Section 330. Overhead utility installations within nonlimited access highways

A. Overhead utility crossings shall be located on a line that is perpendicular to the highway alignment. Longitudinal installations shall be located on a uniform alignment as near as possible to the right-of-way line to provide a safe environment and space for future highway improvements and other utility installations.

B. Overhead longitudinal utilities may be installed on all nonlimited access highways, except in scenic areas as follows:

1. Overhead utilities may be installed within nonlimited access right-of-way by a utility company under permit, including a districtwide permit as allowed under 24VAC30-151-30 C 1.

2. All overhead installations, excluding communication tower facilities, shall be located adjacent to the right-of-way line and in accordance with clear zone requirements. Repairs and replacement of similar installations may be performed in existing locations under the existing permit providing the work shall not impede the traveled way. Additional poles, taller poles, or cross-arms require a separate permit.

C. Longitudinal installations of overhead lines within the right-of-way shall be limited to single-pole construction. Joint-use, single-pole construction will be encouraged at locations where more than one utility or type of facility is involved, especially where the right-of-way widths approach the minimum needed for safe operations or maintenance requirements, or where separate installations may require extensive removal or alteration of trees.

D. Consideration will not be given to poles placed on a highway right-of-way of less than 40 feet in width. Longitudinal pole line installation shall be located on the outer 15 feet of the right-of-way greater than 40 feet in width.

E. Highway crossings should be grouped at one location whenever practical, and as near as possible to right angles to the center of the road.

F. New overhead installations crossing existing or proposed nonlimited access highways shall provide a minimum of 18 feet of vertical clearance or at a minimum height as established by the National Electric Safety Code (see 24VAC30-151-760), whichever is greater. The overlashing of telecommunications lines onto existing lines or strand is not considered a new overhead installation.

G. Existing overhead utilities that are found to be in horizontal or vertical conflict, or both, with proposed traffic control devices or signage, or both, shall be adjusted, at no cost to VDOT, to provide an unobstructed view for the traveling public and the appropriate clearance from traffic control devices or signage.

H. The vertical clearance for all new overhead installations parallel to an existing or proposed highway and within nonlimited access rights-of-way shall be in compliance with standards as specified in the National Electric Safety Code (see 24VAC30-151-760). The overlashing of telecommunications lines onto existing lines or strand is not considered a new overhead installation.

I. When crossing a median, all poles or other overhead facilities shall be placed to maintain an adequate clear zone in each direction.

J. Longitudinal pole line installation will not be allowed in the median.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 26, Issue 12, eff. March 17, 2010.

Statutory Authority

§ 33.2-210 of the Code of Virginia.