Part VI. Utilities
24VAC30-151-300. General provisions governing utilities.
Utility installations on all rights-of-way shall comply with the following provisions:
1. Requests for accommodations of utility facilities within the right-of-way shall be submitted to and reviewed by the district administrator's designee.
2. Utility lines shall be located to minimize the need for later adjustments, to accommodate future highway improvements and transportation projects, and to allow servicing of the lines with minimum interference to traffic. VDOT retains the right to reject installations that do not address these factors. Utility facilities shall conform to the type of highway and specific conditions for the highway section involved. Utility facilities within the right-of-way and utility attachments to structures shall be of durable materials, designed for long service life, and be relatively free from the need for routine servicing and maintenance. All attachments to structures must be approved in advance by VDOT.
3. Any conflicts with existing utility or other facilities shall be resolved between the permittee and the owner of the other utility or facility.
4. No utility shall be attached to a structure unless the applicant or permittee can demonstrate that the installation and maintenance of the utility will not interfere with VDOT's ability to maintain the structure, will not impact the durability and operational characteristics of the structure, and, except for installation, will not require access to the facility from a limited access highway. The attachment method must be approved by VDOT (see 24VAC30-151-430).
5. 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; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 5, eff. November 19, 2025.
24VAC30-151-310. Utility installations within limited access highways.
Utility installations on all limited access highways shall comply with the following additional provisions:
1. Requests for all utility installations within limited access right-of-way shall be reviewed and, if appropriate, be approved by the Chief Engineer 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 where other alternative locations are not in the public interest or under resource sharing agreements, such installations may be permitted under strictly controlled conditions and only with approval of the Commissioner of Highways. The applicant must satisfy the following conditions, at a minimum:
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. No tree removal or severe tree trimming is required for the installation.
3. Overhead and underground utilities may only be installed within limited access right-of-way under a shared resource agreement subject to VDOT's need for the shared resource.
4. All authorized longitudinal utility installations within limited access right-of-way shall be located in a utility area established along the outer edge of the right-of-way. Special exceptions must be approved by the Chief Engineer.
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; Volume 42, Issue 5, eff. November 19, 2025.
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 by a public or private utility company under a permit, except in scenic areas, as follows:
1. Overhead utilities may be installed within nonlimited access right-of-way under permit, including a districtwide permit as allowed under 24VAC30-151-30 B 1.
2. All overhead installations, excluding wireless support structure 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, provided 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.
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 standards and specifications set forth in the terms of the permit, 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 with proposed traffic control devices or signage shall be adjusted, at the permittee's expense, 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 terms of the permit. 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; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 5, eff. November 19, 2025.
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 public or private utility company under a permit, including a districtwide permit as allowed under 24VAC30-151-30 B 1.
2. All underground utilities within rights-of-way will require a minimum of 36 inches of cover, except that underground cables that provide broadband, cable, or telecommunications services shall be at a minimum of 30 inches of cover, and except as authorized pursuant to 24VAC30-151-30 B 1. 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 structure unless the applicant or permittee can demonstrate that the installation and maintenance methods will not interfere with VDOT's ability to maintain the structure, will not impact the durability and operational characteristics of the 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. No underground utility shall be installed within the median area except under shared resource agreements or 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; Volume 42, Issue 5, eff. November 19, 2025.
24VAC30-151-350. Wireless support structures and site installations.
In accordance with Chapter 15.1 (§ 56-484.26 et seq.) of Title 56 of the Code of Virginia, wireless support structures, 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 wireless support structures, communication pedestals, nodes, or amplifiers elsewhere. The placement of communication pedestals, nodes, or amplifiers between the edge of pavement or back of curb and the sidewalk shall not be permitted. All requirements and regulations applicable to permits that do not conflict with Chapter 15.1 of Title 56 of the Code of Virginia must be followed to obtain and maintain a permit for wireless support structures, communication pedestals, nodes, and amplifiers.
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; Volume 42, Issue 5, eff. November 19, 2025.
24VAC30-151-360. Pipelines.
The permittee shall maintain minimum cover for any underground facility as established by the VDOT standards and specifications set forth in the terms of the permit or as otherwise required by applicable law, whichever is greater. 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 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 justification for such installations to the district administrator's designee as part of the permit application.
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; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 5, eff. November 19, 2025.
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. Utility access points (e.g., manholes and handholes) 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 utility access point installations at street intersections and in the normal wheel path of the travel lanes. Utility access points shall be designed and located in such a manner that shall cause the least interference to other utilities and future highway expansion.
E. Utility access point frames and covers, valve boxes, and other castings located within the paved roadway, shoulder, or sidewalk shall be constructed flush with the finished grade. Utility access point 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; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 5, eff. November 19, 2025.
24VAC30-151-390. In-place and prior-rights permits.
A. Prior to VDOT's acceptance of a secondary street into the VDOT system, the utility owner shall quitclaim all prior rights within the right-of-way to the Commonwealth in exchange for an in-place permit allowing the permittee's utility facilities to continue to occupy such street in the existing condition and location. The permittee shall be responsible for the utility facilities and resulting damages to persons and property that might result from the presence of the utility. Should VDOT later require the permittee to alter, change, adjust, or relocate the utility facilities subject to the in-place permit, the nonbetterment cost will be the responsibility of the Commonwealth and all other costs will be the responsibility of the permittee.
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. Should VDOT later require the permittee to alter, change, adjust, or relocate any utility, the cost will be the responsibility of the permittee.
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 42, Issue 5, eff. November 19, 2025.
24VAC30-151-400. Utility adjustments in conjunction with a VDOT project.
Where facilities are directed to be relocated in conjunction with a transportation project, the permittee must obtain a new permit for any facilities relocated within or to right-of-way. Unless otherwise specifically provided by the Code of Virginia or this chapter, all relocation is to be done in a timely manner so as to not interfere with the project and at the permittee's sole expense, and relocation must be done in accordance with the VDOT policies and procedures included in the terms of the permit. Utilities may be placed within the 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; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 5, eff. November 19, 2025.
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 and that is designed to illuminate the pavement or adjacent pedestrian or bicycle facilities. Lighting facilities are not considered a utility.
B. Design of lighting systems or fixtures shall be in accordance with § 2.2-1111 of the Code of Virginia and the terms of the permit.
C. The applicant shall submit to the district administrator's designee scale drawings in electronic format depicting lighting pole locations, mounting heights, pole and base type (breakaway or nonbreakaway), photometric calculations, type, lumens of luminaries, and arm lengths. Lighting shall be installed in accordance with the terms of the permit.
D. VDOT reserves the right to require modification or removal of luminaries if they are determined to be providing excessive light trespass into adjacent properties.
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 42, Issue 5, eff. November 19, 2025.
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 in accordance with VDOT specifications.
B. Lines carrying electricity 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; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 5, eff. November 19, 2025.