Section 4

4.1.1

The primary purpose of all public road right-of-way is the reasonably safe and convenient operation of facilities for public transportation. All occupancies shall therefore be designed and constructed so that roadway operations, facilities, and maintenance shall not be impeded, interrupted or endangered. In addition, any permitted facility shall be located so as to minimize any interference to the right-of-way and ensure that the WCRC shall have unrestricted use of the right-of-way for current and future operations.

4.1.2

Unless otherwise prescribed herein, the AASHTO publication, A Guide for Accomodating Utilities Within Highway Right-of-Way, October 2005, shall apply to all public utilities.

4.2.1

Classification as a public utility for purposes of using county road right-of-way shall require conformance with the following criteria:

1. Communication Companies
   • The organization shall provide direct service to the general public, and the service shall be in the public interest.
   • The organization shall be recognized by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) as a regulated telecommunication company licensed in Michigan to provide basic local exchange service or a regulated telephone inter-exchange carrier and competitive access provider operating in Michigan.
2. Power and Other Public Utility Companies
   • The organization must be a power or other public utility company within the meaning of MCL
   • 247.171 et seq, and must be authorized to operate in Michigan.
   • The organization shall provide direct service to the general public, and the service shall be in the public interest.
   • Gas and petroleum distribution companies must be (a) certified by MPSC as a company distributing natural gas or as a common purchaser or common carrier, or (b) certified by the federal government as an interstate pipeline operator.</
   • Electric companies must be recognized by MPSC as an investor-owned or cooperative electric provider.
3. Cable Television Companies
   • The organization must be a cable television company authorized to operate in Michigan.
   • The organization shall provide direct service to the general public, and the service shall be in the public interest.
   • The organization shall be authorized by the local unit of government where the facility is located to operate within its jurisdiction.
   • Proof of the criteria established for classification as a public utility may be shown as follows:
   • Proof of authorization to operate in Michigan as a telecommunication, power or other public utility company can be made by a certified document created by the applicant.
   • Proof of direct service to the general public can be made by a certified document created by the applicant. The certified document shall specifically describe any conditions regarding the organization's permissible charges to the public. Service which is limited to specific organizations or individuals shall not be considered to be direct service to the general public.
   • When applicable, proof that an organization's facilities are not exclusively committed to a private use can be made by recognition on each permit application. The recognition shall read as follows: "This is a public utility facility."
4. Classification by the WCRC of an organization as a public utility or a cable television company is done solely for the purposes of applying MCL ?247.171 et seq. Classification does not constitute, beyond that, any recognition that the organization is a public utility or has satisfied any other requirements of federal or state law. The WCRC may modify, without prior notice, the criteria for evaluating public utilities as WCRC deems appropriate to meet its statutory responsibilities with respect to the county road system.

4.3.1

Utility installations shall be located so as to: (1) minimize the need for later adjustments to accommodate future roadway improvements; and (2) permit access to servicing the installations with minimum interference to roadway traffic.

4.4.1

Storm sewers - shall be located and aligned to best conform to the layout of existing facilities. In roads where no pattern has been established, storm sewers shall be located on the east or north side of the road between the back of curb (or shoulder point) and right-of-way line.

4.4.2

Sanitary sewers - shall be located and aligned to best conform to the layout of existing facilities. In roads where no pattern has been established, sanitary sewer shall be located on the south or west side of the road between the back of curb (or shoulder point) and right-of-way line.

4.4.3

Water mains - shall be located on the north or east side of the road between the back of curb (or shoulder point) and right-of-way line.

4.4.4

Gas mains - shall be located on the west or south side of the road at a three-foot offset from the right-of-way line.

4.4.5

Electric - shall be located on the east or north side of the road at a uniform offset between three and five feet from the right-of-way line.

4.4.6

Telecommunications - shall be located on the east or north side of the road at a uniform offset between one and three feet from the right-of-way line.

4.4.7

For joint trench type installations, alternative locations to the specified locations of electric, gas, and telecommunications facilities may be considered by the WCRC.

4.5.1

Unless shown on approved plans, all new or replacement utilities shall be installed to provide a minimum depth of cover of four feet below and in reference to the road surface and a minimum of three feet below and in reference to the ditch bottom. Where approved plans require a greater depth of cover, the approved plan depth shall govern.

4.5.2

Where the roadway is superelevated, the minimum depth of the bore shall be measured from the lower side of the road surface.

4.5.3

The maximum depth of cover over a plastic pipe to top of pavement shall not exceed 18 feet unless otherwise approved by the WCRC. Requests for depth of cover over 18 feet shall require site specific analysis, including a geotechnical investigation.

4.6.1

This work shall consist of constructing underground utility installation by an approved directionally-drilled method which shall ensure the safety of the right-of-way facilities and provide minimal inconvenience to vehicular traffic. This work shall also include the directional drilling of pipe to serve as a carrier pipe or as a casing for a carrier pipe.

4.6.2

This method consists of augering, jacking or drilling a "steerable" rod with a device that also senses the location of the head. The head is then pulled out of the hole with a cone, reamer, or wing cutter that provides the desired diameter.

4.6.3

The diameter of the cone, reamer, or wing cutter shall not exceed the diameter of the casing pipe by more than one and one-half times. An approved flowable fill shall be pumped into the void between the carrier pipe and drill hole displacing the drilling fluid when the cone, reamer, or wing cutter exceeds the pipe diameter by two inches.

4.6.4

Plastic pipe for directionally-drilled pipe shall meet the requirements of ASTM D 2513; SDR 11. Plastic pipe may be used for medium pressure gas pipelines (pressure less than 100 psi), as a carrier pipe, or as a casing for other utility facilities. The minimum plastic pipe wall thickness, pipe joining methods, and testing requirements for a gas pipeline installation shall meet the requirements of the Michigan Gas Safety Code.

4.6.5

Steel pipe for directionally-drilled pipe shall meet the requirements identified in the MDOT Standard Specifications For Construction, and, when applicable, the Michigan Gas Safety Code.

4.6.6

All voids around the outside of the directionally-drilled pipe shall be filled by pressure grouting with approved material as specified in the MDOT Standard Specifications For Construction. Grouting shall be completed immediately upon completing the bore. Bracing shall be immediately strengthened at the first notice of any earth movement. If the access pit becomes unsafe, the access pit shall be stabilized immediately and all voids filled as approved by the WCRC.

4.6.7

A drilling fluid of water and bentonite or a polymer may be used to lubricate and line the drilled hole.

4.6.8

Where "heads" are used to develop the conduit opening, holes with diameters larger than two inches shall be developed by increasing the head size in one inch increments.

4.6.9

Should anything prevent completion of the directionally-drilled operations, the remainder of the pipe shall be constructed by methods approved by the engineer or the partially completed directionally-drilled pipe shall be abandoned in place, and the carrier pipe shall be backfilled completely with flowable fill as indicated in Section 4.8.

4.7.1

This work shall consist of constructing underground utility installation by an approved jacked-in-place method which shall ensure the safety of the right-of-way facilities and provide minimal inconvenience to vehicular traffic. This work shall also include the jacking of steel pipe to serve as a carrier pipe or as a casing for a carrier pipe.

4.7.2

Steel pipe for jacking in place shall meet the requirements of the MDOT Standard Specifications For Construction. Concrete pipe for jacking in place shall meet the requirements of the MDOT Standard Specifications For Construction.

4.7.3

Proposed methods shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the WCRC prior to construction. Water or air-jetting, ?missiles?, or hole hogs are prohibited.

4.7.4

The following methods are approved for use on four-inch diameter or less bores.

• Compaction auger ("Packer", "Expander")
• Hydraulic push rods or stem ("Pipe Puller", "Packer")
• Other proposed methods shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the WCRC prior to construction. Water or air jetting, and air rams, missiles or hole hogs are prohibited.

4.7.5

Steel and concrete pipe shall be jacked-in-place as specified in the MDOT Standard Specifications For Construction.

4.7.6

All visually identified voids around the outside of the jacked pipe shall be filled by pressure grouting with approved material as specified in MDOT Standard Specifications For Construction. Grouting shall be completed immediately upon completing the bore. Bracing shall be immediately strengthened at the first notice of any earth movement. If the access pit becomes unsafe, the access pit shall be stabilized immediately and all voids filled as approved by the engineer.

4.7.7

Alignment of the utility shall be installed as indicated in the plans and permit.

4.7.8

Should anything prevent completion of the jacking operations, the remainder of the pipe shall be constructed by methods approved by the WCRC or the partially completed jacked-in-place pipe shall be left in place, and the casing pipe shall be backfilled completely with flowable fill as described in Section 4.13.

4.7.9

A small diameter utility crossing shall require the use of a starter alignment trench to be excavated to the elevation of the proposed utility conduit. The length of level trench shall be a minimum of 15 feet for trench depths to four feet, increased by five feet for each additional one-foot increment of depth.

4.7.10

Guide rails, sills, or other positive alignment devices shall be used to start the crossing. Drive rods, if used, shall be securely restrained against side-to-side or up-and-down movement.

4.7.11

Where ?Heads? are used to develop the conduit opening, holes greater than two inches in size shall be developed by increasing the head size in one-inch increments.

4.7.12

Where the roadway is super-elevated, the bore shall be started from the lower side of the road surface.

4.7.13

Sheeting and bracing shall be required pursuant to current MDOT specifications when boring or receiving pits are located within the one-on-one slope from the edge of any paved surface or back of curb.

4.7.14

The bore and jack record or log shall be submitted to the WCRC.

4.7.15

The path of the proposed bore must be marked in advance of the boring to check for conflicts with utilities and structures.

4.7.16

The top bore hole shall be a minimum of 48 inches below the edge of pavement and 36 inches below the bottom of ditch.

4.7.17

The contractor shall use a cutting head suitable to cut a hole large enough to accommodate the product and lubricating fluid. Plain water will not be used as a lubricating fluid on bores exceeding two inches in diameter.

4.7.18

After boring operations and connections are completed, the contractor shall restore the bore pit areas to the same or better than original conditions.

4.7.19

In the event of damage to the pavement or roadside due to drilling operations, the contractor shall repair the pavement or roadside as required by the WCRC before further boring operations may continue.

4.7.20

The contractor shall provide the WCRC with a log of the bores on all conduits over two inches in diameter, showing the final depth and path of the conduit under the roadway.

4.8.1

This work, when required, shall apply only to casings greater than 12 inches in diameter. It shall consist of filling the annular void between the casing and carrier pipe with an approved material and bulkheading the casing ends to prevent seepage of water and loss of material.

4.8.2

Casing filler material shall meet the requirements of commercial grade pea stone, granular material Class II, or cementitious grout as follows:

1. Bentonite.
2. Cementitious grout (when required by utility owner) shall meet the requirements of MDOT Standard Specifications For Construction.
3. Granular material Class II shall meet the requirements of MDOT Standard Specifications For Construction.
4. Approved alternate.

4.8.3

Filler material shall be placed by an approved method which will provide a uniform and thorough filling of the void. The casing shall be filled to within one inch of the top plus or minus one-half inch. Upon completion of the filling operation, the ends of the casing shall be sealed with a one foot thick bulkhead of commercial grade concrete or approved alternate.

4.9.1

In areas where the posted speed limit is 40 mph or lower, the Permit Holder or contractor shall maintain a minimum distance of 10 feet from the edge of pavement to the face of any access pit, equipment, or supplies. Where the posted speed limit is 45 mph or higher, a minimum distance of 15 feet from the edge of pavement to the face of any access pit, equipment, and supplies shall be maintained.

4.9.2

Sheeting and Bracing

1. Sheeting and bracing shall be required when any excavation or the face of any access pit is located within the 1 on 1 slope from the shoulder point or back of curb to the bottom of any access pit. When directed by the WCRC, steel sheet piling shall be furnished and placed as described in the MDOT Standard Specifications For Construction.
2. Support shall be required at the front face of all access pits in bore and jack operations to prevent loss of material during construction.
3. Sheeting and bracing shall generally not be required for small diameter bores, unless otherwise directed by the WCRC.

4.9.3

Protection

1. Barriers may be needed to protect vehicular traffic. When the WCRC determines a potential hazard exists, temporary concrete barriers shall be installed pursuant to MDOT Standard Plans and the Standard Specifications For Construction. Alternatively, temporary beam guardrail shall be installed pursuant to Standard Specification For Construction.
2. All access pits, open excavations, equipment and supplies within the right-of-way shall be protected with suitable fencing and plastic drums to prohibit access to the work site. Equipment shall not be used in lieu of fencing to protect access pits.

4.10.1

All crossings of county roads shall be accomplished by trenchless and nondestructive methods unless otherwise approved by the WCRC.

4.10.2

All underground utility crossings of paved roads and gravel primary roads shall be accomplished by an approved trenchless installation method as described in Sections 4.6 and 4.7 or as otherwise approved by the WCRC.

4.11.1

If a crossing cannot be installed by an approved trenchless installation method due to extenuating circumstances, an open-cut crossing may be approved by the WCRC Permit Section. Provisions for handling traffic will be directed by the WCRC. All expenses, including but not limited to signing, pavement marking and traffic control, shall be borne by the Permit Holder.

4.11.2

Open-cut crossings shall be made during off-peak traffic hours (9:00 a.m. ? 3:00 p.m.). Lane closures may not commence before 9:00 a.m. and must be completed and normal traffic flow restored before 3:00 p.m. unless otherwise approved and/or directed by the Road Commission. Lane closures will not be authorized on major holidays or the Friday before major holidays such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. All equipment and material necessary for restoration, including but not limited to compaction equipment and granular backfill material, shall be onsite prior to beginning excavation or pavement removal. Material which cannot be stored, such as hot mix asphalt, shall be immediately available. Open-cuts will not be allowed to begin if inclement weather is threatening which may impede the contractor's ability to restore the traveled way in a timely manner.

4.11.3

No road shall be closed without prior approval of the Board of County Road Commissioners. Approval of road closures will require that detours be installed in accordance with Section 11. Requests for road closures must be made in writing and include the location, length of time the road will be closed, approximate starting and completion dates, reasons for the request and a signing diagram showing all detour signing.

4.11.4

If a road closure is not approved, through-traffic must be maintained at all times. Sheeting of the excavation may be required to protect the road if conditions so warrant. The road surface may not be used for the storage of materials or any other construction purpose without prior approval of the WCRC. Depending on traffic volumes and other conditions, the WCRC may require the Permit Holder to provide bypass lanes (either paved or unpaved), may allow one-lane traffic properly controlled, or may require some combination of the two. Traffic control shall be in accordance with Section 11.

4.11.5

Any crossing of a major road by the open-cut method shall include the removal of the pavement to a minimum width of at least six feet, including at least three feet beyond the limits of the trench and one foot beyond the limits of any damaged pavement.

4.11.6

If the pavement removed is concrete or asphalt over concrete, the remaining slabs shall have a minimum width of at least five feet from the patch to an existing joint. The pavement cut shall be made by sawing to a minimum depth of five inches. Cuts in concrete residential or commercial driveway approaches shall be as described above except that the patch width shall be a minimum of three feet and the remaining slab width from the patch to the existing joint shall be a minimum of three feet.

4.11.7

If the pavement is asphalt, the pavement cut shall be made by sawing prior to excavation unless otherwise indicated on the approved plans. Cuts in driveways or road approaches may require a resurfacing of the entire driveway or road approach as determined by the WCRC.

4.11.8

All saw cuts shall be made in a straight line and shall be parallel to existing transverse and longitudinal joints unless otherwise approved.

4.11.9

If contractor operations remove or damage 20% or more of the road surface or if it is determined that any open cut will result in substantial surface deterioration or pavement integrity loss, the entire roadway shall be resurfaced, rehabilitated, or reconstructed as required by the WCRC.

4.12.1

Backfill materials shall conform to current MDOT specifications.

4.12.2

Compaction shall be accomplished by suitable mechanical compaction equipment and methods pursuant to current MDOT specifications.

4.12.3

Granular compaction material shall be used within roadbed limits or under concrete or asphalt sidewalks, driveways, or parking areas unless otherwise shown on approved plans or approved in writing by the WCRC. If the Permit Holder proposes to use excavated material, not shown on approved plans, the WCRC shall require that the Permit Holder agree to suitable provisions for material sampling, testing, storage, and handling prior to the use of such materials. The backfill shall be placed in layers of not more than nine inches in thickness. Each layer shall be compacted to not less than 95% of maximum unit weight as determined by the One-Point Michigan Cone Test.

4.12.4

Approved excavated material may be used outside the roadbed but within its zone of influence, or under sidewalks, driveways or surfaced areas, provided that specified density and gradation requirements are met. The backfill shall be placed in layers of not more than nine inches in thickness. Each layer shall be compacted to not less than 95% of maximum unit weight as determined by appropriate MDOT test method.

4.12.5

Approved excavated material may be used outside the roadbed and its zone of influence but not under sidewalks, driveways or surfaced areas provided that specified density requirements are met. The backfill shall be placed in layers of not more than one foot in thickness. Each layer shall be thoroughly compacted to 90% of maximum unit weight.

4.12.6

The Permit Holder shall supply materials sampling and testing reports conducted by an approved independent testing company to assure the WCRC that compaction requirements are being accomplished. The Permit Holder shall notify the Road Commission of the name, address and phone number of the testing laboratory 72 hours prior to beginning backfill operations.

4.12.7

Any geotextile fabric or geogrid encountered in the excavation must be restored in a manner that ensures the integrity of the material as it was originally intended. The WCRC must approve the material and methods of repair prior to installation.

4.12.8

Flowable fill shall be placed as indicated on the plans or as directed by the WCRC. All requirements for flowable fill and related work will conform to MDOT Standard Specifications For Construction as specified herein. Flowable fill shall consist of a mixture of Portland cement, ground granulated blast furnace slag (optional), granular material (fine aggregate), fly ash, water, air entraining admixture (optional), and performance enhancing admixture (optional).

1. Portland cement shall be either Type I or IA and shall conform to the MDOT Standard Specifications For Construction. Portland cement used for flowable fill shall be selected from the MDOT qualified product list and certified as meeting MDOT requirements.
2. Ground granulated blast furnace slag shall conform to the MDOT Standard Specifications For Construction.
3. Fly ash shall be Class F or Class C and shall conform to ASTM C 618, except the limit for Loss on Ignition will be deleted.
4. Granular material shall meet the requirements of Class II material as specified in the MDOT Standard Specifications For Construction, except that 100 percent shall pass the one-half inch sieve. Fine aggregate shall meet the requirements of 2NS material as specified in the MDOT Standard Specifications For Construction.
5. Performance enhancing admixtures may be used to improve flowability, lower densities, eliminate segregation and settlement, and control strength development. If used, the performance-enhancing admixture must be included in the mix design and trial batch, and must be used according to the Manufacturer's recommendations.

4.12.9

Flowable Fill, Mix Design and Strength Requirements: The contractor shall submit a flowable fill mix design and trial batch documentation to the WCRC for review a minimum of seven days prior to placement. The mix design shall show source and type or class of materials and batch proportions.

1. The compressive strength of the flowable fill mixture shall be not less than 50 psi at three days, nor less than 75 psi nor greater than 150 psi at 28 days.
2. If an air entraining admixture or performance enhancing admixture is used, then the air content of the flowable fill shall not exceed 35 percent of the flowable fill volume.

4.12.10

Flowable Fill, Transportation and Construction Methods: Twenty-four hours shall elapse from start to start of each subsequent placement.

1. The temperature of the flowable fill mixture as manufactured and delivered shall be at least 50?F. No placement of flowable fill will be allowed if the anticipated air temperature is 35?F or less within the 24-hour period following proposed placement.
2. The batching equipment shall have devices designed to measure the specified quantities of each component material, and mixing shall be of sufficient duration to insure uniform consistency of the mixture. No water may be added to the flowable fill mixture after batching. Water content shall be maintained so that compressive strengths are achieved and a uniform, flowable mixture is developed that is essentially self-leveling when placed.
3. During trench flowable fill placement operations, care shall be used to avoid dislocating any pipes due to fluid pressure from the flowable fill. All pipes within the backfill area shall be secured to avoid buoyant effect of flowable fill. Pipelines, manholes, and other areas not intended to receive flowable fill shall be sealed tightly to prevent infiltration of fill material.
4. Upon completion of the filling operations, the casing ends shall be sealed with a minimum one foot thick bulkhead of commercial grade concrete or approved alternate.

4.13.1

The height of the top of any utility structure constructed or reconstructed within the right-of-way shall be determined as follows:

1. If the structure falls within a paved road or other paved surface including driveways, side roads, sidewalks and non-motorized paths, the cover shall be one-quarter inch below the finished pavement elevation on all sides.
2. If the structure falls within the roadbed of a gravel road or the unpaved shoulder of a paved road, the cover shall be eight inches below the finished gravel surface.
3. If the structure falls within a ditch, the cover elevation shall be set at the top of the ditch slope elevation and the ditch shall be relocated around the structure and away from the road with a stable earth berm around the structure. Where called for on the approved plans or as directed by the WCRC, a culvert of adequate length and size shall be installed in order to carry storm water around the structure.
4. Any structure on the backslope of a ditch shall not protrude more than six inches above the slope.

4.13.2

In the event that a utility cover falls within a traveled lane, turn lane, or taper, and final pavement restoration will take place more than 30 days after temporary pavement repair, the utility cover shall be set flush with the temporary surface or the first course of asphalt and then adjusted at the time of final surface restoration.

4.14.1

The Permit Holder shall not directly or indirectly discharge any water, in excess of normal runoff rates of natural precipitation, into the WCRC road drainage system or into the right-of-way in such manner as to cause a hazardous condition to either pedestrian or vehicular traffic or to cause erosion, sedimentation or ponding which adversely affects the stability of the roadway or damages adjacent property.

4.14.2

All pumping or de-watering operations shall be conducted in compliance with NPDES permits. Outlet filters or sediment basins shall be used before discharged water reaches roadside ditches, storm sewer inlets or surface waters. The placement of discharge lines on or across the surface of the traveled portion of any road shall not be allowed. The Permit Holder agrees to perform all necessary restoration of the road drainage system. If the WCRC deems it necessary for the Permit Holder to either alter de-watering operations or to cease de-watering operations altogether for public safety the Permit Holder shall immediately comply. The Permit Holder shall locate all de-watering facilities as far from the road surface as possible. If, due to extenuating circumstances, such facilities are located closer to the road than the back slope of the ditch, a flashing light shall be installed at each location.

4.14.3

Minor water seepage or pockets of saturated soil can be effectively controlled through bailing or pumping. Control shall be accomplished without removing adjacent soil, which could weaken or undermine any access pit, supports, or nearby structure.

4.14.4

One or more well points or staged deep wells may be used to control large volumes of groundwater from entering the area of the access pit.

1. Well points and staged deep well pumping systems shall be installed without damaging property or structures and without interfering with the rights of the public, owners of private property, pedestrians, vehicular traffic, WCRC maintenance activities, or the work of other contractors. Any pumping methods used for dewatering and control of groundwater and seepage shall have properly designed filters to ensure that the adjacent soil will not be pumped along with the water. Well diameter, well spacing and the pump's pumping rate shall provide adequate draw-down of the water level. Wells shall be properly located to intercept groundwater that otherwise would enter the excavation and interfere with the work. Upon removal of a well, the hole shall be filled and grouted with flowable fill.
2. Existing storm sewers may be used for discharge of the water from the dewatering system in accordance with a permit obtained from the appropriate owner. Filters or sedimentation control devices shall be required to ensure that the existing system is not adversely affected by construction debris or increased sediment.

4.14.5

If grouting is used to control groundwater from entering the area of the access pit, the grouting shall be done without damaging property or structures and without interfering with the rights of the public, owners of private property, pedestrians, vehicular traffic, WCRC maintenance activities, or the work of other contractors. Grout shall meet the requirements of flowable fill.

4.15.1

Utility owners shall be responsible, at no expense to the WCRC, to repair, remove, and/or relocate any existing facility within the right-of-way except where the facility is dedicated solely to providing public services such as lighting, traffic signals, etc., if such installation, repair, removal or relocation is required by the WCRC for any purpose including but not limited to road or drainage improvements.

4.16.1

Except for asbestos pipe, utility owners may abandon existing underground facilities or structures that do not pose a hazard or impediment to the use and maintenance of the right-of-way. In any such case the utility owner shall maintain ownership and responsibility for the facility or structure. Abandonment may require that the utility owner remove its facility or structure, at the discretion of the WCRC, and restore all areas to conditions satisfactory to the WCRC. All abandoned pipe shall be pressure grout filled.

4.16.2

A utility owner proposing to cease operation of an asbestos pipe system shall remove the abandoned system from the right-of-way and shall properly dispose of the materials pursuant to applicable laws and regulations.

4.17.1

Single pole construction and joint use of the pole by utility owners is desirable and should be utilized whenever practicable.

4.17.2

In the event of pole relocation, replacement, or removal all utilities using the original pole shall transfer to the new pole within six months of the pole installation. The owner of the pole shall remain responsible for coordinating transfers.

4.17.3

Right-of-way commonly varies in width. Where varying width is encountered, a uniform alignment of facilities may be allowed subject to WCRC approval.

4.17.4

Vertical clearance of overhead power and telecommunications lines above the road shall conform to the minimum distances provided in Table 10.

4.17.5

The minimum vertical clearance of a line crossing the road shall be measured from the lowest portion of the line crossing the highest elevation of the road, i.e., centerline (crown), high point of superelevated curve, etc.

Table 10: Overhead Utilities Vertical Clearance

Utility Type	Minimum Vertical Clearance (ft)
Telecommunications	18
Electrical 0-750 volts	18
Electrical 751-22,000 volts	20
Electrical 22,000-50,000 volts	21

4.18.1

Utility companies are allowed to undertake the following activities in WCRC right-of-way under a "Blanket Utility Permit":

1. Maintenance tree trimming, with permission of abutting property owners (no tree removal without WCRC and abutting property owner's permission).
2. Repair of existing underground conduit, buried cable, buried wire, and pipe (except under pavement).
3. Replacement of defective or degraded buried cable sections with like size up to 50 feet in length. Plans shall be submitted for all cable section replacement. Replacement cable may not be placed outside the immediate area (more than two feet away from existing location centerline), without special permission.
4. Insertion of plastic pipe inserts or lining through existing mains (gas, water or sewer), in connection with maintenance and renewal programs not requiring pavement cuts.
5. Installation of buried cable to an existing pole in an existing pole line. This may include crossing of road by squeeze boring or pushing one pipe not more than two inches in diameter.
6. Installation, removal or replacement of load coil case on existing buried cable or wire, including loop from main trench, at one location only.
7. Replacement of open wires, single pair rural wire and/or drop wire with multiple line wire or small cable on same pole line, not extending beyond the present wire.
8. Repair and maintenance of open wire, multiple type wire, drop wire and/or aerial cable.
9. Replacement or addition of up to two poles within or beyond an existing pole line, provided that poles are not relocated laterally and that no tree work is required because of increased pole height.
10. Repair and/or replacement of leaking, distressed, or otherwise damaged sections of up to 50 feet of existing gas main (except under pavement). In such cases the Permit Holder shall backfill and restore in accordance with WCRC specifications.
11. Addition or replacement of guys and anchors to poles. New or replacement equipment shall run parallel to or away from the road centerline.
12. Installation of aerial drops which do not require a new pole within road right-of-way outside of the existing pole line, or installation of aerial drop along with intermediate pole in an existing pole line to facilitate installing an aerial drop.
13. Crossing beneath paved roads for underground house service, per the following conditions. Any such crossing shall be accomplished by squeeze bore, auger or moleing (a single forward boring system without removal of soil and a return pass of reamer or shank with underground cable, water or gas line attachment) as follows:
    1. Maximum diameter of auger - 2 ? inches with no casing
    2. Maximum width of bore trench - 18 inches
    3. Minimum depth below paved surface - 48 inches
    4. Minimum depth below ditch bottom - 36 inches
    5. Minimum distance from edge of paved or traveled way surface to bore pit - ten feet. Subdivision roads - five feet from back of curb.
14. System tie-ins from streets under municipal jurisdiction to near side of gas mains installed per permit within WCRC right-of-way (except under pavement).
15. Crossing beneath gravel roads for underground house service. Such crossings may be made by trenching. In such cases the Permit Holder shall backfill and restore to WCRC specifications.
16. Inspection and maintenance of systems, valves and meters and their associated manholes.
17. Conduct soil borings and perform survey work outside of the traveled way of the road.
18. Installation of gas service lines not more than two inches in diameter to residential and commercial customers (near side only; not under pavement).

4.18.2

Conditions for Annual Blanket Permit Activities:

1. Emergency repairs may be made provided notification is given to the Permit Section as soon as possible, and no later than the next WCRC business day.
2. Immediate notification must be given for emergency (public safety, health and welfare) operations which involve cutting of pavement, and an individual permit shall be obtained by the Permit Holder as soon as possible.
3. The Permit Section shall be notified of normal repairs in advance, and in writing. The Permit Holder shall provide the approximate location and date of all work to be performed.
4. Traffic shall be maintained in accordance with the current MMUTCD and WCRC specifications.
5. Utility companies shall submit reports monthly to the Permit Section listing location, date and type of activity for each activity performed under the blanket permit for that month.
6. Miss Dig shall be notified prior to any work.
7. A Blanket Utility Permit shall remain in force until such time as written notice has been received of its cancellation by either party, subject to the payment of all annual fees and monthly billings in accordance with the conditions specified upon invoices submitted by the WCRC.