New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 16 - TRANSPORTATION
Chapter 25 - UTILITY ACCOMMODATION
Subchapter 10 - OVERHEAD POWER AND COMMUNICATION LINES
Section 16:25-10.4 - Clearance requirements

Universal Citation: NJ Admin Code 16:25-10.4

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 18, September 16, 2024

(a) The minimum clearances for overhead power and communication lines shall in no case be less than the standards prescribed by the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC).

(b) When rebuilding an existing pole line or constructing a new pole line at locations where there are no traffic signal standards, lighting standards, or overhead sign structures, poles of not less than 40 feet in overall length shall be installed and the attached primary line, at its lowest point, shall have a minimum clearance of 30 feet from the ground.

(c) At locations where the Department has identified a future need to install new or upgraded traffic signal standards, lighting standards, or sign structures, poles of not less than 50 feet in overall length shall be installed.

(d) The minimum clearances between overhead power lines and highway traffic signals, traffic signal pole mounted lighting arms, cameras, antennas, other appurtenances, or lighting standards shall be determined as follows. Voltages are measured phase to ground.

Minimum Clearances
Power Line Voltages Lateral Vertical
0-750 volts NESC NESC
750 volts-50 KV NESC or 10 feet, NESC or 10 feet,
whichever is greater whichever is greater
Above 50 KV NESC or 10 feet, plus 0.4 inches per kilovolt NESC or 10 feet, plus 0.4 inches per kilovolt
1. Overhead power lines conforming to either (d)1i or ii shall adhere to the minimum clearances prescribed by the NESC:
i. Cables of any voltage covered with a continuous auxiliary semi-conducting shield in combination with suitable metallic drainage and supported on and cabled together with an effectively grounded bare messenger.

ii. Insulated, non-shielded cable operated at not over five KV phase to phase, or 2.9 KV phase to ground, effectively grounded bare messenger.

(e) The minimum clearances between overhead power lines and highway signs, sign standards, or sign bridges shall be as follows.

Minimum Clearances
Power Line Voltages Lateral Vertical
0-750 volts NESC NESC
750 volts-50 KV NESC or 10 feet, whichever is greater NESC or 10 feet, whichever is greater
Above 50 KV NESC or 10 feet, plus 0.4 inches per kilovolt NESC or 10 feet, plus 0.4 inches per kilovolt

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