Utility companies submit utility relocation cost data to transportation agencies in a wide range of ways. This reality makes it very difficult for the transportation agency to validate charges and to compare utility relocation costs across transportation projects using new or historical utility agreement documentation. It also makes it very difficult to conduct meaningful audits. This paper describes a prototype unit cost framework for utility relocations that is compatible with a prototype framework for utility relocation construction specifications and existing standard highway construction specifications and unit cost structures that are typical at most transportation agencies around the country.
Abstract