The interaction between state highway agencies and utility firms sharing highway right-of-way is exceedingly complex. Many opportunities exist for difficulties to arise. Typical utility-related problems are examined and potential solutions are described. This paper is based on a 2.5-year study of utility difficulties in the Alabama Highway Department. The study included interviews conducted with highway managers, utility industry officials, contractors, utility consulting engineers, highway agencies in other states, and national utility authorities. The project resulted in more than 300 suggestions for improvements to the highway-utility process in Alabama; the suggestions were condensed to 85 topics for study and possible policy changes. Approximately 30 topics are reviewed in this paper. They represent problem areas common to virtually all states. Identification of these topics and potential solutions should assist other state highway agencies in evaluating procedures and improving the highway-utility interaction processes.
Abstract