Construction Area Engineer’s Perspective on Effective Utility Coordination

Construction Considerations Timing of Letting Utility Work in Advance of the Letting Accessibility and Clearance of Construction Equipment – Aerial Vertical and Horizontal Clearance – Underground

Construction Considerations Schedule – Critical Path, Concurrent Operations Ongoing Coordination and Communications Through Relocation Completion

Timing of Letting April 1 – October 1 cannot clear trees due to permit restrictions related to endangered bats Assume 1 month minimum from Letting to NTP plus 2 weeks to mobilize, get subs approved Total lead time from letting to start of construction is 6 weeks, minimum. February letting is cutting it close, March lettings will not have time for clearing prior to April 1. Workarounds – Separate clearing Contract or Owner self perform clearing prior to letting (address this in bid documents)

Utility Work in Advance of Letting Update utilities RSP 107-R-169 prior to letting with latest information regarding utilities commitments/deadlines/requirements If a utility performs and completes relocation work in advance of the letting, ensure this information is conveyed to bidders If a utility work plan is updated close to the letting date, ensure RSP 107-R-169 is updated, as well (pre-letting revision process)

Accessibility and Clearance of Construction Equipment – Aerial Assess equipment needs for construction Cranes – boom, swing Pile driving Beam Setting Excavators Pipe and structure installation What are OSHA Vertical and Horizontal Clearances for Power Lines??? Dependent on voltage Verify with the utility and take into account

Vertical and Horizontal Clearance – Underground Operations to consider Pipe and pipe structures (manholes, inlets, catch basins) Foundations – signal, sign, lighting, bridge, box culverts, wingwalls, MSE walls, retaining walls Piling Conduits / wiring

Vertical and Horizontal Clearance – Underground Operations to consider Fence along R/W – fence installers will not auger within 3 feet of a located utility. HAND DIGGING IS EXPENSIVE!!! Guardrail Undercutting soft soils Subgrade treatment with chemical modification

Schedule – Critical Path, Concurrent Operations Utility relocation critical path needs to be identified by the utility coordinator and communicated to the project team Coordinate with multiple utilities to work simultaneously where possible Identify which construction operations can commence during utility relocation phase and identify limitations

Schedule – Critical Path, Concurrent Operations Condense relocation schedules, where possible Communicate opportunities/requirements to bidders to sequence operations and work concurrently with utility relocation efforts Unique special provisions Project phasing

Coordination Through Completion Communicate Critical Path areas and utilities of concern to: Project Owner Project Manager Construction Area Engineer Designer (Manage expectations!!!) Give the team all information needed to combat challenges before they become schedule and budget busters!

Coordination Through Completion Inspection during relocation is critical to ensure plans are properly executed, conflicts are avoided, and schedules are met Mitigation is KEY! Ongoing communication with the project team during relocation efforts Hold regular utility progress meetings until completed

Contract Documents If it is not in the contract documents, the contractor cannot know about it and cannot bid it! Uncertainty = Risk = More $$$ in the bids

Past Experience – Lessons Learned Relocated electric transmission line Bridge piling directly below, crane clearance not anticipated Second, reimbursable temporary relocation required

Past Experience – Lessons Learned Aerial Electric Line slightly offset from new storm sewer trunkline OSHA minimum clearance could not be maintained More timely option was to change storm sewer from planned location Had to thread the needle with numerous underground utilities and close roadway to open cut Cost ~ $260K

Past Experience – Lessons Learned MSE Wall Excavation and Backfill Utility Coordination eliminated conflict with MSE wall and leveling pad at crossing points Length and depth of backfill (Strap Length) was not accounted for Communication utility had to be suspended in mid-air for full excavation and backfill to occur Cost ~ $64K (support) + backfill inefficiency cost (still in dispute)

MSE Wall Plan View

MSE Wall Profile View Taller Wall = longer straps Notice steps in leveling pad

Suspended Duct Bank “(4-4” PVC in Duct)”…

Suspended Duct Bank

MSE Walls Consider not just where a utility interfaces with an MSE wall, but also where the utility interfaces with the MSE wall excavation and backfill zone, which extends a great distance behind the MSE wall

More Lessons Learned

Consider Power Service Points Provide signal and lighting plans to utilities If they do not have all the plans, they cannot develop relocation plans that provide service

Ensure Utilities Follow the Plan If a utility says they are going to go aerial, make sure they INTEND to go aerial Clearing costs are incurred unnecessarily if the utility ends up boring through a formerly wooded area, for example

Long Relocation Timeframes Contractors bid what they are given in RSP 107-R-169, so if a long relocation timeframe is stated, bidders must assume the utility will take the entire time Work with utilities to MINIMIZE stated timeframes to something REASONABLE