Section 310. Utility installations within limited access highways

Utility installations on all limited access highways shall comply with the following provisions:

1. Requests for all utility installations within limited access right-of-way shall be reviewed and, if appropriate, be approved by the Commissioner of Highways prior to permit issuance.

2. New utilities will not be permitted to be installed parallel to the roadway longitudinally within the controlled or limited access right-of-way lines of any highway, except that in special cases or under resource sharing agreements such installations may be permitted under strictly controlled conditions and then only with approval from the Commissioner of Highways. However, in each such case the utility owner must show the following:

a. That the installation will not adversely affect the safety, design, construction, operation, maintenance or stability of the highway.

b. That the accommodation will not interfere with or impair the present use or future expansion of the highway.

c. That any alternative location would be contrary to the public interest. This determination would include an evaluation of the direct and indirect environmental and economic effects that would result from the disapproval of the use of such right-of-way for the accommodation of such utility.

d. In no case will parallel installations within limited access right-of-way be permitted that involve tree removal or severe tree trimming.

3. Overhead and underground utilities may be installed within limited access right-of-way by a utility company under an agreement that provides for a shared resource arrangement subject to VDOT's need for the shared resource.

4. All authorized longitudinal utility installations within limited access right-of-way, excluding communication tower facilities, shall be located in a utility area established along the outer edge of the right-of-way. Special exceptions must be approved by the Commissioner of Highways.

5. Authorized overhead utility installations within limited access right-of-way shall maintain a minimum of 21 feet of vertical clearance.

6. Authorized underground utility installations within limited access right-of-way shall have a minimum of 36 inches of cover.

7. Service connections to adjacent properties shall not be permitted from authorized utility installations within limited access right-of-way.

8. Overhead crossings shall be located on a line that is perpendicular to the highway alignment.

9. A utility access control line will be established between the proposed utility installation, the through lanes, and ramps.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 26, Issue 12, eff. March 17, 2010; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 04, eff. November 23, 2011.

Statutory Authority

§ 33.2-210 of the Code of Virginia.