| (vii) the installation is compatible with adjacent
land uses.
(6) Manholes. Manholes serving electric lines shall
conform to the requirements of this section.
(g) Underground communication lines.
(1) Joint duct banks. Where a department joint duct
bank is available, a utility shall install a utility facility in the
duct bank unless otherwise authorized by the district.
(2) Depth of cover for crossings. The minimum depth
of cover for communication lines is 60 inches below the lowest point
of the crossed grade.
(3) Depth of cover for longitudinal placement. The
minimum depth of cover for the longitudinal placement of communication
lines is 48 inches. If site conditions warrant, the district may allow
communication lines to be installed at a depth of 42 inches.
(4) Encasement. Communication lines shall be encased
in accordance with Figure §21.40(g)(5) for all crossings. The
external encasement must be a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe
with a size dimension ratio of 11 or less or an equivalent encasement.
A carrier cable inside of the external encasement must have an additional
internal conduit that is HDPE or equivalent. The external encasement
must allow for the addition of at least one internal conduit and for
the removal or replacement of internal conduits, as needed. The reamed
bore size may not exceed 40 percent of the outside diameter of the
external encasement, and a reamer that allows the natural wet grout
to remain shall be used.
(5) Installation. Longitudinal communication lines
may be placed by plowing or open trench method and shall be located
on uniform alignment with the right of way and as near as practical
to the right of way line to provide space for possible future highway
construction and for possible future utility installations.
Attached Graphic
(6) Multiple conduits.
(A) Shared conduits. When an existing utility rents,
leases, or sells conduit usage to another utility, the utilities must
jointly submit a use and occupancy agreement before placement of a
new line within the conduit. A department permit is required before
the installation.
(B) Additional conduits. No more than two additional
empty conduits may be added for every full conduit line, unless otherwise
approved by the district.
(C) All new conduits installed in the department's
right of way shall be labeled with utility name and phone number
at each point of access.
(7) Aboveground appurtenances.
(A) Aboveground pedestals or other utility appurtenances
installed as a part of an underground communication line shall be
located at or near the right of way line, so as not to impede highway
maintenance or operations.
(B) Hand holes may be installed at or below grade within
five feet of the department's right of way line but only when sufficient
width is available between curbs, sidewalks, and the right of way
line. Their length may not exceed six feet and width may not exceed
five feet. The cover must be rated for loads appropriate to the given
location. Hand holes may not be installed in a sidewalk.
(C) Large equipment housings. Structures that have
a diameter larger than 18 inches may be placed on the right of way
if:
(i) the installation does not hinder highway maintenance
operations;
(ii) the housing is placed at or near the right of
way line;
(iii) the installation does not reduce visibility and
sight distance of the traveling public;
(iv) the dimensions of the housing are minimized, particularly
where the need to allow space for highway improvement and accommodation
of other utility facilities is apparent;
(v) outside width, length (longitudinal), and height
dimensions of the aboveground portion of the housing do not exceed
36 inches, 60 inches, and 54 inches, respectively;
(vi) the supporting slab does not project further than
three inches above ground line, nor extend further than 12 inches
on either side of the housing structure; and
(vii) the installation is compatible with adjacent
land uses.
(8) Abandonment. Underground communication lines may
not be abandoned in place and shall be removed when no longer in use,
unless the abandonment in place is authorized by the district. Encasements
may be abandoned in place at the discretion of the district.
|
| Source Note: The provisions of this §21.40 adopted to be effective March 17, 2005, 30 TexReg 1455; amended to be effective December 11, 2008, 33 TexReg 10064; amended to be effective October 12, 2014, 39 TexReg 7946; amended to be effective October 12, 2022, 47 TexReg 6617 |
