Administrative Rules of Montana
Department 18 - TRANSPORTATION
Chapter 18.7 - MAINTENANCE
Subchapter 18.7.2 - Right-of-Way Occupancy by Utilities
Rule 18.7.229 - UNDERGROUND CROSSING METHODS
Universal Citation: MT Admin Rules 18.7.229
Current through Register Vol. 18, September 20, 2024
(1) For crossing existing highways:
(a) If
practicable, all crossings under existing highways shall be made by boring,
pushing or other acceptable trenchless technology.
(b) Full controlled-access facility crossings
shall be installed by trenchless technology, or other acceptable methods, from
control access fence to control access fence. The district can consider
exceptions where soils are not suitable for boring or pushing or the length and
topography make boring or pushing impracticable. In these cases permission can
be granted to install jacking or boring pits within the control access fences.
Receiving pits may also be installed in the median to reduce the distance only
as a last resort. A traffic control plan must be submitted by the utility and
approved by the district prior to beginning work.
(c) Trenching through existing paved highways
shall be permitted only when installation by boring or pushing pipe is not
practicable. When trenching is allowed by the district administrator,
installation will be made under the following conditions:
(i) The department shall approve the methods
used for backfill and compaction and repair of the highway surface where the
surface is cut or damaged by utilities' operations. The methods followed shall
be consistent with the department's standard practice. Non-shrink backfill may
be required by the district as an acceptable alternative to conventional
backfill methods.
(ii) The
department shall be advised of the date work will be started and 12 hours'
notice shall be given if this date is changed.
(iii) The trenching shall be subject to
inspection by the department at all times and upon completion of the project,
the department shall inspect and accept the work.
(iv) The utility shall be responsible for any
repairs necessary as a result of cutting the pavement for a period of 12 months
after completion and notice thereof to the department.
(d) A traffic control plan shall be submitted
by the utility and approved by the district administrator prior to commencing
such work.
(2) For crossing new highways, facility crossings necessitated by new highway construction shall be built in accordance with the foregoing standards unless the department and utility shall otherwise mutually agree.
Sec. 60-3-101 and 60-4-402 MCA; IMP, Sec. 60-3-101 and 60-4-402 MCA;
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