| (a) Type of construction. Longitudinal lines on the
right of way shall be limited to single pole construction on each
side of the right of way, unless otherwise authorized by the district.
Where an existing or proposed utility facility is supported by "H"
frames, the same type structures may be utilized for the crossing
provided all other requirements of this subchapter are met.
(b) Vertical clearance. The minimum vertical clearance
above the highway at the largest vertical sag of the line is 22 feet
for electric lines, and 18 feet for communication and cable television
lines. The minimum vertical clearance for longitudinal lines on the
right of way at the largest vertical sag of the line is 22 feet for
electric lines, and 18 feet for communication lines. These clearances
may be greater, as required by the National Electric Safety Code and
governing laws.
(c) Horizontal clearances. Horizontal clearances or
clear zones must conform to the department's publication, Roadway
Design Manual. Clear zone requirements may vary based on speed limit,
functional classification of the highway, location of the highway,
and average daily traffic.
(d) Location.
(1) Poles supporting longitudinal lines shall be located
within three feet of the right of way line, except that, at the option
of the department, this distance may be varied at short breaks in
the right of way line. Pole and guy wire installations may not encroach
on current American Disabilities Act (ADA) clearances. Poles with
widths measured at the widest part of the pole base that are greater
than 36 inches in diameter may not be placed within the department's
right of way. For overhead crossings at intersections, bridges, or
large drainage structures that require greater vertical clearances
or longer spans, the pole width measured at the widest part of the
pole base may not be greater than 42 inches. Guy wires placed within
the right of way shall be held to a minimum and be in line with the
pole line. Other locations may be allowed, but in no case shall the
guy wires or poles be located closer than the minimum allowed by the
department's horizontal clearance policy, as shown in subsection (c)
of this section.
(2) Poles may not be placed in the center median of
any highway. At the department's discretion, poles may be placed in
the outer separations or more than three feet inside the right of
way where the right of way is greater than 300 feet and where poles
can be located in accordance with the department's horizontal clearance
policy, as shown in subsection (c) of this section.
(3) Overhead electric and communication line crossings
at bridges or grade separation structures are prohibited. Overhead
lines may not be located below any bridge structure. If rerouting
the line completely around the structure and approaches is not feasible,
a minimum horizontal distance of 150 feet from the bridge abutment
joint and a minimum vertical clearance of 30 feet above crossing the
highest point of the bridge pavement and retaining walls is required
to ensure adequate safety for construction and maintenance operations.
(4) Overhead electric lines crossing a highway must
conform with §21.37(b)(4) of this subchapter (related to Design).
This requirement applies only to new utility facility crossings.
(5) Overhead electric and communication lines running
longitudinal to the bridge or grade separation structures must maintain
a clearance of 30 feet above the highest point of the bridge pavement
or any retaining wall unless there is adequate horizontal clearance,
as determined by the district, between the bridge or grade separation
structure and the overhead electric or communication lines.
(6) When installing overhead electric and communications
lines at intersections, a utility shall follow the right of way offset,
if applicable, as shown in Figure §21.41(d)(6). Overhead electric
or communication lines must have a minimum of 10 feet clearance from
any department structure.
Attached Graphic
(7) Only one set of pole lines for all utilities will
be permitted for longitudinal installation on each side of the right
of way, unless the district, in its sole discretion, determines that
one set of pole lines is impractical. Joint use of the pole lines
is required, unless the district, in its sole discretion, determines
that joint use of the pole lines is unsafe or impractical.
(e) Markers. Electric poles and communication lines
must bear, in a format acceptable to the department, readily identifiable
plaques or other approved markers denoting ownership and use, at a
frequency of every other pole, as equally spaced as practicable, and
at every crossing. Each company connecting to a pole shall appropriately
identify its use of the pole. There shall be a beginning and end marker
for each user of the pole line.
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| Source Note: The provisions of this §21.41 adopted to be effective March 17, 2005, 30 TexReg 1455; amended to be effective April 20, 2016, 41 TexReg 2777; amended to be effective October 12, 2022, 47 TexReg 6617 |
