Section 6: Utility Lines on Bridges
Anchor: #i1001176Attachments to Structures
The policy of the department is to discourage the attachment of utility lines to structures under its jurisdiction. The presence of such lines and their maintenance may present a hazard to traffic and can complicate the widening, reconstruction, repair or maintenance of a structure. Attachments may also be objectionable from a standpoint of structure appearance; however, under some circumstances certain lines may be attached to bridges and other structures.
Anchor: #i1001186Telephone
Telephone companies have a legal right to place their lines on highway rights of way and, where it is impractical to provide a separate facility; attachments of lines to a bridge may be permitted.
Anchor: #i1001196Pipelines
Pipelines may be attached to bridges if the following conditions are met:
- existing conditions preclude placing the pipeline upon or under the streambed or on other right of way
- the cost of an independent facility would be prohibitive
- the bridge is of sufficient strength to carry the added weight
- the method of attachment is feasible.
Gas or liquid fuel lines are not to be attached to a structure or bridge due to the hazard to the traveling public and the possibility of structural damage in case of a ruptured pipeline. Any exception to this policy would be on an emergency basis and must be approved by the Executive Director.
Anchor: #i1001233Power Lines
Power lines are not permitted on highway structures or bridges under any conditions. The exception is for low voltage electric lines that may be permitted where the costs of an independent facility to carry such lines would be prohibitive.
Anchor: #i1001243Approved Attachments
Any approved attachment will be permitted only by written agreement prepared by the Bridge Division (BRG). The agreement will indemnify the state against any claims, actions, damages, injury or death in any way connected with the attachment.
All attachments to structures must be designed and located in a manner that will not be detrimental to safety, traffic, stream flow, maintenance and appearance. All power and communication lines must be encased in a suitable conduit. The lines must normally be placed at a location that is not visible to traffic on the structure. Positive provisions must be made for expansion and contraction of utility lines.
Anchor: #i1001258Requests for Permission to Attach Utility Lines
Requests for permission to attach utility lines to structures should be accompanied by:
- the reasons causing an independent crossing to be impractical
- drawings showing a design for the proposed attachment with information on the size and weight of line
- details of the method of attachment
- safety features
- permanent structure number
- all other pertinent data.
This information, together with the district engineer's recommendation, should then be forwarded to BRG for review, concurrence and preparation of an agreement.
Attachments will be made at no cost to the state. All expenses will be the responsibility of the permittee. Any additional cost due to modifications of the bridge structure to accommodate the attachment must be borne by the permittee. The cost or method of determining the cost will be established in advance in the agreement.
Maintenance of utilities attached to a bridge should be the responsibility of the permittee.