HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 95-127-CC (003)ACCOMMODATION OF UTILITIES ON COUNTY ROAD RIGHT
FOR GRANT COUNTY
Adopted by Resolution 95- -CC, effective , 1995
1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this resolution is to establish a count policy to provide
administrative and procedural guidance needed t accommodate the installation
and relocation of all above and below ground utilities which are located within
the county road right -of way.
2. APPLICATION
This policy shall apply to all new franchises and permits issued pursuant to
RCW 80.32.010, RCW 80.36.040 and RCW 36.55, to all public and private
utilities, and to all installation and relocation of utilities within the county road
right-of-way, including but not limited to electric power, telephone, television,
telegraph communication, water, gas„ all petroleum products, steam, chemicals,
sewage, drainage, irrigation, and similar pipes, lines or cables.
This policy cannot address all situations and conditions that may be
encountered. Specific provisions contained herein may not be appropriate for
all locations and existing conditions. The policy is intended to assist, but not
substitute for, competent work by both road and utility design and installation
professionals. This policy is not intended to limit any innovative or creative
effort which could result in better quality, better cost savings or improved safety
characteristics.
It shall be the responsibility of any utility installing or relocating any of its
facilities to ascertain and abide by the requirements and conditions of this
policy.
3. DEFINITION OF TERMS
Unless otherwise stated, words and phrases used herein shall ha the following
meanings:
a. Appurtenance - equipment and/or accessories which are a necessary part
of an operating utility system or subsystem.
b. Backfill - replacement of excavated material with suitable material
compacted as specified.
c Boring - grade and alignment -controlled mechanical or other method of
installing a pipe or casing under a road without disturbing the
surrounding medium.
d. Carries - pipe directly enclosing a transmitted fluid or gas.
e. Casing - a larger pipe enclosing a carrier for the purpose of providing
structural or other protection to the carrier and/or to allow for carrier
replacement without re -excavation, jacking or boring.
f. Coatine - protective material applied to the exterior of a pipe or conduit
to prevent or reduce abrasion and/or corrosion damage.
g. Conduit - an enclosed tubular runway for protecting wires or cables.
h. Cover - depth to top of pipe, conduit, casing or gallery below the grade of
a road or ditch.
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I. Drain - appurtenances to discharge accumulated liquids from casings or
other enclosures.
j. Encasement - structural element surrounding a pipe or conduit for the
purpose of preventing future physical damage to the pipe or conduit.
k. Franchise - occupancy and use document granted by the county required
for occupancy of road rights of way in accordance with RCW 36.55 and
RCW 80.32.
1. Uallery - underpass for two or more utility lines.
In. Manhole - an opening in an underground utility system into which
workers or others may enter for the purpose of making installations,
inspections, repairs, connections, cleaning, and testing,
n. Pavement - the combination of subbase, base course, and surfacing placed
on a subgrade to support the traffic load and distribute it to the subgrade.
o. Permit - a document issued under the authority of (1) the County
Engineer (or Public Works Director) and/or (2) a franchise granted by the
County's legislative authority. The permit provides specific requirements
and conditions for specific utility work at specific locations within the
right-of-way.
P. Pipe - a structural tubular product designed, tested, an produced for the
transmittance of specific liquids and gases under specific conditions.
q. Flowing - direct burial of utility lines by means of a 'plow' type
mechanism which breaks the ground, places the utility line at a
predetermined depth, and closes the break in the ground
r. Pressure - internal gage pressure in a pipe in pounds per square inch,
gage (psig).
S. Private Line.1 - privately owned, operated and maintained utility facilities
devoted exclusively to the use of the owner
t. Relocation - planned change of location of an existing facility to a more
advantageous place without changing the character or general physical
nature of the facility.
U. Replacement - installation of a like element of a utility system or
subsystem in the same or near -same physical location normally due to
damage, wear, or obsolescence of the element.
V. Restoration - all work necessary to replace, repair or otherwise restore
the right of way and all features contained within to the same or equal
condition as before any change or construction thereto.
W. Right -of --Way - a general term denoting public land, property, or interest
therein, usually in a strip, acquired for or devoted to transportation or
secondary purposes.
X. Road for Roadwav) - a general term denoting a street, road or other
public way, including shoulders, designated for the purpose of vehicular
traffic.
Y. Sleeve - short casing through a pier, wall or abutment of a highway
structure.
Z. Traffic control - those activities necessary to safeguard the general public,
as well as all workers„ during the construction and maintenance of
utility facilities within the right of way.
aa. Wrenched - installation of a utility in an open excavation.
bb. UntrenChlad - installation of a utility without breaking the ground or
pavement surface such as by jacking or boring.
CC. Vent - appurtenance to discharge gaseous contaminants f rom casings or
other enclosures.
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4. GENERAL CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
A. LOCATION
(1) Utility installations shall be located to minimize need for later
adjustment to accommodate future roadway improvements and to
permit access to servicing such installations with minimum
interference to roadway traffic. Counties shall make available to
utilities a copy of their six-year transportation improvement
program (or capital facilities and transportation plan where
required,) in order to minimize both utility customer and road user
inconvenience should future road improvements (on existing or
new alignment) require adjustment or relocating of the utility
facilities. Said utilities shall, within the limits of standard
business practice, make available appropriate short and long
range development plans to the county.
(2) Unless otherwise approved by the county, all above -ground
utilities and their appurtenances as well as all aboveground
appurtenances of below -ground utilities that may constitute a
roadside obstacle for traffic using the road shall be located as close
as practicable to the edge of the right-of-way line, If an
appurtenance within the right-of-way would constitute an
unacceptable roadside obstacle, said obstacle may be
(a) relocated to another place within the right-of-way,
(b) converted to a break -away design,
(c) crash -protected, or
(d) relocated to another location off the road right-of-way.
(3) Installations that are required for a road purpose, such as street
lighting or traffic signals, are to be located and designed in
accordance with this policy.
(4) Where existing facilities are in place, new facilities shall be
compatible with the existing installations and conform to this
policy as nearly as practicable.
B. DESIGN - GENERAL
(1) The utility shall be responsible for the design of the utility facility
being proposed. This responsibility shall include, in addition to
the integrity of the proposed utility facility, provisions for public
safety during the course of construction, as well as consideration
of traffic safety and accident potential for the life of the
installation.
(2) For work requiring application to the county, the county may
review and approve the utility's plans with respect to:
(a) location,
(b) the manner in which the utility facility is to be installed,
(c) measures to be taken to preserve safe and free flow of
traffic,
(d) structural integrity of the roadway, bridge, or other
structure,
(e) ease of future road maintenance, and appearance of the
roadway.
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(3) Provision shall be made for known or planned expansion of the
utility facilities, particularly those located underground or
attached to bridges or other structures within the right of way,
(4) Granting of a franchise or permit shall not imply or be construed
to mean the county shall be responsible for the design,
construction, or operation of the facility or for public safety during
the facility's installation, operation, or maintenance.
C. STANDARDS AND CODES
All utility installations shall be designed in accordance with the
standards, codes and regulations applicable to the type of utility. The
methods of installation and materials used shall conform to the codes and
standards promulgated by government and by the industry. This shall
also include any road design standards which the county shall deem
necessary to provide adequate protection to the road, its safe operation,
appearance and maintenance. -
D. ADJUSTMENT AND RELOCATION OF EXISTING FACILITIES
(1) Existing underground utilities on county road right of way may be
removed or relocated when road work funded by the county would
disturb the existing underground utility, All such removal or
relocation shall be at the sole expense of the owning utility and all
work must be accomplished by the same permitting process as for
new installations.
(2) Notwithstanding reinforcement or protection otherwise provided,
a permittee shall be responsible for the security of each existing
pipeline and utility within a road construction zone. Where there
are unusual utility hazards or where heavy construction
equipment will be used, the permittee shall provide adequate
temporary protection. In replacing the roadway, the design should
give due consideration to the protection of previously existing
utilities in the roadway section without sacrificing the geometrics
of roadway design.
5. PERMITS
A. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
For work not authorized by franchise, comprehensive plan, or other
agreement, a written permit may be required for occupancy of road right-
of-way by all utility facilities, including private lines. No facility shall be
used for other than the purpose stated, unless written approval is
granted by the county,
B. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
When required, permit applications shall be submitted in a standard
format as prescribed by the county, The permit application shall include
the following information:
(1) Agreement to all pertinent provisions of this policy and to such
special conditions as the county may deem appropriate.
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(2) Description of the facilities to be installed.
(3) Adequate exhibits depicting existing or proposed location of the
facility in relation to the road, including right-of-way or easement
lines; relationship to currently planned road revisions, if
applicable; and all locations and situations for which deviations in
depth of cover (including the proposed method of protection) or
other locational standards are anticipated.
6. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS - UNDERGROUND UTILITIES
A. UNDERGROUND UTILITIES - LOCATION AND ALIGNMENT
(1) For all crossings, the angle of crossing should be as near a right
angle to the road centerline as practicable. However„ lesser
angles may be permitted based upon economic considerations of
practical alternatives.
(2) Where practicable, crossings should avoid deep cuts, footings of
bridges and retaining walls, or locations where highway drainage
would be affected.
(3) Longitudinal installations should run parallel to the roadway and
he as near as practicable to the right-of-way line. Installations
which cannot be so installed will be allowed within the right of
way, provided that:
(a) The installation will not adversely affect the design,
construction, stability, structural integrity, traffic safety,
or operation of the road facility; or
(b) Failure to allow such installation will create an undue
hardship or financial burden upon the utility.
(4) Where irregularly shaped portions of the right of way extend
beyond the normal right of way limits, a uniform alignment of
facilities shall be allowed.
B. UNDERGROUND UTILITIES - COVER
The grade of and resulting cover for an underground utility shall be in
compliance with applicable federal, state and county requirements unless
otherwise specified.
C. UNDERGROUND UTILITIES - ENCASEMENT
(1) Casings shall be installed for roadway crossings where required by
appropriate industry code.
(2) Casings may be required for the following conditions:
(a) As an expediency in the insertion, removal, replacement, or
maintenance of a carrier line crossing or other locations
where it is necessary in order to avoid open trench
construction,
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(b) As protection for carrier lines from external loads or shock
either during or after construction of a road.
(c) For jacked or bored installations of coated carrier lines
unless assurance is provided to the county that there will be
no damage to the protective coating.
(3) Within the road right of way, where practicable, casing pipes shall
extend beyond the toe of fill slopes, back of roadway ditch, or
outside of curb.
(4) Other than for necessary vents and/or drains, casing pipes shall be
sealed at both ends.
(5) Casing pipes shall be designed to support the load of the road and
superimposed loads thereon and, as a minimum, shall equal the
structural requirements for road drainage facilities. Casings shall
be composed of materials of sufficient durability to withstand
conditions to which they may normally be exposed.
D. UNDERGROUND UTILITIES - UNCASED CARRIERS
(1) The carrier pipe shall conform to the material and design
requirements of the appropriate utility industry and governmental
codes and specifications.
(2) The carrier pipe shall be designed to support the load of the road,
plus superimposed loads thereon, when the pipe is operated under
all ranges of pressure from maximum internal to zero pressure.
•E. UNDERGROUND UTILITIES - APPURTENANCES
(1) Vents shall be required for casings, tunnels and galleries enclosing
carriers of fuel where required by federal safety standards. Vent
standpipes should be located and constructed so as neither to
interfere with maintenance of the road nor to be concealed by
vegetation. Preferably standpipes should stand by a fence or on
the right-of-way line.
(2) Drains shall be required for casings, tunnels or galleries enclosing
carriers of liquid, liquefied gas, or heavy gas. Drains for carriers
of hazardous materials shall be directed to natural or artificial
holding areas to prevent the potential for surface or ground water
contamination. Drains for which only water or other non-
hazardous liquids may discharge may be directed into the roadway
ditch or natural water course at locations approved by the county.
The drain outfall shall not be used as a wasteway for routine
purging of the carrier unless specifically authorized by the county.
(3) Location markers and emergency information should be used when
required by applicable state and federal standards.
(4) Manholes should be designed and located in a manner that will
cause the least interference to other utilities or future road
expansion. Where practicable, installations in the pavement or
shoulders should be avoided.
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F. UNDERGROUND UTILITIES - INSTALLATION
Installations shall ensure safety of traffic and preservation of the
roadway structure, and required construction shall, unless otherwise
provided in the approved permit, be in accordance with the following
controls:
(1) Trenched Construction and Backfill:
(a) Where the pavement must be removed, it first shall be cut
in vertical (or undercut) continuous straight lines.
(b) Trenches shall be cut to have vertical faces, where soil and
depth conditions permit, with a maximum width of outside
diameter of pipe plus 2 feet, Shoring shall comply with the
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Safety Code.
(c) The pipe or carrier shall be installed and the trench
backfilled in a manner assuring no deformation of the pipe
likely to cause leakage and restoration of the structural
integrity of the roadway structure. specific trench backfill
requirements regarding materials and methods shall be
provided by the county.
(d) When trenching is approved on paved roads, the pavement
shall be restored as required by the county.
(2) Untrenched construction may be required for pipelines crossing
roads paved with asphalt concrete or cement concrete and for roads
paved with bituminous surf ace treatment when directed by the
county.
(a) If sufficient right -of -way exists, the length of untrenched
construction shall extend a minimum of four feet f rom edge
of pavement, except that a lesser standard may be
permitted by the county engineer where conditions warrant.
(b) Overbreaks, unused holes, or abandoned casings shall be
backfilled as directed by the county engineer.
(c) Water boring under roadways shall not be permitted.
(d) Existing carriers and conduit installed under a roadway
may be physically located prior to pipeline installation.
(3) Plowing of communication and electrical lines on or adjacent to
existing roads by means of a vibratory plow may be allowed by the
county, provided that the structural integrity of the roadway is not
impaired.
G. UNDERGROUND UTILITIES - ONE CALL SYSTEM
Utility facilities shall be located and identified in accordance with Title
19 RCW, Chapter 19.122, Sections 19.122.010 thru 19.122.900
(Washington State One Call System).
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7. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS - OVERHEAD UTILITIES
A. POWER AND COMMUNICATION LINES
(1) Single -pole construction and joint use of the pole is desirable and
should be used whenever feasible,
(2) The minimum vertical clearance for overhead power and
communication lines above the road and the minimum lateral and
vertical clearance from bridges shall be in compliance with the
National Electrical Safety Code and Washington State
Department of Labor and Industries Electrical Construction Code.
(3) Where irregularly shaped portions of
beyond the normal right-of-way limits,
facilities shall be allowed.
8. AESTHETIC/SCENIC CONSIDERATIONS
the right -of -way extend
a uniform alignment of
A. Utility installations shall be designed and constructed to minimize the
adverse affect on existing roadside manmade or natural amenities.
Special efforts shall be taken to minimize any potential negative impact
on areas of scenic beauty (i.e., scenic strips, viewpoints, rest areas,
recreation areas, public parks or historic sites, etc.).
B. Overhead utility installations shall be permitted in areas of scenic beauty
when other utility locations are not available, are not technically feasible,
are unreasonably costly, or are less desirable from the standpoint of
visual quality,
C. If the utility intends to use chemical sprays to control or kill weeds and
brush in scenic areas, prior approval must be granted by the county at
least annually. The county may limit or restrict the types, amounts, and
timing of applications if a significant negative impact on the aesthetics
of the area is anticipated, provided such limitations or restrictions are not
in conflict with State law governing utility right-of-way maintenance.
D. Refuse and debris resulting from the installation or maintenance of the
utility facilities shall be promptly removed once work is completed.
INSTALLATIONS ON ROADWAY BRIDGES AND STRUCTURES
Attachment of utility lines to a roadway structure (including bridges) may be
allowed where such attachment conforms to sound engineering considerations
for preserving the roadway structure and its safe operation, maintenance and
appearance. The attachment shall be in accordance with the following:
A. Attachment of a utility shall not be considered unless the structure in
question is of a design that is adequate support the additional load and
can accommodate the utility facility without compromise of highway
features, including reasonable ease of maintenance.
Manholes and other utility access panels should be avoided within the
roadway portion of the structure.
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C. Attachment on a structure of a pipeline carrying a hazardous
transmittant shall be avoided where practicable.
D. The utility attachment shall not reduce the clearance of a structure
where such clearance is critical. Attachment to the outside of a structure
should be avoided where there are reasonable alternatives.
E. Utility mountings shall be of a type which shall not create noise resulting
from vibration.
F. The hole created in a structure abutment shall be sleeved, shall be of the
minimum size necessary to accommodate the utility line, and shall be
sealed to prevent any leakage of water or backfill material,
G. The utility line back of the abutment shall curve or angle out to align
outside the roadbed area in as short a distance as is operationally
practicable.
H. Communication and electrical power line attachments shall be suitably
insulated, grounded, and preferably carried in protective conduit or pipe
from point of exit from the ground to re-entry. Carrier pipe and casing
pipe shall be properly isolated from electric power line attachments.
10. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
A. PRESERVATION, RESTORATION AND CLEANUP
(1) The size of disturbed area necessary to install a utility shall be
kept to a minimum.
(2) Restoration methods shall be in accordance with the specifications
of the county and/or special provisions of the franchise, permit, or
agreement.
(3) Unsatisfactory restoration work shall be promptly corrected by the
utility. If necessary, unsatisfactory restoration work may be
corrected by the county and billed to the utility.
B. TRAFFIC CONTROL AND PUBLIC SAFETY
(1) Traffic controls, including detours for all utility work, shall
conform with the currently applicable "Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices for Streets and Highways".
(2) All construction and maintenance operations shall be planned to
keep interference with traffic to a minimum. on heavily traveled
roads, construction operations interfering with traffic should not
be scheduled during periods of peak traffic flow. Work shall be
planned so that closure of intersecting streets, road approaches, or
other access points is held to a minimum.
(3) Adequate provision shall be made to safeguard any open
excavation, and shall include barricades, lights, flaggers, or other
protective devices as may be necessary,
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(4) The storage of materials on through roadways shall not be allowed,
and parking of vehicles on through roadways shall be kept to a
minimum,
C. EMERGENCY REPAIRS
(1) All utility facilities shall be kept in a good state of repair.
Emergency repairs shall be undertaken in a timely manner.
(2) If emergency repairs disturb the right of way, such repairs may
be immediately undertaken and the right of way restored.
Approval as to the manner of final restoration of the right of
way shall be secured from the county in a timely fashion.
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