Utah Admin. Code R930-7-10 - Utilities Within Interstate, Freeway, and Access - Controlled Right of Way

(1) General Provisions. There are two basic types of access control.

No Access - provides access only at interchanges. Crossings at grade and direct driveway connections are prohibited. Access is controlled by fencing. This is typical of interstates and freeways.

Limited Access - provides access to selected roads. There may be some crossings at grade and some private driveway connections. This is typical of expressways and certain other highways.

(2) Factors UDOT may consider for allowing Utility accommodation within an access-controlled right of way include the distance between distribution points, terrain, cost, and prior existence.

(3) Longitudinal telecommunication installations may be allowed under Rule R907-64 and Section 72-7-108.

(4) Pursuant to FHWA regulations, UDOT may allow longitudinal accommodation of utility facilities but with greater restrictions within no access and limited access highway right of way as follows:

(a) Longitudinal installations within no access highway right of way are not permitted except in cases where no other feasible location exists and under strictly controlled circumstances. FHWA approval is required for installations on interstate roadways. Longitudinal telecommunication facilities are allowed pursuant to Section 72-7-108.

(b) Longitudinal installations within limited access highway right of way are generally not permitted.

(5) Utility facilities may cross no access and limited access highway right of way but with additional requirements as noted in Subsection R930-7-10(7).

(6) Longitudinal Utility Facilities.

(a) In addition to the requirements in Subsection R930-7-8(1)(a), the following requirements apply:

(i) Service connections are not permitted within no access highway right of way. Service connections are not permitted within limited access highway right of way unless no reasonable alternative exists as demonstrated by the utility company and as reviewed and approved by UDOT through the deviation process outlined in Section R930-7-13.

(ii) Service, maintenance, and operation of utilities installed along and within no access highway right of way may not be conducted from the through-traffic roadways or ramps. All maintenance activities must be accessed from a point approved by UDOT and FHWA.

(iii) An existing utility facility within the right of way acquired for an interstate, freeway, or access-controlled highway project may remain if it remains outside of the pavement section and within five feet of the outer right of way limits, can be serviced, maintained, and operated without access from the through-traffic roadways or ramps, and it does not adversely affect the safety, design, construction, operation, maintenance, or stability of the interstate, freeway, or access-controlled highway. Otherwise, it shall be relocated.

(iv) Where approval for installation is permitted, utility installations and related components shall be buried parallel to the interstate, freeway, or access-controlled highway and shall be located within five feet of the outermost right of way limits. Utility appurtenances shall be located as close as possible to the right of way line.

(v) An existing utility carried on an interstate, freeway, or access-controlled highway structure crossing a major valley or river may be permitted by UDOT to continue to be carried at the time the route is improved if the utility facility is serviced without interference to the traveling public.

(7) Utility Crossings.

(a) In addition to the requirements in Subsection R930-7-8(1)(d), the following requirements apply.

(i) A utility following a crossroad or street that is carried over or under an interstate, freeway, or access-controlled highway must cross the interstate, freeway, or access-controlled highway at the location of the crossroad or street in such a manner that the utility can be serviced without access from the through-traffic roadways or ramps.

(ii) Overhead utility lines crossing an interstate, freeway, or access-controlled highway shall be adjusted so that supporting structures are located outside access control lines. In no case shall the supporting poles be placed within the clear zone. Where required for support, intermediate supporting poles may be placed in medians of sufficient travelled width that provide the clear zone from the edges of both ways. If additional lanes are planned, the clear zone shall be determined from the ultimate edges of the traveled way. When right of way lines and access control lines are not the same, such as when frontage roads are provided, supporting poles may be in the area between them.

(iii) At interchange areas, supports for overhead utility facilities will be permitted only if located beyond the clear zone of traffic lanes or ramps, sight distance is not impaired, and can be safely accessed.

(iv) Manholes and other points of access to underground utilities may be permitted within the right of way of an interstate, freeway, or access-controlled highway if they can be serviced or maintained without access from the through-traffic roadways or ramps. When right of way lines and access control lines are not the same, such as when frontage roads are provided, manholes and other points of access may be in the area between them.

(v) Where a casing is not otherwise required, it shall be considered as expedient in the insertion, removal, replacement, or maintenance of carrier pipes crossing interstate, freeways, or access-controlled highways. Casings shall extend to the access control lines. See Subsection R930-7-8(4).

(8) Longitudinal Telecommunications Installation.

(a) Installation must comply with Rule R907-64.

(9) Wireless Telecommunications Facilities.

(a) Facilities must comply with Rule R907-64.

Notes

Utah Admin. Code R930-7-10

Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2016-22, effective 10/24/2016 Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2019-16, effective 7/23/2019 Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2024-24, effective 12/11/2024