Haw. Code R. § 19-105-15 - Overhead utility installations

(a) On active state highway, projects other than freeways on new and existing alignment, utility poles, guys and other ground-mounted utility appurtenances may be installed, retained or relocated within the highway right-of-way and they may be located within 5 feet from the standard right-of-way line provided:

(1) In rural areas, they are located at least 30 feet or more from the normal edge of traveled way.

(2) In cities, towns and urban areas, on curbed sections, they are located at least 2 feet back of the face of curb and, where feasible, at or near the right-of-way line and outside of the sidewalk. See exhibit "B" attached at the end of this chapter. Where curbs are not provided, they shall be located at least 20 feet from the normal edge of the traveled way. Maps showing the boundaries of urban areas are on file at the highways divison.

(3) They are in compliance with clear roadside policies for the particular highway involved and they are in accordance with Federal Highway Administration Federal-aid Highway Program Manual (FHPM) 6-2-1-1 and the AASHTO "Highway Design and Operational Practices Related to Highway Safety" dated 1974.

(4) Exceptions to the lateral clearances outlined in this chapter may be permitted provided such facilities are located behind guard rails, the top of cut banks, retaining walls, etc. See exhibits "C", "D", "E" and "F", attached at the end of this chapter, which show the various slope ratios and the corresponding cut heights which are considered to be natural barriers. Also, see exhibit "B" attached at the end of this chapter.

(b) On previously constructed state highway projects other than freeways, new utility poles, guys, and other ground-mounted utility appurtenances connected therewith, other than replacements, shall be located as provided for in this chapter or at the right-of-way line. See exhibit "G" attached at the end of this chapter. Placement of mid-span or additional poles for the purpose of correcting substandard vertical clearances to conform with clearances set forth in the State of Hawaii "Public Utilities Commission's Amended General Order No. 6" (Hawaii Administrative Rules, title 6, chapter 66) will be permitted.

(c) Where the highway shoulder areas are of minimum width, considerations shall be given to designs employing vertical alignment of wires and cables, cantilevered crossarms, added insulation or any other similar designs permitted under State of Hawaii "Public Utilities Commission's Amended General Order No. 6" (Hawaii Administrative Rules, title 6, chapter 66). Where it is not possible to meet such clearances, consideration should be given to alternate utility locations or designs, such as rerouting the facilities or converting them from aerial to underground installations.

(d) Where the lateral clearances outlined in this chapter cannot be made, and the new utility poles, guys, and other ground-mounted appurtenances will constitute a serious and major hazard to traffic upon the determination of the director, guard rail protections shall be provided at the expense of the utility in accordance with current state standards and AASHTO "Guide for Selecting, Locating, and Designing Traffic Barriers." The state shall be responsible for the maintenance of these guard rails. Where existing utility facilities such as poles constitute a definite hazard to the traveling public, the state at its expense shall install protective guard rails to provide a safe traffic environment. The minimum lateral clearance between the face of pole and guard rail shall be 3 feet- See exhibit "F" attached at the end of this chapter.

(e) Utility poles may be permitted in the median of a divided highway provided they are located at least 30 feet from the edge of traveled way.

(f) All new utility installations involving communication or electric power facilities shall comply with the State of Hawaii "Public Utilities Commission's Amended General Order No. 6" (Hawaii Administrative Rules, title 6, chapter 66).

(g) Overhead lines shall have a vertical clearance above the highway of 18 feet or greater for telephone lines and 20 feet or greater for electric lines in accordance with State of Hawaii "Public Utilities Commission's Amended General Order No. 6" (Hawaii Administrative Rules" title 6, chapter 66).

(h) The bottom of the housing of signal faces and warning flashers suspended over roadways shall not be less than 17 feet above the pavement grade of the center of the roadway.

(i) Lighting standards shall not be permitted closer than 30 feet beyond the normal edge of traveled way unless the base is of a breakaway design or they are located behind a guard rail, but not closer than 2 feet outside the edge of shoulder. See exceptions specified above in this section. No standards shall be permitted in the shoulders.

(j) Traffic signal standards shall not be permitted closer than 2 feet beyond the face of curb on curbed highways or 2 feet outside the edge of shoulder on uncurbed highways.

Notes

Haw. Code R. § 19-105-15

[Eff. MAY 30 1981] (Auth: HRS Sec. 264-24) (Imp: HRS Sec. 264-23)