Section 4: Utility Attachments
Anchor: #i1040009Overview
TxDOT discourages the attachment of utility lines to bridges and separation structures because the proliferation of such lines and their maintenance constitutes a hazard to traffic and complicates widening or repair. Attaching utility lines to a highway structure can materially affect the structure, the safe operation of traffic, the efficiency of maintenance, and the overall appearance. Therefore, when it is feasible and reasonable to locate utility lines elsewhere, attachment to bridge structures will not be allowed.
Where other arrangements for a utility line to span an obstruction are not feasible, the department may consider the attachment of such line to a bridge structure. Any exceptions that are permitted will be handled in accordance with the conditions set forth in Title 43 TAC, Section 21.52 (relating to utility structures) and other pertinent requirements contained therein. Each such attachment will be considered on an individual basis and permission to attach will not be considered as establishing a precedent for granting of subsequent requests for attachment.
Anchor: #i1040090Guidelines
The following guidelines govern attachment of utilities to bridges.
Communication Lines. When it is impractical to carry a self-supporting communication line across a stream or other obstruction, department policy permits the attachment of the line to its bridges. On existing bridges the State generally requires that the line be enclosed in conduits and so located on structures that it does not interfere with stream flow, traffic, or routine maintenance operations. When a request is made prior to construction of a bridge, suitable conduits will be provided in the structure if the utility company bears the cost of all additional work and materials involved.
When a line is attached to a bridge, the State will enter into an agreement with the utility company.
In urban areas where it is the State’s responsibility to provide for the adjustment of telephone lines or telephone conduits to accommodate the construction of a highway and the adjustment provides for the placement of telephone conduits in a highway grade separation structure, the department will allow a reasonable number of spare telephone conduits in the structure provided the spares are placed at the time of construction and the telephone company bears the cost of these spare conduits.
Where highway construction makes it necessary to relocate telephone conduits and the proper adjustment, in the opinion of the department, provides for the placement of telephone conduits in the highway grade separation structure, the department will permit the telephone company to install replacement telephone conduits and a reasonable number of spares in the structure provided such conduits are placed at the time of construction and provided the company bears any extra structure cost occasioned by the presence of the telephone conduits.
Gas or Fuel Lines. No gas or liquid fuel lines may be attached to a bridge or grade separation structure without the specific approval of the TxDOT Executive Director.
Power Lines. Power lines are not permitted on bridges under any condition with the exception of low-voltage distribution lines where the cost of independent facilities to carry these lines would be prohibitive. For this requirement, low-voltage lines carry 600 volts or less.
Utility Pipelines. When a municipality or utility company requests permission to attach a pipeline to a proposed bridge prior to construction, and the added load is sufficient to require an increase in the strength of the structure or use of more costly materials or type of construction, the utility owner is required to pay for the increase in cost.
When a utility company requests permission to attach a pipeline to an existing bridge, sufficient information should be furnished to allow a stress analysis to determine the effect of the added load on the structure. Other details of the proposed attachment as they affect safety and maintenance should also be presented. If the bridge structure is not of adequate strength to carry the increased weight or forces with safety, permission will not be granted.
Requests for Attachments. All requests for attachments to bridges or structures should originate with the utility company with an application to the appropriate district engineer.
For attachments to structures within active projects, the district engineer should forward requests for attachment along with recommendations to the Bridge Division project manager for review and concurrence. Adequate justification, including details and an estimate for an independent utility crossing, should accompany the submission. If the attachment is allowed, the Bridge Division project manager will prepare a suitable agreement and forward it to the district for execution with the utility company. Modification of the structural details to accommodate the utility and the responsibility of cost will be developed by the utility’s engineer. Where applicable, the Bridge Division project manager will coordinate the submission with the district. In addition, use and occupancy agreement forms will be required as cited in Title 43 TAC, Section 21.52 (relating to Forms–General) and Title 43 TAC, Section 21.53 (relating to Use and Occupancy Agreement Forms).
Attachment Locations. Recommended attachment locations are on the overhang, as close as possible to the outside beam, or behind the outside beam. Behind the outside beam is preferred. Hanging lines on the outside of the beams is not aesthetically pleasing and may be subject to vandalism. Attachments to water crossing structures should be placed on the downstream side where exposure to high water is less likely.
Bridge attachments should not be made to any bridge rail or rail hardware, including anchor bolts. This will eliminate the need to get the owner of the attachment involved when bridge rail repair is performed.
Do not hang lines from the bottom of beams. This decreases freeboard and increases the likelihood of damage.
It may be beneficial to carry lines across an obstruction using a utility structure (Utility Structures) rather than an attachment to a structure.
Anchor: #i1040787Coordinating the Agreement
The district engineer can approve a utility attachment without a Maintenance Division review and submit the request, with district recommendation, directly to the bridge project manager. The bridge project manager coordinates the request with assistance from the Design Section, the Right of Way Division, and the Maintenance Division. The Design Section conducts a structural review and a review of the details. The bridge project manager handles the negotiations and prepares the agreement.
FHWA has specified that on-system projects must adhere to the Utility Accommodation Policy (UAP) codified as Title 43 TAC Sections 21.34-21.56. Title 43 TAC Section 21.48 specifically addresses attachments to structures. Occasionally for valid and pragmatic reasons full compliance with the UAP is unattainable. In such cases an exception must be certified by the district director of Transportation Planning and Development and authorized by the Right of Way Division director using the form entitled Certification for Utility Accommodation. Requests for exceptions will be considered only when it is shown that extreme hardship or unusual conditions provide justification and when compensating or alternative measures can be taken in keeping with the intent of these sections. All exception requests made to the districts must be fully documented with design data, cost comparisons, and other pertinent information. Off-system projects should comply with the UAP when possible; however, off-system projects may utilize local codes, policies, and customary practices when representing the public’s best interests. If local codes, policies, or practices are used instead of the UAP, a Utility Accommodation Policy Declaration form must be completed and included with the utility agreement.
Although there is no initial fee or rental charge, attachments will be made at no cost to the state. All expenses will be responsibility of the utilities. Any additional cost due to modification of the bridge structure to accommodate the attachment must be borne by the utilities. This cost or method of determining the cost will be established in advance and shown in the agreement.
Exhibits attached to the request should include drawings showing location, type, size, and weight of the line; attachment details; and safety features. Exposed portions of an attachment must be of non-corrosive material or must be protected from corrosion by an acceptable method such as hot-dipped galvanizing, if appropriate. Pipelines and conduits must not impede the flow of water through a structure or the movement of traffic, either pedestrian or vehicular, and must be located so as not to interfere with routine maintenance operations.
Maintenance of utility attachments to a bridge is the responsibility of the utilities. Installation and maintenance of utility attachments will be conducted so as not to inconvenience or interfere with highway traffic and will comply with governing laws and TxDOT regulations and policies. During attachment installation or maintenance, all traffic controls should comply with the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways.
Exhibits submitted by the district to the bridge project manager should include the following:
- Details on how the line is attached
to the bridge -- Utility Attachment Exhibit A (
NOTE: See examples of Utility Attachment Exhibits A and B in the file titled “utility.”):
- Show proposed location of attachment on elevation view of bridge layout
- Show specific detail of attachment to bridge with appropriate notes to the contractor
- The Utility Attachment Exhibit A must be signed and sealed by a licensed professional engineer
- Documentation of Signature Authority (Utility Attachment Exhibit B)
- Identification of control, section, and original job number of the bridge if possible
- National Bridge Inventory (NBI) number of bridge
- Copies of bridge layout and pertinent details of existing bridge as-built plans (if available)
United States Geologic Survey -- Gauging Stations
The bridge project manager must approve requests by the United States Geologic Survey or other public or private agencies for gauging stations to be located on or near highway stream crossing bridges. These requests are handled by permit after approval is received from the district. A stipulation of the agreement is that the gauging equipment will be removed upon 30 days notice when it is necessary to widen, repair, or reconstruct the bridge. Therefore, the districts should notify the bridge project manager of any proposed work that will require removal or relocation of a gauging station.
Anchor: #i1041336Texas Water Development Board
The bridge project manager must review and approve requests by the Texas Water Development Board for water quality stations to be located on or near highway stream crossing bridges. These requests are handled by permit after approval is received from the district. A stipulation of the agreement is that the station will be removed upon 30 days notice when it is necessary to widen, repair, or reconstruct the bridge. Therefore, the districts should notify the bridge project manager of any proposed work that will require removal or relocation of a Texas Water Development Board water quality station.
Anchor: #i1041396Counties and Municipalities
Where either the state or a local government wishes to place an attachment to a structure within the other’s right of way, the bridge project manager will coordinate the agreement process with assistance from the Field Operations Section, the Right of Way Section, and the Maintenance Division. A satisfactory agreement will set forth the financial responsibility and commitments, including maintenance and liability, of each party involved.