longitudinal pipeline installations shall be kept out of the ditch line where practical. When locating the utilities outside of the pavement area is not practical, such as in high density developments incorporating the principles of new urbanism as described in § 15.2-2223.1 of the Code of Virginia, utilities may be placed under the pavement. When utilities are proposed to be placed within the ditch line or under highway pavement, the permit applicant shall provide the justification to the district administrator's designee.
All water, gas, sewer, electrical, communications and any pressurized pipelines carrying hazardous material shall conform to all applicable industry codes, including materials, design and construction requirements. No asbestos cement conduit or pipe shall be used for any installation. The permittee may be required to certify in writing that this restriction has been observed, if requested by VDOT.
Pipelines four inches in diameter or larger and no longer in use shall be cleaned of debris and plugged at open ends with Class A3 concrete. The district administrator's designee may also require such pipes to be filled prior to being plugged.
Statutory Authority
§ 33.2-210 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 12, eff. March 17, 2010.
24VAC30-151-370. Encasement requirements.
A. Encasement pipe shall be required where it is necessary to avoid trenched construction, to protect carrier pipe from external loads or shock, or to convey leaking fluids or gases away from the areas directly beneath the traveled way if the utility has less than minimal cover; is near footings of bridges, utilities or other highway structures; crosses unstable ground; or is near other locations where hazardous conditions may exist. Encasements crossing nonlimited access rights-of-way shall extend a suitable distance beyond the slope for side ditches and beyond the back of curb in curbed sections. The district administrator's designee may require encasement pipe even if an installation meets industry standards for nonencasement.
Casing pipe shall be sealed at the ends with approved material to prevent flowing water and debris from entering the annular space between the casing and the carrier. All necessary appurtenances such as vents and markers shall be included.
B. Uncased crossings of welded steel pipelines carrying transmittants that are flammable, corrosive, expansive, energized, or unstable, particularly if carried at high pressure, may be permitted subject to the following conditions:
1. The applicant provides supporting data documenting that its proposed installation meets or exceeds industry standards for unencased crossings,
2. The applicant provides supporting data documenting that the pipeline will support the anticipated load generated by highway traffic, and
3. All unencased pipeline crossings that fail must be relocated a minimum of 36 inches to either side of the failure. The failed line shall then be filled with grout and plugged at both ends.
Statutory Authority
§ 33.2-210 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 12, eff. March 17, 2010.
24VAC30-151-380. Appurtenances.
A. When vents are required they shall be located at the high end of casings less than 150 feet in length and generally at both ends of casings longer than 150 feet. Vent standpipes shall be on or beyond the right-of-way line to prevent interference with maintenance or pedestrian traffic.
B. A permit may be granted to install drains for any underground facility. The permittee shall ensure the achievement of positive drainage.
C. National uniform color codes for identification of utilities shall be used to place permanent markers.
D. Manholes shall be placed in the shoulders, utility strips, or other suitable locations. When no other alternative is available, consideration will be given to placement of manholes in the pavement surface. Every effort should be made to minimize manhole installations at street intersections and in the normal wheel path of the travel lanes. Manholes shall be designed and located in such a manner that shall cause the least interference to other utilities and future highway expansion.
E. Manhole frames and covers, valve boxes, and other castings located within the paved roadway, shoulder, or sidewalk shall be constructed flush with the finished grade. Manhole frames and covers, valve boxes, and other castings located within sidewalk areas shall be constructed in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 USC § 12101 et seq.).
F. The permittee shall install shutoff valves, preferably automatic, in lines at or near the ends of structures and near unusual hazards, unless other sectionalizing devices within a reasonable distance can isolate hazardous segments.
Statutory Authority
§ 33.2-210 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 12, eff. March 17, 2010.
24VAC30-151-390. In-place and prior-rights permits.
A. Prior to VDOT's acceptance of a secondary street into the VDOT system, the public utility owner shall quitclaim its prior rights within the right-of-way to the Commonwealth in exchange for a permit for in-place utilities on new subdivision streets. The utility may continue to occupy such street in its existing condition and location. The public utility owner shall be responsible for the utility and resulting damages to persons and property that might result from the presence of the utility. Should VDOT later require the public utility owner to alter, change, adjust, or relocate any utility, the non-betterment cost will be the responsibility of the Commonwealth.
B. In cases where existing utilities are not in conflict with transportation improvements authorized under the auspices of a land use permit, but would be located beneath transportation facility features, a prior rights permit may be issued that allows the existing utilities to remain in place.
C. Utilities without prior rights but located within the right-of-way of new subdivision streets shall obtain an in place permit to occupy that portion of the right-of-way.
Statutory Authority
§ 33.2-210 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 12, eff. March 17, 2010.
24VAC30-151-400. Utility adjustments in conjunction with a VDOT project.
A permit is required for facilities relocated in conjunction with a VDOT project. For specific information, see the Right-of-Way Utilities Relocation Policies and Procedures Manual (see 24VAC30-151-760). Utilities may be placed within the highway right-of-way by permit, including adjustments and work performed in connection with utilities agreements. Utilities placed within the right-of-way shall conform to the requirements of this chapter.
Statutory Authority
§ 33.2-210 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 12, eff. March 17, 2010.
24VAC30-151-410. Utility installations in scenic areas.
Any new utility installations within the right-of-way or on other lands that were acquired or improved with federal-aid or direct federal highway funds, and are located within or adjacent to areas of scenic enhancement and natural beauty are discouraged. Such areas include public parks and recreational lands, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, historic sites, scenic strips, overlooks and scenic byways.
Any new utility installation in the above-mentioned areas shall be accordance with 23 CFR 645.209h.
Statutory Authority
§ 33.2-210 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 12, eff. March 17, 2010.
24VAC30-151-420. Lighting facilities.
A. A permit is required for any lighting that will be on or overhanging the right-of-way. Lighting on or overhanging the right-of-way is classified as roadway lighting or nonroadway lighting. Roadway lighting is lighting intended to improve visibility for users of the roadway. Nonroadway lighting is lighting intended to improve visibility or to enhance safety for pedestrians or adjacent properties. Lighting facilities are not considered a utility.
B. Design of roadway lighting facilities shall be based upon the specifications developed by the Illuminating Engineering Society in the manual, American National Standard Practice for Roadway Lighting (see 24VAC30-151-760). The Roadway Lighting Design Guide by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) (see 24VAC30-151-760) may be used as a supplemental guide.
C. The permittee shall submit to the district administrator's designee two copies of scale drawings depicting lighting pole locations, mounting heights, pole and base type (breakaway or nonbreakaway), type and wattage of luminaries and arm lengths. Roadway lighting shall be installed in accordance with VDOT's Road and Bridge Specifications (see 24VAC30-151-760).
D. Nonroadway lighting may be allowed within the right-of-way, provided such lighting does not adversely affect the visibility of roadway users, and lighting supports and support locations do not compromise VDOT clear zone and safety standards.
Statutory Authority
§ 33.2-210 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 12, eff. March 17, 2010.
24VAC30-151-430. Attachments to bridge structures.
A. Utilities may be located on highway grade separation structures across interstate or other controlled access highways, over crossroads, and across major streams or valleys only in extreme cases, and with approval of the district structure and bridge engineer.
B. Communication and electric power lines shall be insulated, grounded and installed in a conduit or pipe to manholes or poles at either end of the structure, as applicable.
C. If a utility is placed on a structure, the installation shall be located beneath the structure's floor between the girders or beams, and at an elevation above the bottom flange of the beam. The utility shall not be attached to the outside of the exterior beam, parapets or sidewalks.
D. Water and sewer attachments shall follow general controls previously listed for providing encasement and allied mechanical protection. In addition, shut-off valves shall be provided outside the limits of the structure.
E. Utilities attached to structures crossing waterways may require a water quality permit.
F. Natural gas and petroleum mains may not be attached to highway structures.
Statutory Authority
§ 33.2-210 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 12, eff. March 17, 2010.