How Utility Coordination Supports Successful Projects
Utility coordination is a critical component of successful roadway design projects. When it comes to WisDOT projects, adhering to Wisconsin’s Trans 220 regulations ensures that utilities are properly managed, minimizing delays and avoiding costly conflicts during construction.
Why It’s Important
Utility coordination services streamline the complex process of identifying, relocating, and protecting utility infrastructure on WisDOT projects. In the utility coordinator role, CORRE works closely with the contractors, WisDOT, and the utility companies to ensure that every step of the process is compliant with Trans 220 and aligns with project timelines.
Utility conflicts can lead to project delays, increased costs, and even safety hazards for workers and the traveling public. By engaging in proactive coordination, we help identify potential conflicts early and facilitate solutions that keep projects on schedule and within budget.
The Process
The utility coordination process begins by reviewing existing utility records and using GIS to identify utilities within the project limits. The first step is sending out a DT1077 Proposed Highway Improvement Notice, which informs utilities of the upcoming project. This notice allows utilities to confirm their presence within the project area and provide any additional system maps that may assist in the design process.
At the 60% design milestone, utility coordinators follow up with a DT1078 Project Plan Submittal, giving utilities the opportunity to create a work plan. This plan outlines any necessary relocations and establishes a timeline for completing the work. During this phase, utility coordinators also assess potential real estate acquisitions to determine if any utility easement releases are required.
If a Conveyance of Rights, Quit Claim Deed, or Temporary Easement is needed, utility coordinators can draft and send the compensable documents to the utility. They work closely with the utility to calculate an amount of compensation, or if the utility is willing, sign a Statement of Non-Reimbursement.
CORRE’s Utility Coordination
Experience Includes:
- Numerous projects throughout the state
- Project types ranging from rural highways to complex urban interchanges
- Utility coordination contracts with WisDOT NW, NC, and SW Regions
- Serving as a liaison for private utility companies on WisDOT projects
- Dedicated staff in multiple Regions
Once relocations have been confirmed, utility coordinators finalize the process by submitting a Utility Status Report (USR) as part of the design package. The USR provides a concise summary of the utilities present on the project, details about utility releases, and the schedule for relocation activities. After the design package is finalized and the project is bid, they continue to monitor the construction process to ensure all utility relocations are carried out as planned. This includes verifying that proper permits are obtained and addressing any unexpected issues that may arise.
In Summary
Utility coordination plays an important role in successful roadway projects – from planning, to the design phase, and beyond. By keeping things on schedule, avoiding unnecessary costs, and preventing safety hazards, coordinators help keep projects running smoothly for engineers, utility companies, WisDOT, and the traveling public.
About the Authors
Todd Wescott
Mr. Wescott has over 30 years of WisDOT experience in roadway design, transportation planning, and construction management. His project experience includes serving as WisDOT Statewide Local Program Manager for STP rural, urban, and local bridge programs. His most recent work includes utility coordination services for WisDOT’s NC Region.
Alex Bandli
Mr. Bandli is a transportation engineer with experience providing utility coordination services on numerous CORRE-designed projects, as well as for multiple WisDOT Utility Coordination contracts in WisDOT’s NW Region. He also provided highway design services on STH 107 from Merrill to Tomahawk in Lincoln County.