Issues in Automating Utility Permits at Transportation Agencies

Abstract

With the proliferation of utilities within the right-of-way (ROW) of highway facilities, transportation agencies around the country are finding it increasingly difficult to allow more utilities into the ROW and, at the same time, manage their own transportation systems effectively. Outstanding issues related to the utility permitting process at transportation agencies are outlined, a prototype online utility permit data management system that supports data transfer and map-viewing capabilities is described, and recommendations for implementation are discussed and formulated. Three goals drove the development of the prototype: to automate the utility permit data entry process, to reduce utility permit processing turnaround times and paperwork substantially, and to provide a mechanism to help maintain the inventory of utilities within the transportation agency up to date by using the data collected during the utility permitting process. The current status of the prototype is described, and several actions that will assist in the prototype implementation process are outlined. Also discussed are standards and specifications and the need to implement adequate positional accuracy and utility installation documentation procedures, which are rarely addressed in utility accommodation policies or technical specifications for particular projects. Implementing those procedures would result in a number of benefits. Among them are improving the quality of utility data at transportation agencies and utility companies, bringing the installation of utilities within the highway ROW to standards comparable with those of other construction activities within the ROW, facilitating the implementation of roadside safety programs, and contributing to the effective management of the highway ROW.