| (5) Lift stations. Lift stations and pump stations
for sanitary sewer lines exceeding 48 inches inside diameter shall
be located outside the limits of right of way.
(f) Electric and communication Lines.
(1) Underground electric lines.
(A) Depth of cover. All underground electric lines
placed within the right of way may be installed by direct bury at
depths according to the voltage of electric lines as required by the
National Electrical Safety Code and as shown in the following chart.
Attached Graphic
(B) Encasement. Electric lines crossing the roadway
shall be encased in steel or comparable material greater than or equal
to that of ductile iron, with satisfactory joints, or materials and
designs that will provide equal or better protection of the integrity
of the highway system and resistance to damage from corrosive elements
to which they may be exposed. The lines shall be buried a minimum
of 36 inches under highway ditches, and 60 inches below the pavement
structure. Encasement shall be provided as outlined in this section.
(C) Installation. Longitudinal underground electric
lines may be placed by plowing or open trench method. All plowing
and trenching shall be performed in a uniform alignment with the right
of way. If the installation of the facility is found to deviate from
the approved location, the district, at its sole discretion, may require
the adjustment of the facility to the approved location. The utility
facility shall be located as set forth in §21.37(b) of this subchapter.
(D) Aboveground appurtenances.
(i) Aboveground appurtenances installed as part of
an underground electric line shall be located at or near the right
of way line, and shall not impede highway maintenance or operations.
(ii) Structures that are larger in plan view than single
poles may be placed on the right of way if:
(I) the installation will not hinder highway maintenance
operations;
(II) the housing will be placed at or near the right
of way line;
(III) the installation will 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 or accommodation
of other utility lines is apparent;
(V) the outside width, length (longitudinal with respect
to the right of way), 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 more than
three inches above the ground line, nor extend more than 12 inches
on either side of the housing structure; and
(VII) the installation will be compatible with adjacent
land uses.
(E) Manholes. Manholes serving electric and communication
lines shall conform to the requirements of this section.
(F) Abandonment. Underground electric lines may be
abandoned in place at the discretion of the district.
(2) Underground communication lines.
(A) Longitudinal. The minimum depth of cover for cable
television and copper cable communications lines shall be 24 inches.
The minimum depth of cover for fiber optic facilities shall be 42
inches. If the utility that is the owner/operator of a fiber optic
facility waives damages and fully indemnifies the department in a
form acceptable to the department, the minimum depth of cover may
be reduced to not less than 36 inches.
(B) Crossings.
(i) The minimum depth of cover for cable television
and copper cable communication lines shall be 24 inches under ditches
or 18 inches beneath the bottom of the pavement structure, whichever
is greater.
(ii) The top of the fiber optic facility shall be placed
a minimum of 42 inches below the ditch grade or 18 inches below the
pavement structure or 60 inches below the top of the pavement surface,
whichever is greater. The department may authorize a minimum depth
of cover of not less than 36 inches below the ditch grade or 60 inches
below the top of the pavement surface, whichever is greater, if the
utility waives damages and fully indemnifies the department in a form
acceptable to the department.
(iii) The department may require encasement or other
suitable protection when necessary to protect the highway facility
when the line is located:
(I) at less than minimum depth;
(II) near the footing of a bridge or other highway
structure; or
(III) near another hazardous location.
(iv) Unless the line is encased, installation shall
be accomplished by boring a hole the same diameter as the line. The
annular void between a drilled hole and the line or casing shall be
filled with a material approved by the district to prevent settlement
of any part of the highway facility over the line or casing.
(C) Installation. 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.
(D) Multiple conduits.
(i) Shared conduits. When an existing utility rents,
leases, or sells conduit usage to another utility, the new utility
and the conduit owner must jointly submit a use and occupancy agreement
before placement of a new line within the conduit.
(ii) Additional conduits. No more than two additional
empty conduits may be added for every full conduit line, unless otherwise
approved by the district.
(E) Aboveground appurtenances.
(i) 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.
(ii) Large equipment housings. Structures that are
larger in plan view than single poles may be placed on the right of
way if:
(I) the installation will not hinder highway maintenance
operations;
(II) the housing will be placed at or near the right
of way line;
(III) the installation will 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 lines 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 will be compatible with adjacent
land uses.
(F) Abandonment. Underground communication lines 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 |
