UTILITY POLICY MANUAL

Province of British Columbia

Ministry of Transportation and Highways
Highway Planning Branch
 Canadian Cataloguing in Publication Data
British Columbia. Highway Planning Branch.
Utility policy manual

Issued by Ministry of Transportation and Highways.

Loose-leaf for updating.
ISBN 0-7726-2421-6

1. Public utilities - British Columbia - Right of way.

2. Roads - Right of way - Multiple use - British Columbia.
I. British Columbia. Ministry of Transportation and Highway.
II. Title.

HE336.U74B74 1995 354.7110087 C95-960113-9

The Utility Policy Manual has been prepared for the benefit and guidance of
Ministry staff for the management and administration of public and private
utility operations on highway right-of- way.
 UTILITY POLICY MANUAL

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HEADQUARTERS
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION AND HIGHWAYS
4W-940 BLANSHARD STREET
VICTORIA BC V8W 3E6
 REGISTER OF AMENDMENTS

Manual:
UTILITY POLICY MANUAL

Amendment Date Inserted By Amendment Date Inserted By

Number Inserted (Initial) Number Inserted (Initial)
1 New Manual 26
March 1995
2 Nov. 21/95 S.H. 27
3 Feb. 16/96 S.H. 28
4 29
5 30
6 31
7 32
8 33
9 34
10 35
11 36
12 37
13 38
14 39
15 40
16 41
17 42
18 43
19 44
20 45
21 46
22 47
23 48
24 49
25 50
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i) Table of Contents i-1 to 5

1. Introduction 1.0 - 1

2. Policy for Accommodating Utilities 2.0 - 1

2.1 General Policy for Accommodating 2.1 - 1 Jan '95
Utilities
2.2 Authority Over Utility Installations 2.2 - 1 to 3 Jan '95
2.3 Utility Policy by Class of Highway 2.3 - 1 to 3 Jan '95
2.4 Coordination Between Utilities 2.4 - 1 Jan '95
2.5 Approvals by Other Agencies 2.5 - 1 to 2 Jan '95

3. Utilities and Right-of-Way Policy 3.0 - 1

3.1 Right-of-Way Acquisition 3.1 - 1 to 3 Oct '95
3.2 Utilities on Section 4 and 74 Roads 3.2 - 1 to 2 Jan '95
3.4 Disposal of Surplus Land 3.4 - 1 to 3 Oct '95
3.6 Utilities on Highways Through Native 3.6 - 1 to 2 Jan '95
Lands
3.7 Scenic Enhancement 3.7 - 1 to 3 Jan '95
3.8 Utilities on Holding Property 3.8 - 1 to 2 Jan '95

4. Communications 4.0 - 1
4.1 Communications -- District Maintenance 4.1 - 1 to 2 Oct '95
and Operations
4.2 Communications -- Construction Program 4.2 - 1 to 3 Oct '95
and Projects
4.3 Dispute Resolution 4.3 - 1 to 2 Oct '95

5. Utility Location and Design - General 5.0 - 1

5.1 General Design Standards 5.1 - 1 to 2 Jan '95
5.2 Location Within the Right-of-Way 5.2 - 1 Jan '95
5.3 Clear Zone 5.3 - 1 to 5 Jan '95

6. Operations 6.0 - 1
6.1 Installation and Maintenance 6.1 - 1 to 2 Oct '95
6.2 Risk Management 6.2 - 1 to 5 Jan '95
6.3 Traffic Control 6.3 - 1 to 2 Jan '95
6.4 Vegetation Management 6.4 - 1 to 3 Jan '95

7. Reserved for Future Use

8. Pipelines 8.0 - 1 to 12

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Policy Dec '94

Background to Dec '94
Policy
Procedure Dec '94
Standards Dec '94
8.1 Design Dec '94
8.2 Location -- General Dec '94
8.3 Location -- Lines Along Highway Dec '94
Right-of-Way
8.4 Crossings Dec '94
8.5 Clearances Dec '94
8.6 Depth of Cover Dec '94
8.7 Pipelines on Bridges and Other Structures Dec '94
8.8 Measures to Protect Pipelines Dec '94
8.9 Appurtenances Dec '94
Background to Dec '94
Standards
References Dec '94

9. Water and Sewer Lines 9.0 - 1 to 11

Policy Dec '94
Background to Dec '94
Policy
Procedure Dec '94
Standards Dec '94
9.1 Design Dec '94
9.2 Location -- General Dec '94
9.3 Location -- Lines Along Highway ROW Dec '94
9.4 Crossings Dec '94
9.5 Clearances Dec '94
9.6 Depth of Cover Dec '94
9.7 Installations on Bridges and Other Dec '94
Structures
9.8 Protection of Water and Sewer Lines Dec '94
9.9 Appurtenances Dec '94
Background to Dec '94
Standards
10. Overhead Power and Communications 10.0 - 1 to 12
Lines
Policy Dec '94
Background to Dec '94
Policy

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Procedure Dec '94

Standards Dec '94
10.1 Design Dec '94
10.2 Location -- General Dec '94
10.3 Location -- At the Base of Cut Slopes Dec '94
10.4 Aesthetic Considerations Dec '94
10.5 Location -- Lines Along Highway Right- Dec '94
of-Way
10.6 Crossings Dec '94
10.7 Clearance Dec '94
10.8 Cable Installations on Bridges and Other Dec '94
Structures
References Dec '94

11. Underground Power and 11.0 - 1 to 9

Communications Lines
Policy Dec '94
Background to Dec '94
Policy
Procedure Dec '94
Standards Dec '94
11.1 Design Dec '94
11.2 Location -- General Dec '94
11.3 Location -- Lines Along Highway Right- Dec '94
of-Way
11.4 Crossings Dec '94
11.5 Clearances Dec '94
11.6 Depth of Cover Dec '94
11.7 Measures to Protect Cables Dec '94
11.8 Appurtenances Dec '94
11.9 Cable Installations on Bridges and Other Dec '94
Structures
12. Wireless Communications 12.0 - 1 to 20 12.0 - 1 to 20
Policy May 98
Background to May 98
Policy
Procedure May 98
12.1 Locations on Right-of-Way Lands May 98
12.2 Locations On Ministry Structures May 98
12.3 Exposure to Radiofrequency Fields May 98
12.4 Master Use (Operating) Agreement May 98
Required

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12.5 Site Permit May 98

12.6 Wireless Communications Site Fee May 98
12.7 Exceptions to this Policy May 98
Standards May 98
12.8 Landscape and Aesthetic Design May 98
12.9 Roadside Locations May 98
12.10 Non-Highway Sites May 98
12.11 Structures: Bridges and Poles (signs and May 98
lighting)

13. Trenching, Boring and Jacking 13.0 - 1 to 9

Policy Dec '94
Background to Dec '94
Policy
Standards Dec '94
13.1 Trenching Dec '94
13.2 Trench Backfill Dec '94
13.3 Trench Resurfacing Dec '94
13.4 Blasting Dec '94
13.5 Trenchless Technology Dec '94
13.6 Casings Dec '94
13.7 Jacking and Boring Pits Dec '94
References Dec '94

14. Installations On or Near Structures 14.0 - 1 to 12

Policy Dec '94
Background to Dec '94
Policy
Procedure Dec '94
Background to Dec '94
Procedure
Standards Dec '94
14.1 Location Dec '94
14.2 Attachments Dec '94
14.3 Abutments Dec '94
14.4 Shut-off Valves Dec '94
14.5 General Requirements Dec '94
14.6 Drawings Dec '94
Background to Dec '94
Standards
References Dec '94

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15. Compensation 15.0 - 1

15.1 Compensation -- General 15.1 - 1 to 2 Jan '95
15.2 Compensation -- Pipelines 15.2 - 1 Jan '95
15.3 Compensation -- Water and Sewer Lines 15.3 - 1 Jan '95
15.4 Compensation -- Overhead Power, 15.4 - 1 to 3 Oct '95
Communication and Cable TV Lines
15.5 Compensation -- Underground Power and 15.5 - 1 to 3 Oct '95
Communication Lines

16. Utility Permit Administration

17. Utility Relocations 17.0 - 1 to 13

Policy Jan '95
Background to Jan '95
Policy
Procedure Jan '95
Background to Jan '95
Procedure
References Jan '95

18. Glossary G -1 to G - 2 Jan '95

Appendices
Ministry of Transportation and Highways Key Contact List Oct '95
BC Hydro Protocol Agreement/Contact List Sept '95
BC TEL Protocol Agreement/Contact List Jan '96
West Kootenay Power Ltd. Protocol Agreement/Contact Sept '95
List
Utility Line Administration Within Road Allowances June '94
(Section 4 and 74 Roads)
Ministry of Forests Protocol Agreement (1992) Aug '92
Licence of Occupation for Utilities on MOTH Holding
Property
Lane Closure Request Form Dec '92
Industrial Health and Safety Regulations (Section 24) Jan '85
Treasury Board Request No. 8/91 "Highway Construction- Aug '90
Public Utility Relocation"
Rock Slope Inventory Mar '95
Master Use Agreement for Wireless Communication Sites 1 to 30 1 to 30 May 98
(Reference copy)

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Utility Manual Subject 1.0 Introduction

INTRODUCTION electricity;
communications;
The Ministry of Transportation and gas, oil and petroleum products;
Highways is responsible for building, water; and,
maintaining and operating the Province's sewage
highway system and ensuring that it
operates safely and efficiently and for the or other similar commodity which serves
benefit of the general public. The use of the public directly or indirectly.
highway right-of-way for utility
These include underground, surface and
installations is a privilege which is
overhead facilities as well as facilities
extended to utility owners in the public
which use common poles, ducts or conduits
interest. This reflects the Ministry's view
on a shared basis".
that there is a substantial benefit to the
general public from permitting utilities to
Except where it is otherwise stated,
occupy highway right-of-way where
policies, standards and procedures
adequate controls are in place and it is
contained in this document apply only to
practical to fit utilities into the right-of-
new utility installations, modifications or
way. The purpose of this manual is to set
replacements of existing facilities.
out the policies, standards and procedures
which the Ministry has put in place to
The Ministry will be issuing amendments to
manage right-of-way use by utility
the manual to registered holders of the
companies.
manual as the need arises. Comments or
questions related to utility policy, standards
The Ministry's policy does not distinguish
or procedures should be addressed to:
between types of utilities or the ownership
of those utilities. Except where safety is
concerned, the same policy, standards and
Your local District Highways office; or,
procedures apply to all utilities whether
The Ministry's Utility Coordinator,
they are owned by a public utility company,
Professional Services Division,
local government, or private individuals.
Victoria, B.C.
The following definition of "utility"
generally applies throughout the manual.
See Appendix I for a Ministry of
Transportation and Highways Key Contact
"A privately, publicly, or cooperatively
List.
owned line, facility or system for
transmitting or distributing:

Revised: January, 1995 Page 1.0 - 1

Utility Manual Subject: 2.0 Policy for Accommodating Utilities

2.1 General Policy for Accommodating Utilities

2.2 Authority Over Utility Installations
2.3 Utility Policy by Class of Highway
2.4 Coordination Between Utilities
2.5 Approvals by Other Agencies

Page 2.0 - 1
UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 2.1 General Policy for Accommodating
Utilities

Policy
1. Highway Right-of-Way and the 3. Conformance with Policy and
Public Interest. The Ministry of Standards. Utilities are permitted
Transportation and Highways to use highway right-of-way only
permits utility owners to install where they comply with policy and
equipment and facilities in highway standards which are established by
right-of-way where it is practical the Ministry.
and safe to do so, recognizing that
the use of highway right-of-way 4. Utilities Use Highway Right-of-
provides a substantial benefit to the Way at Their Own Risk.
utilities themselves and to the Although the Ministry and its staff
general public. make every reasonable effort to
ensure that highway work on
2. Traffic Safety and Highway highway right-of-way does not
Development are First Priorities. damage utilities, the Ministry does
The Ministry's primary not accept responsibility for loss or
responsibility is to ensure that damage to utility facilities in the
public safety is not compromised by highway right-of-way or for any
activities or installations within the third party liability related to those
highway right-of-way. In addition, facilities.
decisions related to utilities must
ensure that:

y Existing highway facilities are

Background to Policy
not damaged or put at risk;
See Section 2.2 for information on the
y Other non-highway facilities are Ministry's authority to limit and manage the
protected; and, use of highway right-of-way for non-
y Future highway development is highway activity.
not unduly restricted by utilities.
The policy and standards which the
Ministry follows in managing the use of
highway right-of-way is detailed in other
sections of the Manual.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 2.1 - 1

UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 2.2 Authority Over Utility Installations

Policy "structure" in right-of-way without first

obtaining a permit.
1. Ministry Approval Required:
Utilities may not be installed in Section 12(1) of the Highway Act gives the
highway right-of-way without prior Minister the authority to have a utility
approval from the Minister of installation repaired, altered, or removed, if
Transportation and Highways. necessary or advisable for the protection of
the highway or the safety of persons using
2. Removal: The Minister may order the highway.
the removal or alteration of utility
installations, if necessary, for the Several pieces of federal and provincial
protection of the highway or legislation confer certain rights and
highway users. responsibilities on utility companies to
occupy highway right-of-way. These
3. Removal by the Ministry: If the include: the Pipeline Act, the Hydro and
utility owner does not respond to an Power Authority Act, the National Energy
order to remove or alter a utility Board Act, and the Telecommunications
installation, the Minister may carry Act.
out that work and recover costs
from the utility. Provincial and federal laws have different
effects.
4. Delegation of Minister's
Authority: The Minister's power to Provincial: Where utilities are
control utility installations on covered by provincial law, the right
highway right-of-way is delegated
to occupy highway right-of-way
to District Highways Managers and
their designates. applies only where the Minister of
Transportation and Highways has
no objection. This is the case for
Background to Policy BC Hydro and all pipelines that are
regulated by the province.
Sections 17(j) and (l) of the Highway Act Federal: For utilities that fall under
makes it an offence to excavate in highway federal law, the federal government
right-of-way or place a may intervene and affect decisions
made by the Ministry; however, this

Revised: January, 1995 Page 2.2 - 1

 Subject: 2.2 Authority Over Utility Installations

power is exercised only where a Highways Managers and their designated

utility company's operations are staff as follows:
affected in a "material" way.
Utilities covered by federal law y Permits to: (1) dig up part of a
include BC highway or excavate under a
highway; and (2) permits to place a
TEL as well as all other structure under a highway (Sections
telecommunication, cable television, 17(j) and (l) of the Highway Act).
and inter-provincial and trans- (Order-in-Council 47/82 and
border pipeline companies. Delegation of Authority
Letter, May 24, 1994 delegating
Delegation of Minister's Authority: The Section 17 (i), (j), (k) and (l) to
Minister's power to control utility Highway District staff); and,
installations is delegated through the
issuance of a "Permit to Construct Works y Permits to dig up the travelled
on Highway Right-of-Way". Authority to surface or excavate under an arterial
issue permits is currently delegated to highway (Section 35(1) of the
Provincial Approving Officers and District Highway Act). (Order-in-Council
2434/81).

Revised: January, 1995 Page 2.2 - 2

 Subject: 2.2 Authority Over Utility Installations

Jurisdiction Over Utilities

y Pipelines
The province regulates all "intra-provincial" pipelines -- pipelines which move
commodities between points in British Columbia. The Engineering and Inspection
Branch in the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Housing sets and enforces
standards for pipelines which operate at pressures greater than 700 kPa while the Gas
Safety Branch in the same Ministry regulates gas pipelines operating below 700 kPa.
The federal government regulates inter-provincial and trans-border pipelines through
the National Energy Board.
y Communications
The federal government regulates all telecommunication carriers and cable television
companies through the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications
Commission.
y Electric Power
BC Hydro and other suppliers of electrical energy are regulated by the province.
Standards are set and enforced by the Electrical Safety Branch in the Ministry of
Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Housing.
y Exercise of Federal Power
Federal authorities can override provincial decisions where they might have a "material"
effect on utilities that fall under federal jurisdiction.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 2.2 - 3

UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 2.3 Utility Policy by Class of Highway

Policy
1. Utilities are Permitted on Most
y No high pressure pipelines
Classes of Highway. The
Ministry's general policy is to along any class of highway;
permit utilities to occupy highway y No underground electric power
right-of-way where they can be cable rated at or above 60 kV
accommodated without (phase-to-phase) along any class
compromising safety or restricting of highway;
highway development.
Consequently, utilities may y No overhead electric power
generally be installed along cable rated at or above 60 kV
highway right-of-way regardless of (phase to phase) along any class
the type of utility or class of of highway;
highway. y No overhead electric power
cable supported by towers or
Highway classifications are based multi-pole structures along any
on classifications contained in the class of highway; and,
Ministry of Transportation and
y No pipelines on a bridge or
Highways Highway Design Manual.
other structure, depending on
See Glossary for definitions.
the commodity that is being
transmitted through the line, the
2. Utilities Are Not Permitted to Use
design of the structure, and
Certain Rights-of-Way. Utilities
whether or not other pipelines
generally are not permitted on
are already in place. See
highway right-of-way in the
Chapter 14 for exceptions.
following situations:
3. Utilities May Not be Permitted to
y No utilities along freeway and
Use Certain Right-of-Way. The
expressway rights of way except
Ministry may prohibit utilities from
in areas adjacent to and outside
using right-of-way where: they
frontage roads;
cannot be accommodated without
interfering with traffic safety; they
cannot provide safe working
conditions for the Ministry's staff,
contractors, maintenance

Revised: January, 1995 Page 2.3 - 1

 Subject: 2.3 Utility Policy by Class of Highway

operations; or they are located in or 5. Exceptions: Exceptions to

adjacent to sensitive or scenic areas. restrictions on right-of-way occupancy may
be permitted by the District Highways
4. Most Utilities Can Cross All Manager.
Classes of Highway: Most utilities
can cross all classes of highway;
however, crossings generally are
prohibited in the following cases:
Background to Policy
y Underground electric cable Policy is set out in greater detail in other
installations rated at or above sections of the manual. See Section 2.1 for
138 kV (phase-to-phase) are the Ministry's general policy on
not permitted to cross any class accommodating utilities within highway
of highway; and, right-of-way. Also, see the following
sections for details on particular types of
y With the exception of high- installation:
voltage transmission lines rated
at 138 kV (phase to phase) or Section 8 Pipelines;
greater, overhead
telecommunication and electric Section 9 Water and Sewer
power line installations Lines;
generally are not permitted to Section 10 Overhead Power and
cross freeways or expressways. Communication lines;
and,
Section 11 Underground Power
and Communication
Lines.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 2.3 - 2

 Subject: 2.3 Utility Policy by Class of Highway

Policy Proposal

Where there is a strong likelihood that a section of highway will be reclassified to

freeway or expressway standard within a 10-year period, there may be a need:

y For those sections to be formally designated as potential Freeway or

Expressway;
y For freeway and expressway utility policy to be applied to those sections
immediately;

The policy proposal is being developed by the Highway Planning Branch.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 2.3 - 3

UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 2.4 Coordination Between Utilities

Policy
1. Coordination Between Utilities. The Ministry, however, has no direct
In permitting utilities to use interest in resolving technical or compatibility
highway right-of-way, the Ministry issues between utilities, and generally does not
does not accept responsibility for have the technical expertise required to resolve
coordinating or protecting the them. These matters are best addressed by the
interests of individual utilities. utilities themselves and, where applicable, by
regulatory agencies which have authority.

Background to Policy Procedure

The need for coordination is accelerating as
more utilities are installed in limited right- Coordination of works on highway right-of-
of-way and the Ministry improves the way focus on relationship between the
highway system to handle increasing traffic highway operations and utility users in
volume. Much of that coordination general. Relevant procedure is addressed in
involves issues which affect only the the following sections of this manual:
utilities. These include: the use of
common facilities under "joint pole" Section 4.1 Coordination Meetings;
agreements or project-specific agreements Section 4.2 Program and
(e.g. BC TEL cable installed on BC Hydro Project Planning;
poles); and the design and installation of
facilities which could damage other Section 4.3 Dispute Resolution;
facilities (e.g. induced current in pipelines, Section 16. Utility Permit
caused by nearby electric power lines); and Administration; and,
the design and installation of facilities
which may be incompatible with each other Section 17. Utility Relocation.
(e.g. domestic water lines near sanitary
sewer lines).

Revised: January, 1995 Page 2.4 - 1

UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 2.5 Approvals by Other Agencies

Policy
1. Utilities Are Responsible for All Pipelines
Approvals. Utilities are
responsible for obtaining necessary For intra-provincial pipelines
approvals from all other agencies.
A permit or approval from the The Gas Safety Branch, Ministry of
Ministry of Transportation and Municipal Affairs, Recreation and
Highways does not eliminate the Housing (for engineering design and
need to obtain approvals from installation, gas pipelines which are
regulatory agencies which have designed to operate below 700 kPa)
jurisdiction over the utility owner or
the particular type of installation The Engineering and Inspection
which is being proposed. Branch, Ministry of Municipal Affairs,
Recreation and Housing (for
engineering design and installation of
Background to Policy pipelines other than gas pipelines
designed for less than 700 kPa)
In addition to any approvals from the
Ministry of Transportation and Highways, a For inter-provincial pipelines
number of other approvals may be required
for a utility installation. The onus is on the The National Energy Board (for
utility to obtain all necessary approvals. engineering design, installation,
operation, licensing and rate approval
The following is a partial list of regulators on all inter-provincial pipeline systems)
which have authority over health, safety
and engineering aspects of utility Water and Sewer Lines
installation. A utility owner may have to
obtain approvals from one or more of these The Ministry of Health (to ensure
agencies. domestic drinking water is not
contaminated)

Revised: January, 1995 Page 2.5 - 1

 Subject: 2.5 Approvals by Other Agencies

Electric Power Lines Health Act (and the Sewage Disposal

Regulation and Safe Drinking Water
The Electrical Safety Branch, Ministry Regulation).
of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and
Housing (engineering, installation, Pipeline Act (and the Pipeline Regulations).
maintenance and operational standards)
Federal Legislation
Telecommunication Lines
National Energy Board Act (and the
The Canadian Radio-Television and Onshore Pipeline Regulations, National
Telecommunications Commission. Energy Board Pipeline Crossing
Regulations, and the International Power
Line Crossing Regulation).
Telecommunications Act.
References
Provincial Legislation

Electrical Safety Act (and the Electrical

Safety Regulation, Electrical and
Communication Transmission and
Distribution System Regulation, and the
Television Equipment Installation on
Overhead Electric Lines Regulation).
Gas Safety Act (and the Gas Safety
Regulation).

Revised: January, 1995 Page 2.5 - 2

Utility Manual Subject: 3.0 Utilities and Right-of-Way Policy

3.1 Right-of-Way Acquisition

3.2 Utilities on Section 4 and 74 Roads
3.4 Disposal of Surplus Land
3.6 Utilities on Highways Through Native Lands
3.7 Scenic Enhancement
3.8 Utilities on Holding Property

Page 3.0 - 1
 UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 3.1 Right-of-Way Acquisition

Policy
However, it does not negotiate
1. Right-of-Way for Utilities. The property purchases on behalf of
Ministry's general policy is to utilities.
acquire right-of-way as needed for
highway development only, with no
special or extra provisions for
utilities.
Background to Policy
2. Acquiring Right-of-Way From Where Expanded Highway Right-of-Way << Oct 95
Utilities. Encroaches on Utility Easements. BC
Hydro, BC TEL and West Kootenay Power
y Where the Ministry's right-of- have agreed to a process for extinguishing
Oct 95 >>
way requirement includes easement rights on property which is being
property which is occupied by acquired by the Ministry for highway
BC Hydro, BC TEL or West purposes. That process applies to
Kootenay Power under an easements over both private property and
easement, the utility will Crown land.
extinguish its rights to that
property at no cost to the The following are key provisions in the
Ministry. agreements with BC Hydro and BC TEL.

y The Ministry will:

y Where the Ministry is acquiring
right-of-way which is owned by In the case of BC Hydro, issue a
BC Hydro, the Ministry will permit to construct in favour of
compensate BC Hydro at 50 BC Hydro upon execution of the
percent of unencumbered market Reference Survey Plan by BC
value, with "market value" as Hydro;
defined in the Expropriation
Act. In the case of BC TEL, or West
<< Oct 95
Kootenay Power, upon
3. Joint Negotiation for Right-of- execution of the Reference
Way. Where appropriate, the Survey Plan by BC TEL, or West
Ministry works closely with utility Kootenay Power ... issue to BC
owners to coordinate the right-of- TEL, or West Kootenay
way acquisition process.

Revised: October, 1995 Page 3.1 - 1

 Subject: 3.1 Right-of-Way Acquisition

Power a permit to construct its Where the Ministry is Acquiring BC

facilities either in the same Hydro Right-of-Way. The BC Hydro
location or in another mutually protocol agreement establishes that BC
acceptable alternate location; Hydro will receive compensation at "50
percent of unencumbered market value" for
y BC Hydro, BC TEL and West any property which is owned by BC Hydro
Oct 95 >>
Kootenay Power will forego and is required for highway right-of-way.
compensation for the Other conditions are the same as those
extinguishment of easement outlined above for easements and
rights; and, compensation for relocated utilities. See
the BC Hydro Protocol Agreement in
y Where facilities must be moved, Appendix I for details.
Oct 95 >> BC Hydro, BC TEL and West
Kootenay Power accept the
relocation costs as provided for
in the protocol agreement(s) as References
full compensation for those
easement rights and disturbance Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of
costs to poles and structures. Transportation and Highways/BC Hydro.
These compensation Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of
arrangements are set in the Transportation and Highways/BC TEL.
protocol agreements and in
Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of
Sections 15.4 and 15.5 of the << Oct 95
Transportation and Highways/West
manual.
Kootenay Power Ltd.
The agreements also set out arrangements
for an exchange of plans and for cost-
sharing commitments for future relocation
of the facilities.

Oct 95 >> See the BC Hydro, BC TEL and West

Kootenay Power Protocol Agreements for
full details. Copies of the agreements are
included in Appendix I.

Revised October, 1995 Page 3.1 - 2

 Subject: 3.1 Right-of-Way Acquisition

Policy Proposal

Exception to the General Policy of Not Acquiring Right-of-Way for Utilities. In

certain conditions, there are clear benefits to the Ministry in acquiring extra right-of-way
to accommodate utilities. One example is a situation where construction costs can be
reduced by taking extra right-of-way to move a utility clear of the construction zone,
rather than covering the cost of multiple moves.

In order to provide for special cases where Ministry costs are minimized by taking extra
right-of-way for utilities, consideration is being given to a policy change which would
allow for the purchase of extra property where it has been established on a cost/benefit
basis that there is a net benefit for the Ministry.

The policy proposal is being developed by the Highway Planning Branch.

Revised October, 1995 Page 3.1 - 3

UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 3.2 Utilities on Section 4 and 74 Roads

Policy
1. Section 4 Roads and 74 Roads.
By agreement with the Ministry of highway structure, land is either
Environment, Lands and Parks, the administered as Crown Land by the
Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks
Highways is responsible for or is privately owned.
managing utilities on Crown Land
adjacent to public roads established Road allowances through Crown land are
under Section 4 of the Highway Act also established under Section 74 of the
or Section 74 of the Land Act. Land Act, which permits the Surveyor
General to "establish or cancel an
2. Application of Policies and allowance for a road or walkway on the
Procedures. Policies and border of or through a section, lot or block
procedures set out in this manual of Crown land."
apply equally to Section 4 roads and
Section 74 roads as well as other Responsibility for managing utilities
highways. adjacent to Section 4 roads which pass
through Crown Land or on Section 74 road
allowances was passed from the Lands
Branch to the Ministry of Transportation
Background to Policy and Highways under a 1988 administrative
agreement (Utility Line Administration
Section 4 of the Highway Act establishes Within Road Allowances, Memorandum of
that roads which have been improved or Agreement between the Ministry of
maintained at public expense are public Transportation and Highways and the
highways, even where they have not been Ministry of Forests and Lands.) This
Gazetted or formally dedicated as a public agreement was revised in 1994 and a copy
highway. This section, however, gives the of the current version is included in
Ministry authority over the traveled way Appendix I to this manual.
and highway structure only, not to a right-
of-way which extends beyond the highway Under the agreement, Section 4 roads
prism. Outside the which pass through Crown Land are
defined as having:

Revised: January, 1995 Page 3.2 - 1

 Subject 3.2: Utilities on Section 4 and 74 Roads

y A minimum width of 20 metres (25 amendments to the established road width

metres in the Peace River Block north of requirements used in this agreement.
the Peace River); or,
y A greater width as determined by The MOTH Utility Coordinator is
the MOTH but only so far as to responsible for the interpretation and
accommodate cuts and fills plus support of this agreement.
three metres.
The Following MOTH General Circular is
The effect of the Agreement is to give the canceled:
Ministry of Transportation and Highways
the same responsibility for managing utility G Circular 18/77 "Establishing
installations on Section 4 and Section 74 as Road Rights-of-Way To
it carries on other types of highway. Facilitate Power Line
Installation along Section 6
Any utility installations outside the Pubic Roads" (canceled:
"deemed" right-of-way as defined above, December 31, 1994).
must be dealt with by Crown Lands.

The MOTH/Lands protocol agreement has References

no effect on tenure which was granted
before the Agreement came into effect. Highway Act, Section 4.
Consequently, any rights-of-way or
easements which were granted by Crown Land Act, Section 74.
Lands remain in effect until they expire or Utility Line Administration Within Road
are canceled by the utility. Allowances, Memorandum of Agreement
between the Ministry of Transportation and
See Appendix I for a copy of the Highways and the Ministry of
Transportation and Highways/Environment, Environment, Lands and Parks, 1994.
Lands and Parks protocol agreement.

Responsibility for the Agreement, (Utility

Line Administration Within Road
Allowances). For the purpose of this
agreement, the Director, land and Water
Programs Branch in consultation with the
Surveyor General, (MELP) and Director,
Properties Branch (MOTH), are responsible
for the review, and if necessary,

Revised: January, 1995 Page 3.2 - 2

UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 3.4 Disposal of Surplus Land

Policy
1. The Ministry Makes No 3. Sale to a Private Party or a
Guarantee It Can Accommodate Municipality.
Utilities When It Disposes of
Surplus Land. Permits issued by y Disposal by the Ministry.
the Ministry give utility owners Where the Ministry is disposing
permission to use highway right-of- of land to owners of adjacent
way or structures only as long as property, it generally will not
that land or public work is under the conclude the sale until the
jurisdiction of the Ministry of owner of any utility facility
Transportation and Highways. The located on that land has had an
Ministry's procedures are designed opportunity to negotiate an
to ensure that utilities are not easement or otherwise acquire
displaced when there is a disposal of an interest in the property with
land which has been declared the prospective owner.
surplus. However, the Ministry can
y Disposal to Crown Lands.
provide no guarantee that utilities
Where MOTH is transferring
will be accommodated when there is
land to the Ministry of
a disposal of land which has been
Environment, Lands and Parks
declared surplus.
for disposal or for retention as
Crown land, it will advise that
2. BC Hydro and BC TEL Must be
Ministry of any utility facilities
Accommodated Before Land is
which are known to occupy that
Declared Surplus. No highway
land.
right-of-way which is occupied by
BC Hydro or BC TEL facilities will
be declared surplus until the utility
has made arrangements with Background to Policy
prospective owners to establish an
easement or otherwise acquire an Limited Right to Use Highway Right-of-
interest in the property. Way. Utility permits issued by the
Ministry do not give utilities any right, title
or interest in land that they occupy, and
make no commitment to accommodate the
utility if the use or title of the land is
changed. While the Ministry makes a "best

Revised: October, 1995 Page 3.4 - 1

 Subject 3.4: Disposal of Surplus Land

effort" to ensure that utilities are not A recommendation to dispose of the

displaced when land is disposed of, it land is usually not forwarded to
cannot accept responsibility for oversights Regional Property Services until the
or for situations where a utility is unwilling utility has reached agreement with
to accept reasonable conditions proposed the prospective owners; and,
by a prospective buyer.
Regional Property Services advises
BC Hydro and BC TEL Facilities on the Ministry of Environment, Lands
Surplus Land. Under its protocol and Parks to initiate the disposal of
agreements with BC Hydro and BC TEL, the land if the utility indicates that it
the Ministry has agreed that it will not has no interest in the land.
declare land surplus until (the utility) has Surplus Land
made arrangements with the prospective
purchaser to acquire an interest in those Properties Branch in Victoria is responsible
lands. for the disposal of any land which is not
required for highway purposes (for
example, where a block of land is acquired
Procedure for highway right-of-way, with part to be
severed for highway use and the remainder
Land made surplus through a road to be disposed of as surplus land). The
closure. following process is followed in disposing
of that land:
Land which is no longer required by the The property is referred to the
Ministry as a result of a road closure is Regional Property Services office
disposed of by Property Services at the for site inspection and a
Regional level through the following recommendation on disposal, using
process: Form H.357, Permission to Sell,
Lease or Transfer Land and/or
District staff complete a status Buildings is used for this purpose;
report including notations on utility
interests (Form H.222); Owners of adjacent property are
given the first opportunity to
Where there are utility installations purchase the land;
on the land in question, the district Utilities are given an opportunity to
gives the utility an opportunity to negotiate with prospective owners
make arrangements with prospective to establish an easement;
owners;
In the case of BC Hydro and BC
TEL, no action is taken until the

Revised: October, 1995 Page 3.4 - 2

 Subject 3.4: Disposal of Surplus Land

utility has reached agreement with References

the purchaser;
The Regional Properties Services
Form H.222, Closing Road Allowance by
office advises the Ministry of
Gazette Notice.
Environment, Lands and Parks to
initiate disposal of the land; and, Form H.357, Permission to Sell, Lease or
Transfer Land and/or Buildings.
If a utility line is located on the
parcel of land and no purchaser is Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of
identified, the Ministry of Transportation and Highways/BC Hydro.
Environment, Lands and Parks are Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of
advised and generally establish an Transportation and Highways/BC Tel.
easement in favour of the utility
before the property is sold or
otherwise disposed of.

Revised: October, 1995 Page 3.4 - 3

UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 3.6 Utilities on HighwaysThrough
Native Lands

Policy
1. Utilities on Highway Right-of-
Way Through Native Lands. y Authority to use gravel, timber and
Permits for utility installations on other materials from the land as
highway right-of-way which runs required for construction or
through Reserve Land must be maintenance of "roads, ferries,
approved by the District Highways bridges or other public works" in
Manager. exchange for reasonable
compensation.

Under 1036, the Province retained the right

Background to Policy to "all traveled streets, roads, trails, and
other highways" that existed at the time the
The Province retained certain rights when it Order in Council was passed.
transferred the control and administration
of Reserve Lands to the federal government "Resumptions" of Reserve lands represent
under a 1938 Order in Council (known as only a fraction of the total of about 600
"1036"). Those rights included: agreements negotiated between the
Province and individual bands to use
y Authority for the province to Reserve Land.
"resume" or take control of up to
one twentieth of the land as Early agreements specified that land would
considered necessary for "...making be used for road purposes, although the
roads, canals, bridges, towing paths, Order in Council used broader language.
or other works of public utility or Beginning in the 1970's, language used in
convenience..."; agreements includes "works of public
y The right to carry water over or utility or convenience." Since the earlier
through the land for mining or agreements made specific reference to a
agricultural purposes in exchange road, Native Bands are now taking
for reasonable compensation; and, exception with the Ministry's practice of
permitting utility companies to install their
facilities on these lands.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 3.6 - 1

 Subject 3.6 Utilities on Highways Through
Native Lands

Regional Property Services staff are References

directly involved in negotiations with
individual Band Councils where resolution
Ministry of Transportation and Highways
of old or existing problems may be required
Act, Section 13.
in order to initiate proposed road
improvements on Reserve Lands. The
Ministry's Aboriginal Relations Branch is
addressing policy issues related to Reserve
Lands and advising Property Services staff
and others in the Ministry on aboriginal
issues.

Procedure
Permits to install utilities on right-of-way
which runs through Reserve Lands must be
signed by the District Highways Manager.
Where issues require discussion, inquiries
should be directed to the Regional
Manager, Property Services or Director,
Aboriginal Relations Branch.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 3.6 - 2

Utility Manual Subject: 3.7 Scenic Enhancement

Policy Background to Policy

1. Scenic Values. Protection of scenic Design Practice
values along highway corridors is
an important consideration in The Ministry's Manual of Aesthetic Design
approving utility installations on Practice sets out principles and practices to
highway right-of-way. be followed in approving a utility permit
application or designing utility installations.
2. Design for Appearance. The These include:
location and design of utility y Designing pole lines to have the
installations must take account of lowest possible visual impact:
views and the surrounding
landscape. The Ministry may - Through joint pole use;
impose aesthetic design guidelines - By providing the greatest
as a condition of right-of-way possible setback from the
occupancy. roadway;

3. Underground Installation. - By accounting for views in

Utilities may be required to install deciding which side of the
facilities underground as a condition highway is to be used for a pole
of using highway right-of-way. line;
- By spacing poles as far apart as
4. Parkway Reserves. The Ministry practical;
generally does not permit above-
- By integrating structures with
ground utility installations in areas
surrounding landscape and
which have been designated as
vegetation (e.g. by choice of
Parkway Reserves under the Land
colour); and,
Act.
y Requiring underground installation
in scenic and sensitive areas.

The Manual of Aesthetic Design Practice

should be consulted for additional
information.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 3.7 - 1

 Subject: 3.7 Scenic Enhancement

Parkway Reserves Where district staff conclude that a

proposed installation has too great an
The Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks impact, and there is no opportunity to
has established five parkway reserves for "... reduce the impact to an acceptable level,
the use, recreation and enjoyment of the public, they may:
and in order to preserve aesthetic values."
Those reserves extend along the following Require that the facility be installed
sections of highway: underground as a condition of right-of-
y The Blueberry-Paulson section of way occupancy; or,
Highway 3; Reject the application.
y Nancy Greene Junction to Rossland
(Rossland - Sheep Lake Reserve); No above-ground installations will be
y The Salmo-Creston section of Highway approved on sections of highway right-of-
3; way in areas which have been designated as
y Highway 31A between Kaslo and New Parkway Reserves. Low-impact works
Denver; and, which are ancillary to an underground
y The Trans Canada Highway between installation may be approved as exceptions.
Glacier National Park and Golden.
As a participant in the parkway reserve system,
the Ministry of Transportation and Highways
generally does not permit above-ground utility References
installations in the above noted parkway reserve
areas. Exceptions are limited to installations Land Act.
which are ancillary to an underground
installation (such as vents for pipeline casings). Manual of Aesthetic Design Practice,
Ministry of Transportation and Highways,
1991 (Section J - Above Ground Utilities

Procedure
Proposed utility installations will be
assessed in terms of their appearance, their
compatibility with adjacent landscape and
development, and their effect on views and
sensitive areas. Where the impact of the
proposed facility is considered to be
unacceptable, Ministry staff will work with
utility representatives to develop a solution
which brings the facility within an
acceptable level of impact.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 3.7 - 2

 Subject: 3.7 Scenic Enhancement

Proposed Scenic Highway Program

The Highway Environment Branch has initiated the development of a scenic highways
program for British Columbia. Work which is underway will result in criteria for rating
the scenic value of highway segments and establish a systematic basis for the designation
of significant scenic highways, byways and corridors for scenic enhancement and tourism
promotion. Results of that work could include more specific guidelines and criteria for
utility installations than are now contained in the Manual of Aesthetic Design Practice.
The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 1994. Highway Environment
Branch is responsible for developing the proposed policy.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 3.7 - 3

UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 3.8 Utilities on Holding Property

Policy
1. Protection for Future Use. Where recreational corridors. These corridors may
the Ministry of Transportation and be occupied by utilities provided that the
Highways administers Crown land utility does not restrict the Province's use of
for future use, it will ensure that any the land. In one case, for example, a
development which is permitted on pipeline was permitted in a corridor on
that land is consistent with intended condition that its design include protection
future use. against possible damage from induced
electrical current caused by a proposed
2. Licence of Occupation Required. electric-powered Light Rail Transit
Because holding property is not held installation.
as highway right-of-way, a "Licence
of Occupation" is issued by the Steps which might be taken to protect
Ministry of Transportation and holding property for future use include:
Highways. The Ministry's Utility restrictions on the location of utility
Permit is not issued for proposed installations; special design measures to
utility installations on holding ensure compatibility; and granting
property administered by the occupancy for a limited period of time.
Ministry.
Holding Property Tenure

In most cases, the future use of "holding

Background to Policy property" is uncertain. A particular
corridor might be held for a number of
Protection for Future Use transportation, recreational or other
potential uses. At the same time, the timing
The Ministry of Transportation and of future development is undefined.
Highways manages corridors which have Consequently, "holding property" is
been acquired for possible future use. For administered as Crown land reserved for
example, the Ministry is responsible for a public use rather than as highway right-of-
number of abandoned railway rights-of-way way.
which could be developed as road, transit or
bicycle routes or as

Revised: January, 1995 Page 3.8 - 1

 Subject: 3.8 Utilities on Holding Property

Procedure y Where appropriate, the lessee will

be consulted prior to issuing a
Licence of Occupation to the utility
Requests for tenure across holding property
applicant; and,
are referred to the Regional Property
Services Branch. y The conditions of BC Hydro
protocol agreement and the BC TEL
In responding to a request for a tenure, protocol agreements apply in the
Regional Property Services will assess the event that the Ministry declares any
proposed installation in terms of its holding property surplus with the
compatibility with possible public use of intent of disposing of these lands.
the land. Where appropriate, a Ministry
"Licence of Occupation", prepared by No Statutory Right of Way tenures are to be
regional property offices, and is issued for issued to utilities for access through, on, or
proposed utility installations located on across holding property.
holding property.
A Ministry of Transportation and Highways
The following conditions apply: "Licence of Occupation" document is
issued by Regional Property Services. The
y No tenure will be issued for a period
Ministry's Utility Permit is not issued by
exceeding ten years. Tenures are
Highway Districts on lands declared
subject to cancellation upon notice
Holding Property. See Appendix I for a
by the Ministry;
copy of the Licence of Occupation form.
y Where a long term "recreation"
lease or other use has been granted
for a public use on Holding
Property, the lease shall specify that
utility access to the holding property
will be a condition of the lease;

Revised: January, 1995 Page 3.8 - 2

Utility Manual Subject: 4.0 Communications

4.1 Communications -- District Maintenance and Operations

4.2 Communications -- Construction Program and Projects
4.3 Dispute Resolution

Page 4.0 - 1
 Utility Manual Subject: 4.1 Communications District
Maintenance and Operations

Policy
1. Information Exchange on meetings and frequent exchange of
Program Plans. Where the information foster good communication and
Ministry's highway improvement ensure that issues are addressed and
program is expected to have an resolved before they escalate. The protocol
effect on utilities, District Highways agreements which have been put in place
Managers and staff will meet with with BC Hydro, BC TEL and West
utility owners on a regular basis to Kootenay Power provide a model which
exchange information on plans, applies equally well to other utilities.
programs and schedules.

2. Utility Protocol Agreements. The

Ministry recognizes the importance
Procedure
of good communication with utility
owners at the management and District Highways Managers should make
executive levels, and has established every effort to hold meetings with utility
protocol agreements with major owners (including municipalities) on a
utilities as one way to promote and regular basis throughout the year. As a
maintain an effective working minimum, those meetings should cover the
relationship. following topics:
y New programs or projects to be
carried out by the Ministry within
the District, or which will have an
Background to Policy impact on the District and by each
of the utilities that operate in the
Oct 95>>
Information Exchange. Good district (e.g. pole replacement
communication between the Ministry and programs and other infrastructure
utility companies is an important part of improvements);
managing highway right-of-way.
Experience has shown that regular

Revised: October, 1995 Page 4.1 - 1

 Subject: 4.1 Communications District
Maintenance and Operations

y On-going coordination of References

maintenance and rehabilitation
programs (e.g. ditch maintenance
Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of
and vegetation management);
Transportation and Highways/BC Hydro.
y New policies or standards that are
Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of
being developed by the Ministry or
Transportation and Highways/BC TEL.
by the utilities; and,
Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of
y Any procedural changes which <<Oct 95
Transportation and Highways/West
might affect the use of highway
Kootenay Power.
right-of-way.

Revised: October, 1995 Page 4.1 - 2

 UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 4.2 Communications Construction
Program and Projects

Policy y By October 1 of each year: West

Kootenay Power/MoTH key
1. Information Exchange on
contacts will meet for a confidential
Construction Programs. Where a
review of anticipated projects to be
Utility will be affected by the
included in the (program for the)
Ministry's overall construction
next fiscal year;
program, the Ministry will ensure
that information and plans are <<Oct 95
exchanged on a timely basis. y By November 1: The BC <<Oct 95
Hydro/MoTH Key Contacts and BC
2. Information Exchange on TEL/MoTH Key contacts will meet
Construction Projects. Where a respectively for a confidential
highway improvement project review of anticipated projects to be
includes utility relocation or might included in the (programs for the)
otherwise have an impact on next fiscal year;
utilities, the Ministry's Project
Manager will ensure that
information and plans are y Between October and March of
exchanged on a timely basis. each year: Significant changes to
project lists will be exchanged
between West Kootenay Power and
Procedure MoTH Key Contacts;

Regular Exchange of Program Plans y Between November and March: <<Oct 95

Significant changes to project lists
For those Utilities which are affected by will be exchanged between the BC
highway improvement projects every year, Hydro and MoTH Key Contacts,
the Ministry arranges a regular exchange of and BC TEL and MoTH Key
information on forthcoming projects. In the Contacts respectively;
case of BC Hydro, BC TEL and West
Kootenay Power the information exchange <<Oct 95
Oct 95>> process operates on the following timetable
as set out in protocol agreements:

Revised: October, 1995 Page 4.2 - 1

 Oct 95>>

Subject: 4.2: Communications Construction

Program and Projects

y In February: The Ministry will Budget cycles also vary, and often do not
Oct 95>>
provide a list of "early tender" conform with the Ministry's planning and
projects to BC Hydro, BC TEL budget cycle. This is illustrated by key
and/or West Kootenay Power and budget planning dates used by BC Hydro
identify the Project Managers; and, and BC TEL, with BC Hydro's schedule
paralleling the Ministry's while BC TEL's
runs about three months ahead.
y In April: Key contacts from BC
Hydro, BC TEL and/or West BC Hydro
Kootenay Power and MoTH will
meet respectively to firm up
- Fiscal year extends from April 1st to
approved construction projects,
March 31st;
schedules, and identify the MOTH
Project Manager. - By mid-October -- all field
managers must complete budget
submissions for the following fiscal
"Key contacts" are identified by the
year;
Ministry and the three utilities through a bi-
annual exchange of lists. In most cases, the - By early December -- final
Ministry's key contacts are District adjustments to the proposed budget
Highways Managers. must be complete; and,

Project Coordination - Early in January -- business plans

are presented for approval.
Planning for individual projects is generally
carried out on a project-by-project basis as BC TEL
Oct 95>>
outlined in Section 17 of this manual.
- Fiscal year extends from January 1st
to December 31st; and,
Background to Procedure - By June 30th -- all budget
submissions must be completed for
The need for information exchange varies. BC the forthcoming fiscal year.
Hydro, for example, is affected by the
Ministry's program each and every year.
On the other hand, a local utility such as an
Irrigation District, may be affected only
once every 10 years.

Revised: October, 1995 Page 4.2 - 2

 Subject: 4.2: Communications Construction
Program and Projects

Wherever possible, Ministry efforts to keep

utilities aware of Ministry plans should
account for the planning, scheduling and
decision-making process in each utility.

References
Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of
Transportation and Highways/BC Hydro.
Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of
Transportation and Highways/BC TEL.
Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of
Transportation and Highways/West
Kootenay Power.

Oct 95>>

Revised: October, 1995 Page 4.2 - 3

 UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 4.3 Dispute Resolution

Policy
1. Equitable and Timely Resolution Step 2 If a resolution is not derived in Step
of Disputes. The Ministry is 1, then either party may refer it to
committed to settling disputes at the the key contact in its organization.
lowest possible management level This level will be the MOTH District
and on an equitable and timely Highways Manager/Project
basis. Manager and:

In the case of BC Hydro; The

District Manager, Customer
Background to Policy Service, and; The Design
Manager or Production Area
Protocol agreements with BC Hydro,
Oct 95>> Manager for Transmission
BC TEL and West Kootenay Power include Lines.
a dispute-resolution process and a
commitment to resolve disputes at the In the case of BC TEL; The
lowest possible level in each agency's District Manager, Access
management structure. This policy extends Operations.
that principle to all dealings between the
Ministry and utilities. In the case of West Kootenay <<Oct 95
Power; The Regional Manager
or his delegate (area
Procedure supervisors).

The BC Hydro, BC TEL and West

Oct 95>>
Kootenay Power protocol agreements set Within thirty (30) days of referral, a
out the following process for dispute decision is to be given.
resolution:
Step 3 If a satisfactory resolution is not
Step 1 The first line managers from each derived in Step 2, then the issue is
organization will give their best to be referred to the MOTH
effort to resolve all conflicts and Regional Director and:
issues as they arise on any project.

Revised: October, 1995 Page 4.3 - 1

 Subject: 4.3 Dispute Resolution

In the case of BC Hydro; The References

Area Manager, Customer
Service and Production
Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of
Manager, Transmission Lines.
Transportation and Highways/BC Hydro.
In the case of BC TEL; Regional Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of
Manager, Access Operations Transportation and Highways/BC TEL.
Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of <<Oct 95
Oct 95>>
In the case of West Kootenay Transportation and Highways/West
Power; the Manager of Kootenay Power.
Transmission and Distribution.

A decision is to be given within sixty

(60)days of referral in Step 2.

Step 4 If the Step 3 individuals cannot

reach an agreement, then they must
agree on, by the sixtieth day in Step
3, a process for resolution which
may require referral to the
respective executives, a mutual
single third party arbitrator, or
some other means appropriate
under the circumstances. A final
resolution within six months of first
notice is expected.

Oct 95>>
Where appropriate, a similar process should
be followed in resolving disputes with
parties other than BC Hydro and BC TEL
and West Kootenay Power.

Revised: October, 1995 Page 4.3 - 2

Utility Manual Subject: 5.0 Utility Location and Design -
General

5.1 General Design Standards

5.2 Location Within the Right-of-Way
5.3 Clear Zone

Page 5.0 - 1
UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 5.1 General Design Standards

Policy
1. Standards Set by the Ministry. y Consistency with Ministry
The Ministry maintains a set of policy;
standards for utility installations in
y Location within the right-of-
highway right-of-way with a
way; and,
particular focus on public safety,
protection of Ministry staff and y The method of installation or
contractors, and protection of attachment.
highway facilities. The Ministry's
standards are not intended to replace 4. Durability. All utility installations
standards set by regulators or must be designed for long service
accepted as good engineering life expectancy and must be
practice. relatively free from routine
servicing and maintenance.
2. Highest Standards Apply. Where
the Ministry and a regulator both set 5. Design for Expansion. All new
a standard or requirement in a utility installations (or adjustments
particular area, the highest or most to existing lines) must make
stringent of the two will apply to provision for known or planned
any installation on highway right- expansion of those facilities,
of-way. particularly where the facilities are
attached to structures or are buried
3. Design Responsibility. The utility in the right-of-way.
is responsible for the design of any
utility facility which it proposes to
install in highway right-of-way and Background to Policy
for the installation and maintenance
of any facility once it has been
The general design requirements are based
installed. The Ministry's
on a number of factors:
responsibility is limited to review
and approval related to:
y The Ministry's interest in utilities is
centred on public safety and
preservation of highway facilities;
y The requirements which are set out
in this manual are intended to

Revised: January, 1995 Page 5.1 - 1

 Subject 5.1: General Design Standards

address these safety/highway Standards

preservation issues, and do not
replace any standards which are set
For detailed requirements see the following
by regulators which have authority
sections of this manual:
over the utility in question;
y The Ministry's interest does not alter Section:
the fact that the utility is responsible
for safety and for conformance with 8 Pipelines;
applicable regulations; and, 9 Water and Sewer Lines;
y Requirements for durable 10 Overhead Power and
design/materials and allowance for Communication Lines;
future expansion requirements are 11 Underground Power and
intended to minimize disruption Communication Lines; and,
caused by installation and repair of 13 Trenching, Boring and
utility facilities. Jacking.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 5.1 - 2

UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 5.2 Location Within the Right-of-Way

Policy Background to Policy

1. Minimum Need for Future Locational standards are set out in the
Relocation. Utilities must be following sections of the manual:
located so as to minimize the need
for later adjustment to accommodate Section:
future highway improvements and
to permit servicing those facilities 8 Pipelines;
with minimum interference with
highway traffic. 9 Water and Sewer Lines;
10 Overhead Power and
2. Conformance with Locational Communication Lines; and,
Standards. Utility installations
must conform with location-related 11 Underground Power and
standards which are set out in this Communication Lines.
manual.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 5.2 - 1

UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 5.3 Clear Zone

Policy Background to Policy

1. Conformance with Clear Zone Clear Zone standards are set out in Section
Standards. Above-ground B.1.1 of the Ministry's Highway Design
installations must conform with the Manual. Under that standard, a defined
Clear Zone standards when: area beyond the pavement edge must be
kept clear of all above-ground obstacles
y New above-ground utilities are including poles, guy lines, and other above
being installed; ground facilities.
y An existing utility line is being
Utilities may be permitted to install
rebuilt or replaced; and,
facilities within the Clear Zone if they are
y Utilities are being relocated as adequately protected by barriers or other
part of new highway measures. The following design options
construction or major upgrading might be considered (the list is presented in
of an existing highway. descending order of preference and
effectiveness):
2. Other Remedies. Other design
measures may be acceptable in 1. Remove the obstacle or redesign it
situations where Clear Zone
so it can be safely traversed;
standards cannot be achieved.
2. Relocate the obstacle to a point
3. The Clear Zone Does Not Over- where it is less likely to be struck;
ride Other Standards. The Clear
Zone standard is one of several 3. Reduce accident severity with an
standards related to the location of appropriate breakaway device; and,
utilities within the highway right-of-
way. Conformance with Clear Zone 4. Redirect the vehicle by shielding the
requirements does not eliminate the obstacle with a traffic barrier
need to conform with other and/or crash cushion.
standards. Source: Highway Design Manual Ministry
of Transportation and Highways

Revised: January, 1995 Page 5.3 - 1

 Subject: 5.3 Clear Zone

On the recommendation of the Director, 11.2 Underground Power and

Highway Safety Branch, the District Communication Line Location --
Highway Manager will make a General
determination of the appropriate design 11.3 Underground Power and
option based on local conditions including Communication Line Location --
the accident history of the location of the Lines Along Highway Right-of-
proposed utility installation. Way.

Clear Zone is one of several standards

which affect the location of utilities within
highway right-of-way. Each of those
Procedure
standards has a different purpose and effect.
Consequently, they must all be accounted Where utilities are being relocated as part
for as decisions are made. For example, of a new highway construction project or a
compliance with Clear Zone standard does major upgrading project, the Ministry's
not eliminate the need to locate utilities Project Designer or Project Manager is
within 2 metres of the edge of right-of-way responsible for the application of Clear
wherever possible. Other locational Zone standards.
standards appear in the following sections
of this manual. The District Highways Manager is
responsible for the application of Clear
Zone standards in cases where: an existing
Section: utility installation is being rebuilt or
3.7 Scenic Enhancement replaced or a new utility facility is being
5.2 Location Within the Right-of-Way installed on an existing highway. In the
8.2 Pipeline Location -- General case of a pole line which is being rebuilt or
8.3 Pipeline Location -- Lines Along replaced, the standards apply only where
Right-of-Way more than three adjacent poles are affected
9.2 Water and Sewer Line Location -- (i.e. more than three poles in a row).
General
9.3 Water and Sewer Line Location --
Lines Along Highway Right-of-
Way
Standards
10.2 Pole Lines and Overhead Cable
Location -- General New Installations on Open-Shoulder
10.4 Pole Lines and Overhead Cable Highway
Location -- Lines Along Highway
Right-of-way Clear Zone standards are set out in the
Ministry's Highway Design Manual. Clear
Zone setback requirements depend on a

Revised: January, 1995 Page 5.3 - 2

 Subject: 5.3 Clear Zone

number of factors including: class of to recognize that Clear Zone requirements

highway; design speed; whether the facility for a particular case depends on highway
is being installed on a cut or fill section; design details.
and the steepness and height of the cut or
fill slope. The following table provides an All pole lines, guy wires and other
indication of the set-backs required to structures must be located outside the clear
conform with clear zone standards for fill zone width which is set out in this chapter.
sections on rural highways. It is important

Clear Zone Set-back Requirements on Fill Sections

Design MINIMUM CLEAR ZONE WIDTH (m)

Speed
(km/h)
Design Classification
km/h RLU RCU RCD RAU RAD RED RFD
50 3.5 4.0 - - - - -
60 3.5 4.0 4.5 - - - -
70 4.5 5.5 6.0 6.0 6.5 - -
80 4.5 6.0 6.5 6.5 7.0 7.0 -
90 - 7.0 7.5 7.5 8.0 8.0 8.0
100 - 8.0 8.5 8.5 9.0 9.0 10.0
110 - - - - - 9.0 10.0

Source: Table B.1.1a, Highway Engineering Design Manual, Ministry of Transportation and
Highways.

Road Class
RLU Rural Local Undivided RAD Rural Arterial Divided
RCU Rural Collector Undivided RED Rural Expressway Divided
RCD Rural Collector Divided RFD Rural Freeway Divided
RAU Rural Arterial Undivided

NOTE: The Clear Zone width does not apply to Subdivision Roads or Low Volume Roads.
However, an obstacle free area, or utility setback adjacent to Subdivision Roads and Low
Volume Roads which is 2 metres from the toe of the slope is required.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 5.3 - 3

 Subject: 5.3 Clear Zone

New Installations on Curb and Gutter

Sections requirement for existing
facilities can be used. In the
Where the posted speed on curb and gutter case of a pole line, no more than
sections is 60 km/h or less, poles, guy three poles in row are being
wires, and other structures must be located replaced. Multiple permits
at least 0.5 m behind the sidewalk (if there cannot be used to avoid
is one) or a minimum of 2.0 m from the relocation where more than
outside face of the curb, whichever is three poles are being replaced;
greater. Offset requirements do not
apply when above-ground
Where the posted speed exceeds 60 km/h, facilities can be placed behind
pole lines, guy wires and other structures existing guardrails, retaining
must be located outside the clear zone walls, and other similar
distance which is set out in this Section, or protected area; and,
be protected by an approved guardrail.
Offset requirements do not
Exceptions to Offset Requirements for apply when an approved
New Installations guardrail or other suitable and
approved protection is installed
An exception to new-installation offset by the applicant.
requirements can be made in the following
circumstances:
References
Where poles or other facilities
are being replaced as part of a Highway Engineering Design Manual,
routine maintenance program for Ministry of Transportation and Highways.
a facility which is covered by a
valid permit, the offset

Revised: January, 1995 Page 5.3 - 2

 Subject: 5.3 Clear Zone

New Standards
Clear Zones for Highway Rehabilitation Projects

Clear Zone standards for highway rehabilitation projects are being developed at the
present time. Proposed standards will be circulated in September 1994 as a Discussion
Paper. Highway Engineering Branch is responsible for developing this policy in
conjunction with the Highway Safety Branch.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 5.3 - 5

Utility Manual Subject: 6.0 Operations

6.1 Installation and Maintenance

6.2 Risk Management
6.3 Traffic Control
6.4 Vegetation Management

Page 6.0 - 6
UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 6.1 Installation and Maintenance

Policy Procedure
1. Safety of Maintenance Crews is of Electric Power Lines at the Base of Rock
Prime Importance. Utilities are Slopes.
permitted on highway right-of-way
only where they do not create safety In keeping with the importance that is
risks for Ministry staff or attached to highway safety, electric power
contractors. lines may not be permitted at the base of
rock slopes which require rock scaling on a
2. The Location and Design of routine or regular basis. (See Section 10
Utility Installations May be Overhead Power and Communications
Controlled by Highway Lines for details.)
Maintenance Requirements.
Utilities must be designed and Maintenance Operations in the Vicinity
located so that they do not unduly of Electric Power Lines.
interfere with maintenance
operations. Maintenance operations must conform with
requirements of Industrial Health and
3. Special Precautions may be Safety Regulations established under the
Required in Order to Protect Workers Compensation Act. Those
Maintenance Crews. Although requirements are particularly relevant to:
safety is a prime consideration when rock scaling operations; installation and
utility installations are designed, repair of luminaries; overhead signing and
there will be situations where traffic signals; and, tree trimming
special precautions are required in operations. A copy of Section 24 of the
order to eliminate or minimize the Regulations is included in Appendix I for
risk of an accident. reference.

Where minimum clearance requirements

from high voltage lines cannot be
maintained "because of the circumstances
of the work or inadvertent movement of
persons or equipment" the Ministry or the
contractor carrying out the work must
obtain written assurance from the utility
that the conductors will be:
y de-energized;
<<Oct 95

Revised: October, 1995 Page 6.1 - 1

 Stage: 6.1 Installation and Maintenance

y effectively guarded against contact; y Where there is a need for the utility
or, to provide a safety-watcher, the
y displaced or re-routed from the Ministry provides no compensation.
work area.

Whenever the second of these options is References

used, a qualified safety-watcher shall be
posted to control the approach of
equipment and loads and to stop Southern Interior Safety Instructions, BC
immediately the movement when contact Hydro, 1992.
with guarding appears possible. Industrial Health and Safety Regulations,
Workers Compensation Act.
Responsibility for the Cost of Special
Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of
Precautions
Transportation and Highways/BC Hydro.
In certain limited situations, the Ministry Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of
provides compensation for staff time and Transportation and Highways/West
expenses incurred by electric power Kootenay Power.
companies in order to protect highway
maintenance or construction crews. That
policy is outlined below.

y There is no charge for the initial

visit by the utility's staff to assess
the risk associated with the
proposed work;
<<Oct 95
y Where it is necessary to re-route or
relocate the pole line in order to
carry out the work, BC Hydro and
West Kootenay Power are
compensated in accordance with the
respective protocol agreements (see
Section 15.4 of this manual);
y Where it is necessary to de-energize
or guard a line, the Ministry
provides no compensation; and,

Revised: October, 1995 Page 6.1 - 2

UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 6.2 Risk Management

THIS SECTION SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MINISTRY'S INSURANCE AND
BONDS POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL.

Policy
1. Risk Management. District offices
must take a risk management y Section 8 - Pipelines;
approach to managing utilities on
highway right-of-way. With that y Section 9 - Water and Sewer
approach, the permit processing and Lines;
site inspection effort reflects: y Section 10 - Overhead Power and
Communication
y The risk which is inherent in Lines;
each installation;
y Risks involved in installing y Section 11 - Underground Power
and maintaining the facility; and Communication
y Potential effects on the Lines;
highway system; and, y Section 13 - Trenching, Boring
y Past performance of the and Jacking; and,
utility and its contractors.
y Section 14 - Installations On or
Near Structures.
2. Appropriate Precautions. District
Highways Managers and their
3. Referrals. When proposed
delegates are expected to put
installations do not comply with
adequate controls in place to ensure
Ministry policies or standards and
that utilities are installed in
where there are technical questions
accordance with the applicable
which are outside the District's
standards and the general public is
expertise, District officials are
not endangered by utility
expected to refer applications to
installations or operations. See
specialists within the Ministry.
Section 16 for information on the
review and approvals process and
the following sections for standards
and requirements:

Revised: January, 1995 Page 6.2 - 1

 Satege: 6.2 Risk Management

Background to Policy actions, and to use a range of risk control

methods to ensure that they comply with
Risk Management.
Ministry requirements.
Risk management is the process of:
Utilities on highway right-of-way present
risks in a number of areas. These include:
y Identifying the risks associated with
an initiative or action;
y Traffic safety (e.g. equipment
y Assessing the liability associated operating in the right-of-way,
with that risk as well as the obstructions in the right-of-way, the
likelihood of a failure or accident risk of fire or explosion, etc.);
and the nature and extent of the
y Employee safety (e.g. when a line
damages that might result; and,
is struck by ditching, sign or rock
y Finding the most efficient and scaling crews);
economical way bringing those risks
y Damage to highway structures (e.g.
within acceptable limits.
by erosion caused by a pipeline
failure); and,
In short, risk management involves
y Restrictions on future highway
systematic, effective methods to protect the
development.
general public and the Ministry's interests.
These risks are addressed in several ways:
The Primary Responsibility for Risk
Management Related to Utilities Rests
with District Offices and the Utilities y By having effective procedures and
Themselves. standards in place;
y By maintaining a permit system
The principal responsibility for which puts the onus and liability on
implementing Ministry risk management utility owners where appropriate;
policy and procedures rests with District
offices. In the case of utilities, this requires y By requiring certain documentation
careful consideration of the nature of each (e.g. drawings) and commitments
installation, any risk that it entails, the past from utility companies;
performance of the utility, and the y By completing a thorough review of
reliability of its crews and contractors. To applications before a permit is
a large extent, the Ministry's approach to issued;
risk management is to hold utilities fully
responsible for their own facilities and

Revised: January, 1995 Page 6.2 - 2

 Satege: 6.2 Risk Management

y By regulating the location of utility y Holding regular planning meetings

installations within the right-of- with utility representatives. These
way; meetings help to ensure that utilities
have a full understanding of
Ministry requirements and concerns
y By carrying out site inspections on a see Section 4 on Communications;
systematic basis, consistent with the
y Expecting utilities to submit
nature of each installation and the
complete applications for permits,
past performance of the utility
together with drawings and other
owner or their contractor;
information as needed to ensure that
y By limiting work on the right-of- the proposed installation conforms
way to conditions and hours which with policies and standards;
are consistent with traffic flow and
y Completing a site inspection before
traffic safety considerations; and,
issuing a permit in any case where
y By ensuring that utility installations an installation could have a negative
are kept in an adequate state of effect on highway safety, highway
repair. operations, highway access, or
future highway development;
Responsibility for implementing most of
y Adhering to standard permit
these risk management initiatives rests with
language, particularly where
District Highways Managers and their staff.
liability and the utility's obligations
Procedures, engineering standards and
are involved;
standard forms have been developed in
order to assist District offices with that y Consulting with specialists in areas
work. These procedures, standards and such as bridge engineering,
forms are an important component of the geotechnical engineering,
Ministry's risk management program. engineering standards, highway
planning, and insurance and bonds
where special conditions are
apparent see Section 16 on the
Procedure permit approval process;
Risk Management Initiatives by y Requiring advance notice and pre-
District Offices. approval of utility company work
schedules;
The principal means by which districts y Ensuring that no work begins
manage the risk associated with utilities on without a completed permit;
right-of-way include:

Revised: January, 1995 Page 6.2 - 3

 Satege: 6.2 Risk Management

y Inspecting the site during

construction, if warranted by: the The District's assessment of performance
nature of the work; past experience should be discussed with utility
with the utility company and its representatives in annual or bi-annual
contractors; site conditions; and planning/review meetings. The response to
traffic conditions; every request for a utility permit should
y Inspecting the site on completion, take
particularly for site restoration; and,
account of the applicant's past performance.
y Requiring "as-built" drawings
and/or certification that work was Where Past Performance is
installed in accordance with Satisfactory
Ministry standards and the
drawings/information submitted Where performance has been satisfactory,
with the permit application. the standard permit approval process would
be followed as outlined in Section 16.
Assessing Performance Certain steps in that process are an essential
part of risk management:
Districts are encouraged to conduct a
periodic performance assessment for Ensuring that the application is
utilities which are most active in their area. complete and is supported with
The Utility Performance Evaluation Form drawings and other information, all in
(Exhibit 6.2 - 1) should be used for this good form;
review. As indicated, the following factors
should be accounted for: Ensuring that location within the right-
of-way, proposed depth of bury, etc. are
Completeness and accuracy of consistent with Ministry requirements;
applications and drawings; Completing a site inspection before
Compliance with policy and standards; preparing or issuing a permit; and,

Job site performance, including traffic Consulting with specialists when an

control; application raises questions which are
outside the area in which district staff
Quality of restoration and clean-up normally have expertise.
work;
Communication with Ministry staff Where Special Conditions Apply or Past
(advance notification of work, etc.); Performance Is Unsatisfactory
and,
Districts are expected to take extra
Provision of "as-built" drawings. precautions where conditions warrant and

Revised: January, 1995 Page 6.2 - 4

 Satege: 6.2 Risk Management

where past performance of the utility or its Information gathered through the reporting
contractors has been inconsistent or system is forwarded to others who are
unsatisfactory. Depending on affected or should be looking at the need
circumstances, these precautions might for change (e.g. Standards Engineer for a
include: failure or incident which is related to
standards).
y Requiring the utility to have a
qualified inspector on site The information is also used to compile a
throughout the project or at certain province-wide activity report which is
critical stages of the project; distributed to District offices which reports
incidents and the Ministry's response to
y Requiring the utility to cover the
these incidents.
cost of an inspector who is retained
by the Ministry;
To ensure that the Ministry has a reliable
y Requiring the utility to post some measure of the frequency and seriousness
form of financial security; of any incidents involving utilities, the
y Requiring certification of as-built Utility Coordinator will carry out a periodic
drawings by a Professional review of incident reports with district
Engineer; and, officials.

y Requiring accurate "as-built" Departures from Standard Procedures

drawings showing ground line
elevation and the actual elevation of The incident reporting system will also be
underground utilities -- based on a used to collect information on conditions
"benchmark" or "datum" survey. where the Districts find it advisable or
necessary to depart from standards, normal
Incident Reporting procedures, or standard language in
Ministry forms. Once again, the Utility
The standards and procedures which are set Coordinator will monitor these reports,
out in this manual are kept under continual provide Districts with feedback on
review to ensure that they are meeting developments in this area, and carry out
Ministry needs -- particularly at the District periodic reviews with District staff. The
level. As one means of ensuring that Incident Reporting System will form the
standards and procedures are having the basis of updating the Utility Policy Manual.
desired effect, the Ministry's Utility
Coordinator will coordinate District
feedback on any failures or accidents
involving utilities. References

Revised: January, 1995 Page 6.2 - 5

 Satege: 6.2 Risk Management

Insurance and Bonds Policy and

Procedures Manual, Ministry of
Transportation and Highways.

Exhibit 6.2 - 1
Utility Performance Evaluation
Evaluation by: Position: Date: _
Utility Name: _
Date of Previous Assessment for this Utility: _
Areas Rated Unsatisfactory on Previous Assessments:

Performance
Evaluation Factor Since Last Review Comments

Satisfactory Not Satisfactory

Completeness and accuracy of applications.

Completeness and accuracy of drawings.
Conformance with standards.

Traffic control (signing, flagging, etc.)

Job site performance (materials storage,
etc.)n
Quality of restoration and clean-up work.
Communications with the Ministry
(advance notice of start of work, etc.)
Provision of "as-built" drawings.

Notes and Comments:

Revised: January, 1995 Page 6.2 - 6

Follow-up: Discussed with (Utility representative) on (date)
Notes:
UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 6.3 Traffic Control

Policy
1. Ministry Standards Apply: All All utilities are required to adhere to the
utilities and their contractors must Ministry's traffic control standards, whether
follow standards and procedures set or not the installation they are working on
out in the Traffic Control Manual is covered by a permit. That is, the
for Work on Roadways. Ministry's traffic control standards apply to
both "primary" (permitted) and "secondary"
2. Restrictions on Hours of Work: (unpermitted) installation and maintenance
The Ministry will limit hours of operations.
work on utility installation,
maintenance and repair as required
to maintain an acceptable standard
of highway safety and traffic flow.
Procedure
3. Lane Closures: All lane closures Traffic Control Standards
must be approved in writing by the
District Highways Manager or their All utility permits must include a
designate. requirement that utilities adhere to Ministry
traffic control standards. (See Section 16)

Lane Closures
Background to Policy
All lane closures must approved in writing
The Ministry's traffic control by the District Highways Manager or their
standards are published in a Field Edition designate. A "Lane Closure Request Form"
and an Office Edition to a Traffic Control is required for the Lower Mainland office at
Manual for Work on Roadways. These the present time. This requirement may be
manuals can be purchased from Crown expanded as traffic conditions in Districts
Publications Inc., 521 Fort Street, Victoria, with large urban centres or highway
B.C. V8W 1E7. Traffic control standards conditions warrant. The form must be
were initially introduced as voluntary completed and approved by the District
standards, but became compulsory in prior to work taking place.
January, 1994.
See Appendix I for a sample copy of the
Lane Closure Request Form.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 6.3 - 1

 Stage: 6.3 Traffic Control

All lane closures for the Lower Mainland References

must be in accordance with the Ministry's
Manual of "Single Lane Closure Windows -
Ministry of Transportation and Highways
Lower Mainland" which provides
Single Lane Closure Windows, Lower
guidelines for closing single lanes of
Mainland, April, 1994.
directional traffic in the Greater Vancouver
area. The purpose of the manual is to
minimize the impact of temporary lane
closures on highway users.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 6.3 - 2

UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 6.4 Vegetation Management

Policy
1. Coordination. The Ministry will management pilot project with BC Hydro,
work with utility companies to aimed at providing the basis for a
coordinate vegetation management vegetation management agreement between
programs and to ensure that joint the two organizations. That agreement
vegetation management activities could then serve as a model for agreements
fulfill environmental objectives, with other utilities. Issues being addressed
including aesthetic, as well as in the pilot project include:
vegetation control.
y Joint contracting for vegetation
2. Harvesting of Timber on Highway management on highway right-of-
Right-of-way. Removal of timber way;
from highway right-of-way by y Contractor evaluation;
major utility companies will be in y Selective vegetation management,
accordance with the terms and including preservation of ground
conditions outlined in the Ministry cover and selected species;
of Forests and the Ministry of y Vegetation inventories, including an
Transportation and Highways information base on special
Protocol Agreement (September, treatment for certain plant species;
1992) y Responsibility for vegetation
management in urban areas;
y Hazard trees -- coordination with
BC Hydro's Hazard Trees and
Background to Policy Problem Trees programs;
y Stewardship issues, including
The Ministry and the major utilities possible limited use of herbicides to
currently carry out vegetation management encourage certain species;
programs on highway right-of-way y Priority-setting for vegetation
independently of each other. Although management; and,
each agency has its own vegetation y Budgeting.
management needs, it is apparent that all
parties can benefit from a coordinated Vegetation management guidelines for
effort. utilities are set out in the Manual of esthetic
Design Practice.
The Ministry has initiated a vegetation
The Ministry of Transportation and
Highways has established a protocol

Revised: January, 1995 Page 6.4 - 1

 Stage: 6.4 Vegetation Management

agreement with the Ministry of Forests to when it is working under a MOTH Utility
clarify responsibilities and interaction Permit.
between the two ministries.
Once the major utility has received a Permit
The section of the agreement with the to Construct Works On Highway Right-of-
heading "Harvesting of Crown Timber on Way from the Ministry of Transportation
Highways Rights of Way", outlines the and Highways, the utility will make
process for the removal of timber from application to the Ministry of Forests for a
highway right-of-way by utility companies. Licence to Cut timber on Crown Land.
Previous Ministry procedures specified that There are three options for approval
only MOTH could obtain a cutting permit available to the Ministry of Forests for the
for the removal of timber from highway removal of timber.
right-of-way.
1. Free Use Permit. If the Ministry of
Forests determines that the timber to be
Procedure removed is not merchantible, they will
issue a free use permit to the utility agency
to remove the timber. No stumpage is paid
Harvesting Crown Timber On Highway
by the Permittee (Utility) and the Permittee
Right-of-Way.
has the option of how they dispose of the
timber.
A Licence to Cut timber is required to
remove timber from highway right-of-way.
2. Removal by the Utility or Contractor.
A major utility, who has obtained a permit
The Ministry of Forests can arrange for the
from the Ministry of Transportation and
timber to be cruised while still standing.
Highways to construct works within
Two options are then available for the
highway right-of-way may, obtain the
removal of the timber.
required approvals directly from the
District Manager, Ministry of Forests, to
The Ministry of Forests would
cut and remove timber from highway right-
contract a logging company,
of-way.
through a small business sale, to cut
the timber and haul it away; or,
Under previous arrangements, the Ministry
of Forests only issued Licence to Cut The Utility is issued a Licence to
timber to the occupier of the land. The Cut. A Timber Mark is issued to
Forest Protocol Agreement Between the the Utility. The Utility has the
Ministry of Forests and MOTH (September, option of how it will dispose of the
1992) now views a major utility agency as timber but is responsible for the
an occupier of land and as such the Licence payment of a stumpage fee.
To Cut is issued to the major utility agency

Revised: January, 1995 Page 6.4 - 2

 Stage: 6.4 Vegetation Management

3. Removal of the Timber by the That all debris is to be chipped and

Ministry of Forests. The timber is cold removed from the highway right of
decked on site and removed by the Ministry way; and,
of Forests. No stumpage is paid on the That the standard of grubbing work
timber. If this option is considered, a carried out ensures that stumps are
location is required where the merchantible cut off at a level that would permit
timber can be stored in a safe manner and is grass mowing.
accessible for equipment to remove from
the site without damaging the highway
facility.
References
Responsibility of the Utility
Manual of Aesthetic Design Practice,
It is the responsibility of the utility Ministry of Transportation and Highways.
company or their contractor to ensure that
the right-of-way has been left in a neat and
orderly condition. This includes:

Pilot Project
The Skeena Highways District has been selected as the pilot project location, with work to
be carried out on test plots during the summer of 1994. A draft vegetation management
program will be completed by January 1995 for implementation in 1995/96.
Responsibility for the policy initiative is shared between Highway Environment Branch
and Highway Maintenance Branch.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 6.4 - 3

Utility Manual Subject: 8.0 Pipelines

Policy

Background to Policy

Procedure

Standards

8.1 Design
8.2 Location -- General
8.3 Location -- Lines Along Highway Right-of-Way
8.4 Crossings
8.5 Clearances
8.6 Depth of Cover
8.7 Pipelines on Bridges and Other Structures
8.8 Measures to Protect Pipelines
8.9 Appurtenances

Background to Standards

References

Page 8.0 - 1
 Stage: 8.0 Pipelines

Application

This section deals with all pipelines other than sewer lines and domestic water lines,
including pipelines which are used to transport:
y water for non-domestic use
y steam
y natural gas
y oil and petroleum products
y oxygen
y chlorine

Definitions

The following definitions apply throughout this section.

y High Pressure Pipelines: Pipelines intended to operate at pressures greater

than 2,070 kPa (300 psi).
y Intermediate Pressure Pipelines: Pipelines intended to operate at pressures
greater than 700 kPa (100 psi) and up to 2,070 kPa (300 psi).
y Low Pressure Pipelines: Pipelines intended to operate at pressures which are
less than or equal to 700 kPa (100 psi), and include lateral connections from the
gas distribution mains which are within and parallel to the right-of-way to the
customer.

Policy

Revised: December, 1994 Page 8.0 - 2

 Stage: 8.0 Pipelines

1. Locations Where Pipelines Are

Not Permitted: Pipeline
installations which run parallel to
the highway centre line generally High Pressure Pipelines:
are not permitted in the following Restrictions on high pressure
conditions: pipelines are based primarily on
safety considerations. Restricting
y high pressure pipelines within the use of highway right-of-way for
and parallel to any class of high pressure pipelines has little
highway right-of-way; or effect on pipeline location. In most
cases, pipeline companies can keep
y intermediate pressure or low
construction and maintenance costs
pressure pipelines within and
for high pressure lines to a
parallel to Freeways or
minimum by choosing a direct,
Expressways.
overland route.
2. Crossings: All classes of pipeline
Pipelines along Freeways and
can be constructed across all classes
Expressways: Restrictions on the
of highway.
use of freeway right-of-way for
pipelines (and all other utilities) is
3. Bridges and Structures: See
based primarily on safety
Section 14 for policy on utility
considerations and is the practice of
attachments to bridges and
most highway departments across
structures.
North America. Drivers on
freeways and expressways expect
high-speed, free-flowing traffic.
Background to Policy Any activity which disrupts traffic
flow, (such as construction
Restrictions on pipeline installations within equipment and service vehicles
and parallel to highway right-of-way are accessing work sites directly from
based on the following considerations: freeway lanes), may increase the
risk of an accident.

Revised: December, 1994 Page 8.0 - 3

 Stage: 8.0 Pipelines

Procedure
Conditions which are unsuitable for
See procedures for issuing pipeline permits
pipeline installations must be avoided.
in Section 16 and for pipeline relocation
Examples include:
projects in Section 17.
y High embankments (because of
Also see Section 16 for information on:
the risk of settlement);
y Drawings which are to be y Locations near bridge footings,
submitted with applications for culverts and retaining walls
permits; and, (because of the risk of erosion
and instability in the event of
y Requirements for "as-built"
failure); and
certification and drawings.
y Locations where it is difficult to
maintain full depth of cover.
Standards Exceptions may be made by the District
Highways Manager where:
8.1 Design
y The pipeline design is approved
See Section 5 for general design standards and signed (or sealed) by a
which apply to all utility installations. Professional Engineer who is
experienced in pipeline design
Where the Ministry has prescribed a more and is registered in B.C. at the
stringent requirement than other regulators, time a permit application is
the Ministry's requirement will apply. submitted to the Ministry; and;
Similarly, where a regulatory authority sets
y The District Highways Manager
a higher standard than the Ministry's
is satisfied that the proposed
requirement, the regulator's standard will
installation will not have an
apply.
adverse effect on highway
maintenance, safety, or
8.2 Location -- General operations.

See Section 5 for general location and

alignment requirements.

Revised: December, 1994 Page 8.0 - 4

 Stage: 8.0 Pipelines

8.3 Location -- Lines Along Highways Manager where there is a

Highway Right-of-Way conflict with other utilities.

8.3.3 Installation Under Ditches

8.3.1 Alignment
No pipelines are permitted under ditch
Where possible, pipelines are to be located
slopes and ditch bottoms except for
parallel to the highway centreline and
crossings.
within 2 metres of the inside boundary of
the highway right-of-way.
Other exceptions may be considered when
all of the following conditions are met:
Where the highway right-of-way boundary
is irregular, the Ministry will consider a
y The pipeline owner has clearly
reasonable alignment which does not affect
demonstrated to the satisfaction
backslopes, drainage systems, other
of the District Highways
improvements, or maintenance operations.
Manager that alternate locations
However, every effort must be made to
(including locations outside the
locate pipelines a consistent distance from
highway right-of-way) are not
the edge of highway right-of-way and the
feasible because they involve
toe of the slope.
high-risk locations,
unacceptable environmental
8.3.2 Minimum Distance from the
hazards, or extremely high
Highway Structure
costs;
The distance between a pipeline and the top y The pipeline design includes
of a cut, the toe of a fill, or the ditch line protective caps, increased depth
must be sufficient to ensure that installation of bury, or other measures
and maintenance of the pipeline will not which are approved and signed
damage the highway structure or interfere (or sealed) by a Professional
with highway maintenance and operations. Engineer who is experienced in
In general, this requires a minimum offset pipeline design and is registered
of 2 metres from the toe of embankment in B.C. at the time a permit
fills and 2 metres beyond the top edge or application is submitted to the
daylight point of a cut slope. Ministry;
y The special design measures
In urban areas where curb and gutter are in proposed by the pipeline owner
place, the minimum offset generally is 2 are satisfactory to the District
metres from the outside edge of the curb. Highways Manager or their
Exceptions may be approved by the District designate; and,

Revised: December, 1994 Page 8.0 - 5

 Stage: 8.0 Pipelines

y The pipeline is not a high congestion, traffic delays, or

pressure pipeline. hazard;
y If the standard depth of bury is
8.3.4 Installation Under the Highway not being adhered to or, in the
Structure view of the District Highways
Manager, conditions warrant
Low pressure and intermediate pressure special care, the pipeline design
gas pipelines may be located under traveled is approved and signed (or
lanes, parking lanes, sidewalks, boulevards sealed) by a Professional
and shoulders if all of the following Engineer who is experienced in
conditions are met: pipeline design, registered in
B.C. at the time the permit
y The pipeline owner application is submitted, and
demonstrated to the satisfaction certifies that the design accounts
of the District Highways for conditions in the proposed
Manager that: location, including vehicle live
- Physical constraints (such as loads; and,
rock cuts or limited right-of-way y The District Highways Manager
width in urban areas) make it is satisfied that the proposed
impossible or extremely installation will not have an
expensive to conform with adverse effect on highway
standard offsets defined in 8.2.1 maintenance, safety, or
and 8.2.2; and, operations.
- Installation on another
alignment outside highway 8.4 Crossings
right-of-way would be so
expensive, hazardous or 8.4.1 Angle of Crossing
environmentally damaging as to
not be feasible; Pipelines must cross highway right-of-way
y The Ministry is not planning any at an angle which is as close as practicable
highway construction which to 90 degrees, considering the economics of
would modify the location practical alternatives. No crossing will be
and/or profile of the roadway or at an angle of less than 45 degrees unless
sidewalk; installation can be proved advantageous at
a lesser angle.
y Traffic interruptions during
installation and subsequent
pipeline maintenance will not
cause unacceptable levels of

Revised: December, 1994 Page 8.0 - 6

 Stage: 8.0 Pipelines

8.4.2 Installation of Crossings Transportation and Highways will not

prescribe minimum clearances from other
All pipeline crossings will be bored, utilities. Clearances will be in accordance
tunneled, jacked or directionally drilled with the governing industry, CSA or
under the highway structure using regulator standard.
equipment and methods which will not
damage the highway or affect traffic safety 8.6 Depth of Cover
and operations.
8.6.1 Depth of Bury Under the Road
Boring, tunneling and jacking must Surface
conform with standards which are set out in
Section 13 of this manual. The top of any pipeline or casing must be at
least 1.2 metres below the top of the
Trenching will only be permitted in pavement.
exceptional circumstances which have been
approved by the District Highways The District Highways Manager may make
Manager in accordance with Section 13 of exceptions, or specify the depth of bury or
this manual. additional protection which may be
required in conditions where, in their
8.5 Clearances opinion, special measures are warranted by
local conditions and in order to protect the
8.5.1 Clearance from Structures and pipeline, the highway structure, or the
Culverts public. Examples of special conditions
include:
Minimum clearance from bridges and other
structures will be determined on a case by y When minimum depth of cover
case basis by the Regional Bridge Engineer. cannot be achieved at reasonable
Clearance distances will be set to ensure cost, and concrete caps or other
that maintenance operations are not measures that provide a standard
impaired by the presence of pipelines or of protection which is equivalent
related facilities. to the standard depth of bury
Pipelines must be offset from culverts and and are approved and signed (or
sign or signal structures by at least 0.5 sealed) by a Professional
metres. Engineer who is experienced in
pipeline design and is registered
8.5.2 Clearance from Other Utilities in B.C. at the time a permit
application is submitted to the
Except in special circumstances and where Ministry;
standards are specified, the Ministry of

Revised: December, 1994 Page 8.0 - 7

 Stage: 8.0 Pipelines

y When live loads from highway 8.6.3 Depth of Bury Under Ditches
traffic or maintenance and
construction equipment require The top of low pressure pipelines or their
protective measures in excess of casings must be at least 0.75 metres below
the standard depth of bury; or, design ditch bottoms as indicated by the
y When local soil conditions District Highways Manager or their
require greater depth of bury in designate.
order to provide adequate
protection for the proposed The top of intermediate and high
pipeline installation. pressure pipelines or their casings must be
at least 1.0 metre below design ditch
bottoms as indicated by the District
8.6.2 Where Minimum Depth of Bury Highways Manager or their designate.
Cannot be Achieved
The District Highways Manager may
The District Highways Manager may require a greater depth of bury where
permit substandard depth of bury where conditions warrant, particularly where there
necessary, provided that the pipeline is is a possibility that ditch depth will be
protected by concrete slabs or other increased by scour, maintenance operations,
measures which provide a standard of or the need to increase ditch capacity.
protection which is equivalent to the
standard depth of bury and are approved 8.6.4 Depth of Bury Elsewhere in the
and signed (or sealed) by a Professional Right-of-Way
Engineer who is experienced in pipeline
design and registered in B.C. at the time a Outside the highway structure, the top of
permit application is submitted to the low pressure pipelines or their casings
Ministry. must be at least 0.6 metres below the
established grade.
Exceptions will be made only in special
circumstances and for short distances. Outside the highway structure, the top of
Examples include: intermediate pressure and high pressure
pipelines or their casings must be at least
y Locations where the trench is to 1.0 metre below ground level.
be cut in solid rock; and,
y Locations where the presence of The District Highways Manager may
other utilities make it impossible require a greater depth of bury or other
to comply with the standard. protective measures where warranted by:
soil or slope conditions; loading from

Revised: December, 1994 Page 8.0 - 8

 Stage: 8.0 Pipelines

highway facilities, such as signal structures; continued use of pipeline casings may be
and other special conditions. required, however, where in the opinion of
the District Highways Manager or their
8.7 Pipelines on Bridges and designate, local conditions such as the soil
Other Structures type, or the nature of the highway facility
require increased protection.
Standards for pipeline installations on
bridges and other structures are set out in Where additional pipeline protection is
Section 13. required, the use of increased pipe wall
thickness may be permitted for all types of
crossings.
8.8 Measures to Protect
Pipelines 8.9 Appurtenances
Where, in the Ministry's view, a pipeline is
8.9.1 Above-ground Markers
vulnerable because of its depth, location in
the roadway prism, etc., the District
Above-ground markers are required in
Highways Manager may require special
urban and rural locations (generally where
protective measures which are approved
there is open drainage along the highway)
and signed (or sealed) by a Professional
for the following types of installation:
Engineer who is experienced in pipeline
design and registered in B.C. at the time a
y Gas Pipelines: All intermediate
permit application is submitted to the
pressure and high pressure
Ministry. This additional protection may
pipelines; and,
take the form of a reinforced concrete cap, a
casing, increased depth of cover, or y Other Pipelines: All pipelines
increased pipe wall thickness which is which are used to transport
designed to withstand higher than normal dangerous commodities.
loadings. (Bagged concrete is not an
acceptable means of protecting pipelines.) Markers must be placed at both ends of
The onus is on the pipeline owner to crossings at the right-of-way edge and at
demonstrate that the design addresses 200 metre intervals for pipeline
Ministry concerns related to public safety, installations located within and parallel to
highway operations and protection of highway the right of way.
highway facilities.
Signage must be consistent with CSA
Pipeline protection consisting of increased requirements. This includes:
pipe wall thicknesses may be used either in
addition to, or as a replacement for pipeline
casings for new installations. The

Revised: December, 1994 Page 8.0 - 9

 Stage: 8.0 Pipelines

y The word "warning", "caution" y Do not interfere with right-of-

or "danger" clearly displayed in way maintenance;
25 mm high, bold lettering; y Are consistent with Clear Zone
y The type of pipeline system standards which are set out in
prominently displayed, for Section 5.3;
example "High Pressure Natural y Are not concealed by
Gas Pipeline" in 13 mm high vegetation;
bold lettering; and, The preferred location for vent standpipes
is as close as possible to the inside
boundary of the highway right-of-way.
y The name of the operating
company and an emergency
response number, including the 8.9.4 Drains
area code where appropriate.
Drains are required for casings on pipelines
In heavily populated urban areas, signs will that are carrying liquids, liquefied gas or
not be required where the placing of signs gas which is heavier than air.
is impractical, or where they would not
serve their intended purpose. In such areas Drains may outfall only into facilities and
alternative identification methods, adopted locations approved by the Highway
by the pipeline industry and approved by Environment Branch.
the District Highways Manager or their
designate, will be used. 8.9.5 Valves

The location of valves within highway

8.9.2 Underground Markers
right-of-way is subject to approval by the
Non-metallic pipe must be marked by Ministry.
underground markers which make it
possible to locate the pipe using an Valves must be located below ground and
electronic device. Metallic tape or 12- clear of the highway, intersections and
gauge copper wire may be used for this driveways. They must also be located in
purpose. such a way that they will not interfere with
highway maintenance.
8.9.3 Vent Standpipes
Multiple valve and/or meter stations are
generally not permitted within highway
Where cased crossings are installed, vent
right-of-way. Exceptions may be permitted
standpipes must be located and installed in
where:
such a way that they:

Revised: December, 1994 Page 8.0 - 10

 Stage: 8.0 Pipelines

y The pipeline owner has clearly the pavement provided they are not in the
demonstrated that alternate wheel path and there are two or more lanes
locations are not feasible in each direction.
because they involve high-risk
8.9.7 Cathodic Protection

location, unacceptable Cathodic protection will be placed at

environmental hazard, or locations which preclude damage to
extremely high cost; and, bridges, reinforced concrete structures, and
y The District Highways Manager other highway structures.
is satisfied that the proposed
installation will not have an
adverse effect on highway Background to Standards
maintenance, safety, or
operations. Pipeline design standards are generally set
by provincial and federal agencies: the
8.9.6 Manholes Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation
and Housing in the case of pipelines which
Manholes which are located within the fall under provincial jurisdiction, and the
Clear Zone as defined in Section 5.3 must National Energy Board for those which fall
be at ground level or be designed in such a under federal jurisdiction. These regulators
way that they do not create an obstacle. generally require compliance with
standards set by the Canadian Standards
In all rural areas and in urban areas with Association, including the following
posted speeds above 60 km/h, manholes standards or their most recent update:
must not be located in the pavement, on
shoulders, or in medians. CSA-Z183-M90: Oil Pipeline Systems;
and,
The District Highways Manager may make CSA-Z184-M92: Gas Pipeline Systems
exceptions for future installations where:
y Manholes are essential;
y Manholes are not located under
wheel paths; and,
y There are two or more lanes in
each direction.

In urban areas with posted speeds of 60

km/h or less, manholes may be located in

Revised: December, 1994 Page 8.0 - 11

 Stage: 8.0 Pipelines

References
Design Manual, Highway Engineering
Branch, Ministry of Transportation and
Highways.
Gas Pipeline Systems, Standard CSA-Z184-
M92, Canadian Standards Association,
1992.
Oil Pipeline Systems, Standard CSA-Z183-
M90, Canadian Standards Association,
1990.

Revised: December, 1994 Page 8.0 - 12

Utility Manual Subject: 9.0 Water and Sewer Lines

Policy

Background to Policy

Procedure

Standards

9.1 Design
9.2 Location -- General
9.3 Location -- Lines Along Highway Right-of-Way
9.4 Crossings
9.5 Clearances
9.6 Depth of Cover
9.7 Installation on Bridges and Other Structures
9.8 Protection of Water and Sewer Lines
9.9 Appurtenances

Background to Standards

Page 9.0 - 1
Utility Manual Subject: 9.0 Water and Sewer Lines

Application

This section deals with sanitary sewer lines, storm drains, domestic water lines, and
irrigation ditches. These types of installations are referred to as "water and sewer lines"
throughout this section.

Definitions

The following definitions apply throughout this section.

y High Pressure Water Lines: Water lines which are designed to operate at
pressures greater than 1,380 kPa (200 psi).

Policy
1. Locations Where Water and
Sewer Lines Are Not Permitted
Along Highway Right-of-Way. y Along highways which are
Water and sewer installations which designated for upgrading to
run within and parallel to the freeway or expressway standard;
highway centreline generally are not and,
permitted in the following y High pressure water lines
conditions: within and parallel to any class
of highway right-of-way.
y Along freeways or expressways;
2. Multiple Lines: Collector and
distribution lines are generally
permitted on only one side of
subdivision roads.

Revised: December, 1994 Page 9.0 - 2

 Subject: 9.0 Water and Sewer Lines

3. Crossings: As a general rule, water High Pressure Lines: Failure of a high

and sewer lines can cross all pressure water line can cause extensive
highways. However, service damage to the highway structure and create
connections cannot be installed a serious hazard for highway users.
across freeway and expressway Consequently, high pressure lines are not
right-of-way. permitted along highway right-of-way.

4. Bridges and Structures: See Multiple Lines. The "single line" policy
Section 14 for policy on utility for subdivision roads is intended to
attachments to bridges and preserve limited right-of-way space and
structures. ensure that other utilities can be
accommodated.

Background to Policy Service Lines Crossing Freeways and

Expressways. The restriction on service
lines crossing freeways and expressways is
Locations where water and sewer lines are
consistent with the role of these highways.
not permitted are as follows.
Freeways and expressways do not provide
direct access to land abutting right-of-way,
Freeways and Expressways: The
and the same principle is applied to utilities.
restriction on water and sewer installations
within and parallel to freeway and
expressway right-of-way is consistent with
restrictions for all types of utilities on these Procedure
classes of highway. This policy is based on
safety considerations and the practice of See procedures for issuing utility permits in
most highway departments across North Section 16 and for utility relocation projects
America. Drivers on freeways and in Section 17.
expressways expect free-flowing traffic.
Any activity which disrupts traffic flow
(such as construction equipment operating
on the right-of-way or service vehicles
accessing work sites directly from freeway
lanes) may increase the risk of an accident.

Revised: December, 1994 Page 9.0 - 3

 Subject: 9.0 Water and Sewer Lines

Standards and instability in the event of

failure); and,
9.1 Design y Locations where it is difficult to
maintain full depth of cover.
See Section 5 for general design standards
which apply to all utility installations. Exceptions may be permitted where:

The Ministry of Transportation and y The design is approved and

Highways may prescribe design signed (or sealed) by a
requirements for water and sewer lines and Professional Engineer who is
related facilities which are to be located in experienced in the design of
highway right-of-way. water and sewer lines and is
registered in B.C. at the time a
Where the Ministry has prescribed a more permit application is submitted
stringent design requirement than other to the Ministry; and,
regulators, the Ministry's requirement will
apply. Similarly, where a regulatory y The District Highways Manager
authority requires a higher standard than is satisfied that the proposed
those required to meet the Ministry's installation will not have an
requirements, the regulator's standard will adverse effect on highway
apply. safety, operations or
maintenance.
9.2 Location -- General
9.3 Location -- Lines Along
See Section 5 for general Location and Highway Right-of-way
Alignment requirements.
9.3.1 Alignment
Conditions which are unsuitable for water
or sewer installations must be avoided. Where possible, water and sewer lines are
Examples include: to be located parallel to the highway
centreline and within 2 metres of the inside
y High embankments (because of boundary of the highway right-of-way.
the risk of settlement);
Where the highway right-of-way boundary
is irregular, the Ministry will consider a
reasonable alignment which does not affect
y Locations near bridge footings,
backslopes, drainage systems, other
culverts and retaining walls
improvements, or maintenance operations.
(because of the risk of erosion
However, every effort must be made to

Revised: December, 1994 Page 9.0 - 4

 Subject: 9.0 Water and Sewer Lines

locate water and sewer lines a consistent y The owner of the water or sewer
distance from the edge of right-of-way line has clearly demonstrated to
and/or the toe of the slope. the satisfaction of the District
Highways Manager that
9.3.2 Minimum Distance from the alternate locations (including
Highway Structure locations outside the highway
right-of-way) are not feasible
The distance between a water line or a because they involve high-risk
sewer line and the top of a cut, the toe of a locations, unacceptable
fill, or the ditch line must be sufficient to environmental hazards, or
ensure that installation and maintenance of extremely high costs.
the line will not damage the highway y The pipeline design includes
structure or interfere with highway protective caps, increased depth
maintenance and operations. of bury, or other measures
which are approved and signed
In general, this requires a minimum offset (or sealed) by a Professional
of 2 metres from the toe of the embankment Engineer who is experienced in
fills and 2 metres beyond the top edge, or the design of water and sewer
daylight point of the cut slope. lines and is registered in B.C. at
the time a permit application is
In urban areas where curb and gutter is in submitted to the Ministry; and,
place, the minimum offset generally is 2
metres from the outside edge of the curb. y Design measures proposed by
the owner of the water or sewer
line are satisfactory to the
Exceptions may be approved by the District District Highways Manager or
Highways Manager where there is a their designate.
conflict with other utilities.

9.3.3 Installation Under Ditches

No water or sewer lines are permitted under

ditch slopes and ditch bottoms except for
crossings.

Other exceptions may be considered when

all of the following conditions are met.

Revised: December, 1994 Page 9.0 - 5

 Subject: 9.0 Water and Sewer Lines

9.3.4 Installation Under the Highway congestion, traffic delays, or

Structure hazard;
y If the standard depth of bury is
Water and sewer lines can be located under not being adhered to or, in the
traveled lanes, parking lanes, sidewalks, view of the District Highways
boulevards and shoulders if all of the Manager, conditions warrant
following conditions are met: special care, the water or sewer
line design is approved and
y The owner of the water or sewer signed (or sealed) by a
line has demonstrated to the Professional Engineer who is
satisfaction of the District experienced in the design of
Highways Manager that: water and sewer lines, registered
- Physical constraints (such in B.C. at the time the permit
as rock cuts or limited right- application is submitted and
of-way width in urban areas) certifies that the design accounts
make it impossible or for conditions in the proposed
extremely expensive to location, including vehicle live
conform with standard loads; and,
offsets defined in 9.2.1 and y The District Highways Manager
9.2.2; and is satisfied that the proposed
- Use of other routes outside installation will not have an
highway right-of-way are adverse effect on highway
not feasible because safety, operations or
potential routes involve maintenance.
high-risk locations, A typical application for underground
unacceptable environmental utilities to be located in the roadway prism
hazards, or extremely high may be a urban subdivision road.
costs.
y The Ministry is not planning any
highway construction which
would modify the location
and/or profile of the roadway or
sidewalk;
y Traffic interruptions during
installation and subsequent
maintenance of the water or
sewer line will not cause
unacceptable levels of

Revised: December, 1994 Page 9.0 - 6

 Subject: 9.0 Water and Sewer Lines

9.4 Crossings that maintenance operations are not

impaired by the presence of water or sewer
9.4.1 Angle of Crossing lines or related facilities.

Water and sewer lines must cross highway Water and sewer lines must be offset from
right-of-way at an angle which is as close highway culverts and sign, signal and
as practicable to 90 degrees, considering luminaire structures by at least 0.5 metres.
the economics of practical alternatives. No
crossing will be at an angle of less than 45 9.5.2 Clearance from Other Utilities
degrees unless installation can be proved
advantageous at a lesser angle. Except in special circumstances, and where
standards are specified, the Ministry of
9.4.2 Installation of Crossings Transportation and Highways will not
prescribe minimum clearances from other
All water and sewer line crossings will be utilities. Clearances will be in accordance
bored, tunneled, jacked or directionally with the governing industry, CSA or
drilled under the highway structure using regulator standard.
equipment and methods which will not
damage the highway or affect traffic safety 9.6 Depth of Cover
and operations.
9.6.1 Depth of Bury Under the Road
Boring, tunneling and jacking must Surface
conform with standards which are set out in
Section 13 of this manual. The top of any water or sewer line or casing
must be at least 1.2 metres below the top of
Trenching will be permitted in exceptional pavement and have sufficient cover to
circumstances only when they are approved avoid freezing.
by the District Highways Manager in
accordance with Section 13 of this manual. The District Highways Manager may make
exceptions or require greater depth of bury
9.5 Clearances or additional protection in conditions
where, in their opinion, special measures
9.5.1 Clearance from Structures and are warranted by local conditions and in
Culverts order to protect the water or sewer line, the
highway structure, or public. Examples of
Minimum clearance from bridges and other special conditions include:
structures will be determined on a case by
case basis by the Regional Bridge Engineer. y When minimum depth of cover
Clearance distances will be set to ensure cannot be achieved at reasonable

Revised: December, 1994 Page 9.0 - 7

 Subject: 9.0 Water and Sewer Lines

cost and concrete caps or other Exceptions will be made only in special
measures provide a standard of circumstances and for short distances.
protection which is equivalent to Examples include:
the standard depth of bury and
are approved and signed (or y Locations where the trench is to
sealed) by a Professional be cut in solid rock; and,
Engineer who is experienced in y Locations where the presence of
the design of water and sewer other utilities makes it
lines and is registered in B.C. at impossible to comply with the
the time a permit application is standard.
submitted to the Ministry;
y When live loads from highway
9.6.3 Depth of Bury Under Ditches
traffic or maintenance and
construction equipment require
protective measures in excess of The top of water or sewer lines or their
the standard depth of bury; and, casings must be at least 1.0 metre below
design ditch bottoms (as indicated by the
y When local soil conditions District Highways Manager or their
require greater depth of bury in designate), and have sufficient cover to
order to provide adequate avoid freezing.
protection for the proposed
water or sewer line installation. The District Highways Manager may
require a greater depth of bury where
9.6.2 Where Minimum Depth of Bury conditions warrant, particularly where there
Cannot be Achieved is a possibility that ditch depth will be
The District Highways Manager may increased by scour, maintenance operations,
permit substandard depth of bury where or the need to increase ditch capacity.
necessary, provided that the water or sewer
line is protected by concrete slabs or other 9.6.4 Depth of Bury Elsewhere in the
measures which provide a standard of Right-of-Way
protection which is equivalent to the
standard depth of bury and are approved Outside the highway structure, high
and signed (or sealed) by a Professional pressure water lines and/or their casings
Engineer who is experienced in the design must be at least 1.0 metre below ground
of water and sewer lines and is registered in level. Other water and sewer lines or
B.C. at the time a permit application is casings must be at least 0.75 metres below
submitted to the Ministry. ground level. In either case, depth of cover
must be sufficient to avoid freezing.

Revised: December, 1994 Page 9.0 - 8

 Subject: 9.0 Water and Sewer Lines

The District Highways Manager may Where protective slabs are to be provided,
require a greater depth of bury or other they must be designed to meet specific site
protective measures where warranted by conditions. Bagged concrete is not
soil or slope conditions, loading from acceptable as a means of protecting water
highway facilities such as overhead sign and sewer lines.
and signal structures, and other special
conditions. 9.9 Appurtenances

9.9.1 Above-ground Markers

9.7 Installation on Bridges and
Other Structures Above-ground markers are not required for
water and sewer lines.
Standards for installations on bridges and
other structures are set out in Section 14. 9.9.2 Underground Markers

9.8 Protection of Water and Non-metallic pipe used for trunk and
distribution lines must be marked by
Sewer Lines
underground markers which make it
possible to locate the pipe using an
Where, in the Ministry's view, a water or
electronic device. Metallic tape or 12-
sewer line is vulnerable because of its
gauge copper wire may be used for this
depth, location in the roadway prism, etc.,
purpose.
the District Highways Manager may require
special protective measures which are
9.9.3 Vent Standpipes
approved and signed (or sealed) by a
Professional Engineer who is experienced
Vent standpipes must be located and
in the design of water and sewer lines and
installed in such a way that they:
is registered in B.C. at the time a permit
application is submitted to the Ministry.
y Do not interfere with right-of-
This additional protection may take the
way maintenance;
form of a reinforced concrete cap, a casing,
increased depth of cover, or pipe which is y Are consistent with Clear Zone
designed to withstand higher-than-normal standards which are set out in
loadings. The onus is on the utility owner Section 5.3; and,
to demonstrate that the design addresses y Are not concealed by
Ministry concerns related to public safety, vegetation.
highway operations and protection of
highway facilities.
The preferred location for vent standpipes
is at the edge of right-of-way.

Revised: December, 1994 Page 9.0 - 9

 Subject: 9.0 Water and Sewer Lines

y There are two or more lanes in

9.9.4 Drains each direction.

Drains are required for casings on water In urban areas with posted speeds of 60
and sewer lines. km/h or less, manholes may be located in
Drains may outfall only into facilities and the pavement provided they are not in the
locations approved by the Highway wheel path and there are two or more lanes
Environment Branch. in each direction.

9.9.5 Valves 9.9.7 Cathodic Protection

The location of valves is subject to Cathodic protection will be placed at

approval by the Ministry. locations which preclude damage to
bridges, reinforced concrete structures, and
Valves must be located below ground and other highway structures.
clear of the highway, intersections and
driveways. They must also be located in 9.9.8 Pump and Lift Stations
such a way that they will not interfere with
highway maintenance. Pump and lift stations must be located
outside of the highway right-of-way.
9.9.6 Manholes

Manholes which are located within the

Clear Zone as defined in Section 5.3 must
be at ground level or be designed in such a
way that they do not create an obstacle.

In rural areas and in urban areas with

posted speeds above 60 km/h, manholes
must not be located in the pavement, on
shoulders, or in medians.

Exceptions may be made for future

installations where:

y Manholes are essential;

y Manholes are not located under
wheel paths; and,

Revised: December, 1994 Page 9.0 - 10

 Subject: 9.0 Water and Sewer Lines

Background to Standards
The Ministry of Health is responsible for
setting standards related to water quality,
including separation of domestic water
lines from sewer lines. Compliance with
those standards is a responsibility of the
utility owner or designer, and the Ministry
of Transportation and Highways generally
does not take on the responsibility for
checking that designs meet Ministry of
Health regulations. However, where the
Ministry of Transportation and Highways
has taken on the responsibility for
designing a line which is to be relocated,
then design responsibility would include
conformance with all standards and
regulations.

Revised: December, 1994 Page 9.0 - 11

Utility Manual Subject 10.0 Overhead Power and
Communications Lines

Policy

Background to Policy

Procedure

Standards

10.1 Design
10.2 Location -- General
10.3 Location -- At the Base of Cut Slopes
10.4 Aesthetic Considerations
10.5 Location -- Lines Along Highway Right-of-Way
10.6 Crossings
10.7 Clearance
10.8 Cable Installations on Bridges and Other Structures

References

Page 10.0 - 1
Utility Manual Subject: 10.0 Overhead Power and
Communications Lines

Application

This section deals with all pole line installations and overhead cables, including:

y electric power lines

y fibre optic cable
y other communications cable
y cable television lines

Unless otherwise indicated, all voltages quoted in this section are phase-to-phase
voltages.

Policy
1. Locations Where Pole Lines are
Not Permitted: The Ministry
generally does not permit pole lines y Where lines are supported by
within highway right-of-way in the towers or multi-pole structures;
following conditions: y Where the line is rated at or
above 60 kv phase-to-phase
y Along freeways and nominal voltage;
expressways;
y In medians; or,
y Along highway right-of-way
which is expected to be y On highway right-of-way
upgraded to freeway or located below rock slopes that
expressway standard within the are identified in the Ministry's
next 20 years; Rock Slope Inventory that pose a
hazard to Ministry maintenance
operations. (See Appendix I for
locations).

2. Crossings: With the exception of

high-voltage transmission lines

Revised: December, 1994 Page 10.0 - 2

 Subject: 10.0 Overhead Power and
Communications Lines

rated at 138 kv or greater, overhead

telecommunication and electric Restrictions on pole line installations along
power line installations are right-of-way are based on the following
generally not permitted to cross considerations:
freeways or expressways.
Pole Lines Along Freeways and
3. Bridges and Other Structures: Expressways: Restrictions on the use of
See Section 14 for policy on utility freeway right-of-way for pole lines (and all
attachments to bridges and other other utilities) is based on safety
structures. considerations and the practice of most
highway departments across North
4. Single Pole Line Policy: The use America. Drivers on freeways and
of a shared structure or a single pole expressways expect high-speed, free-
by all electrical and flowing traffic. Any activity which disrupts
communications utilities is traffic flow (such as construction
encouraged and should be carried equipment and service vehicles accessing
out in accordance with the work sites directly from freeway lanes) may
Ministry's Single Pole Line Policy. increase the risk of accidents.
See Appendix I "Technical Circular
T - 12/94 Single Pole Line Policy". Pole Lines Supported by Towers and
Multi-pole Structures: Towers and multi-
5. Minimum Vertical Ground pole structures are prohibited from highway
Clearances: Ground clearances for right-of-way for aesthetic and safety
pole lines are measured: reasons. In any case, highway right-of-way
generally is not wide enough to
y for crossings - from the accommodate structures of this sort. Cost
roadway or pavement crown considerations usually make it more
directly below the crossing at economical for lines of this sort to follow a
mid-span under conditions of direct, overland route rather than highway
maximum sag; and, right-of-way.
y for pole lines parallel to the
Pole Lines in Medians: Medians generally
highway centreline - from the
are not wide enough to accommodate pole
surface of the ground directly
lines while conforming with Clear Zone
below the cable or conductor at
standards. In any event, construction and
mid-span under conditions of
maintenance vehicles entering and leaving
maximum sag.
the median from the centre lanes on a
freeway would constitute an unacceptable
Background to Policy hazard.

Revised: December, 1994 Page 10.0 - 3

 Subject: 10.0 Overhead Power and
Communications Lines

Utility Pole Lines in Rock Slope Areas: Design and construction standards for pole
Rock slopes located in the areas identified lines, overhead cable, and supporting
in the Rock Slope Inventory are considered structures must meet or exceed standards
hazardous for utility pole line installation. established by the Electrical Safety Branch,
Due to safety concerns during scaling Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Recreation
operations, the future installation of utility and Housing, the Workers' Compensation
pole lines in these areas is generally not Board, and/or other regulatory agencies
permitted. which have authority.
Where the Ministry has prescribed a more
Single Pole Line Policy: The "single pole stringent standard than other regulators, the
line" policy is part of the Ministry's effort Ministry's standard will apply. Similarly,
to accommodate as many utilities as where a regulatory authority requires a
possible in a safe and orderly manner, higher standard than those prescribed by the
within limited right-of-way. Ministry, the regulator's standard will
apply.
The "single pole line" or "shared support
structure" policy is intended to: support 10.2 Location -- General
right-of-way management objectives
through better joint-planning of facilities; See Section 5 for general Location and
promote highway safety; and ensure a more Alignment requirements.
efficient use of limited highway right-of- 10.2.1 Unsuitable Pole Locations
way.
The following conditions are unsuitable for
poles and overhead cable, and must be
Procedure avoided. Examples include:

y Locations near bridges and

See procedures for issuing utility permits in
retaining walls;
Section 16 and for utility relocation projects
in Section 17. y Locations where cables would
obscure or interfere with
overhead traffic signals and
Standards signs;

10.1 Design y Scenic look-out areas, scenic

vistas or historical sites;
See Section 5 for general design standards y Locations at or near the bottom
which apply to all utility installations. of back-slopes where poles and

Revised: December, 1994 Page 10.0 - 4

 Subject: 10.0 Overhead Power and
Communications Lines

overhead cable could interfere - where poles are required for

with slope maintenance and rock service connections;
scaling operations (this includes - where a second pole line is
the bottom, crest or face of the required to service adjacent
slope); property, and a limited
number of poles is required
y Locations which will interfere
over a short distance;
with planned installation of
- where the Electrical Safety
luminaires, traffic signals or
Act restricts the installation
other highway facilities;
of utilities on a single pole;
y Areas of known soil stability - where the utility
problems; demonstrates that all options
y Locations where pole have been considered and it
installations would interfere is in the public interest to
with visibility sight line at construct a second pole line;
intersections; and, y Where a pole line already exists
y Within the Clear Zone. but is not used for electric power
Where feasible, poles must not be located at lines, a permit may be issued to
the beginning of a curve in line with the a electric power utility to install
tangent on the approach. a second pole line. All
subsequent installations or
10.2.2 Single Pole Lines replacements must make use of
the electrical pole line. The
The following conditions apply to location Ministry will not compensate
of pole lines: utility companies for relocations
onto new pole lines;
y The single pole line policy will y Pole permits may be issued by
apply to all classes of highway the Ministry on a limited, or on
where pole lines are permitted; an interim basis for pole
y No more than one pole line will replacements that do not
generally be permitted on a conform with this policy in
section of highway right-of- anticipation of the utility
way; relocating to a single pole line.
Replacements will be
y Exceptions may be made in considered on the basis of the
certain conditions. These physical condition of the plant;
generally include:

Revised: December, 1994 Page 10.0 - 5

 Subject: 10.0 Overhead Power and
Communications Lines

y Single pole lines must be alternative location should be considered to

designed and constructed in be the permanent location for the utility
such a manner that subsequent pole line.
parties will be provided The District Highways Manager, in
equitable access to the pole line; consultation with the Manager,
Geotechnical Operations may make
y Joint venture or contact
exceptions with respect to the final location
agreements must not subject
of the pole line where, in his opinion, the
other parties to unfair and
pole line would impact scenic look-out
uncompetitive conditions, nor
areas, scenic vistas or historical sites if it is
should pole line providers
not located at the base of the rock slope.
reserve space unreasonably for
possible future needs. The Rock slope hazards occur intermittently
Ministry reserves the right to within the areas listed in the Rock Slope
invoke a dispute resolution Inventory. Therefore, all new utility pole
process of its choice to settle lines that are proposed for locations
any disagreements which may contained in the inventory should be
arise as a result of this policy; referred to Rockwork Section for an
and, assessment of the potential rock slope
y All pole lines located within the hazard in order to determine whether
area of a new highway restrictions should apply to proposed utility
construction project will be pole installations.
consolidated on a single pole
line as part of the highway The Rock Slope Inventory will be replaced
construction project. by the Rockfall Hazard Rating System
(RHRS). This system will identify the exact
locations for the entire highway system
10.3 Location -- At the Base of
where it is considered unsuitable to locate a
Cut Slopes utility pole adjacent to a high-maintenance
rock slope. This system is expected to be
Utility pole line installations are not available in 1997.
permitted at the base of rock slopes which
have been identified in the Ministry's Rock
Slope Inventory as high maintenance rock
10.4 Aesthetic Considerations
slope areas.
The design of pole lines and related
facilities must take into account the
Where it is necessary to relocate a pole line
surrounding landscape, views from the
within the highway right-of-way to
highway, and characteristics of the region.
accommodate rock-scaling work, the

Revised: December, 1994 Page 10.0 - 6

 Subject: 10.0 Overhead Power and
Communications Lines

See Section 3.7 for information on current Pole lines and overhead cables must cross
guidelines and more detailed guidelines highway rights-of-way at an angle as close
which are being developed. to 90 degrees as practicable unless
conditions of installation can be proved
advantageous at a lesser angle.
10.5 Location -- Lines Along
Highway Right-of-Way Diagonal crossings of intersections are not
permitted.
Where possible, pole lines are to be located
parallel to the highway centreline and No poles, guy lines or other facilities are
within 2 metres of the inside boundary of permitted in medians or traffic islands
the highway right-of-way. except in unusual circumstances where
there is no practical alternative. Where
The District Highways Manager or their poles or related utilities are permitted in a
designate may grant exceptions where all of median or traffic island, they must conform
the following conditions can be met: with Clear Zone standards as set out in
Section 5.3 or be adequately protected for
y Pole lines can be located outside all directions of travel.
of the Clear Zone;
y The pole line will not interfere
with the visibility sight line at
intersections; and,
y The pole line will not interfere
with future roadway work.

Where the right-of-way boundary is

irregular, the Ministry will consider a
reasonable alignment which does not affect
backslopes, drainage systems, other
improvements, or maintenance operations.
However, every effort must be made to
locate pole lines at a consistent distance
from the edge of right-of-way and the toe of
the slope.

10.6 Crossings

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 Subject: 10.0 Overhead Power and
Communications Lines

10.7 Clearance circumstances as defined in Section

5.3.
10.7.1 Minimum Distance from the
Highway Structure 4. Existing Pole Lines

1. New Installations on Open- When existing pole lines are being

Shoulder Highway replaced by the utility owner, they
must be relocated beyond the Clear
New poles, ground anchors, stub Zone distances as defined in Section
poles, and related facilities on open- 5.3, or protected by an approved
shoulder highways must be offset guardrail or other suitable and
from the highway centreline by a approved protection, in the
distance which satisfies both of the following cases:
following criteria:
On the recommendation of the
At least 2 metres beyond the toe Highway Safety Branch, based
of embankment fills and 2 on local accident history or
metres beyond the top edge or accident prevention
daylight point of the cut slope; requirements;
and, On highway reconstruction
Outside the Clear Zone distance as projects where the centreline is
defined in Section 5.3. being realigned or changes are
being made to the highway
2. New Installations on Curb and cross-section outside the
Gutter Sections shoulder edge (e.g. pavement
widening, modifications to fill
New pole lines and related facilities slopes and back-slopes, or
which are installed on curb and increasing the ditch-line offset);
gutter sections must conform with and,
Clear Zone standards as defined in Where the utility owner is
Section 5.3. replacing more than three poles
in a row.
3. Exceptions to Offset
Requirements for New The District Highways Manager
Installations may grant exceptions in the
following circumstances:
An exception to new-pole offset
requirements can be made in certain

Revised: December, 1994 Page 10.0 - 8

 Subject: 10.0 Overhead Power and
Communications Lines

Where poles and supports are electric power lines in close proximity to
located along tangents and highway traffic signals, traffic signs and
inside curves where local luminaires.
accident data shows no evidence
of off-road accidents and where
the utility owner can
demonstrate that the cost of pole
relocation, installation of
barriers, or placing cables
underground is significantly
greater than the potential
benefits from accident
reduction; or,
In the case of a highway
relocation project, where the
Highway Safety Branch has
determined that pole line
relocation will not result in a
significant improvement to
highway safety.

10.7.2 Clearance from Bridges and

Other Structures

Minimum clearance from bridges and

other structures will be determined on a
case by case basis in consultation with the
Bridge Inspection Engineer, to ensure that
maintenance operations are not impaired
by the presence of poles, cables or related
facilities.

10.7.3 Clearance from Highway

Luminaires, Signs and Traffic
Signals

Minimum clearance distances shown in

Table 10.7.3 - 1 must be maintained for

Revised: December, 1994 Page 10.0 - 9

Utility Manual Subject: 10.0 Overhead Power and
Communications Lines

Table 10.7.3 - 1 Minimum Clearance from Overhead Power Lines

to Traffic Signals, Traffic Signs and Luminaires.

Voltage Class Minimum Clearance

(Phase to Phase) (metres)
0 - 750 1.0
Over 750 to 75,000 3.0
Over 75,000 4.6
to 250,000
6.1
Over 250,000
to 500,000

Note: These clearances are established by Industrial Health and Safety Regulations, Workers'
Compensation Act.

10.7.4 Vertical Clearance crossings is measured from the roadway or

pavement crown directly under the crossing
The Ministry's requirements for minimum under conditions of maximum sag.
overhead vertical clearance above the Minimum vertical clearance for lines which
ground surface or from the pavement crown parallel the highway is measured from the
are shown in Tables 10.7.4 - 1, 10.7.4 - 2, ground line directly below the wire under
and 10.7.4 - 3. Overhead installations must conditions of maximum sag.
conform with these requirements or with
industry standards, whichever is greater. Overhead lines must not obstruct the
visibility of traffic control signals and
Minimum vertical clearance for road overhead advisory signs.

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 Subject: 10.0 Overhead Power and
Communications Lines

Table 10.7.4 - 1 Minimum Vertical Clearances

Telecommunications Cable

Location Minimum Clearance

(metres)
For crossings of freeways and 5.5
expressways. (See note.)
At intersections which are signalized or 5.5
are likely to be signalized within the next
ten years.
Where lower clearance interferes with 6.1
highway maintenance and construction
equipment, as determined by the District
Highways Manager.
5.0
Other locations.

Note: Permitted only in extraordinary situations. See statement of Pole Line Policy at the beginning
of Section 10.

Table 10.7.4 - 2 Minimum Vertical Clearance

Electrical Distribution Lines

Overhead Distribution Lines Minimum Vertical

Voltage class Clearance
(Phase-to-Ground) (metres)

0 - 750 6.1
over 750 to 22,000 6.7
over 22,000 to 50,000 7.6

Notes: Refer to Table 10.6.3 - 1 for clearances to luminaires, traffic signals and traffic signs.
Clearances include limits of approach for highway maintenance staff.

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 Subject: 10.0 Overhead Power and
Communications Lines

Table 10.7.4 - 3 Minimum Vertical Clearances

Electrical Transmission Lines Crossing Highways

Overhead Transmission Minimum Vertical

Lines Clearance
(Phase-to-Phase) (metres)
Nominal Voltage
69,000 9.6
138,000 9.9
230,000 10.5
287,000 10.9
345,000 11.2
500,000 14.2

Notes: Refer to Table 10.6.3 - 1 for clearances from traffic signals and traffic signs.
These clearances do not allow for future underbuilding.
References
10.7.5 Clearance from Other Utilities
Design Manual, Ministry of Transportation
and Highways.
The Ministry of Transportation and
Highways will generally not prescribe a Industrial Health and Safety Regulations,
minimum clearance from other utilities. Workers' Compensation Act.
Clearances will be in accordance with Technical Circular T - 12/94 Single Pole
industry standards and requirements set by Line Policy. Ministry of Transportation
utility regulators. and Highways.

10.8 Cable Installations on Rock Slope Inventory, Ministry of

Transportation and Highways.
Bridges and Other
Structures

Standards for cable installations on bridges

and other structures are set out in Section
13.

Revised: December, 1994 Page 10.0 - 12

Utility Manual Subject: 11.0 Underground Power and
Communications Lines

Policy

Background to Policy

Procedure

Standards

11.1 Design
11.2 Location -- General
11.3 Location -- Lines Along Highway Right-of-Way
11.4 Crossings
11.5 Clearances
11.6 Depth of Cover
11.7 Measures to Protect Cables
11.8 Appurtenances
11.9 Cable Installations on Bridges and Other Structures

Page 11.0 - 1
Utility Manual Subject: 11.0 Underground Power and
Communications Lines

Application

This section deals with all underground cable, including:

y electric power lines

y fibre optic cable
y other communications cable

Unless otherwise indicated, all voltages quoted in this section are phase-to-phase
voltages.

Policy
y Where the line is rated at or
1. Locations Where Underground above 60 kv phase-to-phase
Cable Installations are Not nominal voltage; and,
Permitted: The Ministry generally
does not permit underground cable y In medians.
installations along highway right-of-
way in the following conditions: 2. Crossings: Underground
transmission lines rated at or above
y Along freeways and 138 kv phase-to-phase nominal
expressways; voltages are not permitted to cross
y Along highway right-of-way highway right-of-way.
which is expected to be
upgraded to freeway or 3. Multiple Lines: Distribution lines
expressway standard within the are generally permitted on only one
next 20 years; side of highways and local roads.

4. Bridges and Structures: See

Section 14 for policy on utility
attachments to bridges and other
structures.

Revised: December, 1994 Page 11.0 - 2

 Subject: 11.0 Underground Power and
Communications Lines

Background to Policy right-of-way. Conditions for exceptions are

set out in Section 11.3.4.
Restrictions on underground cable
installations along right-of-way are based
on the following conditions: Procedure
Installations Along Freeways and See procedures for issuing utility permits in
Expressways: Restrictions on the use of Section 16 and for utility relocation projects
freeway and expressway right-of-way for in Section 17.
underground cable (and all other utilities)
are based on safety considerations and the
practice of most highway departments
across North America. Drivers on freeways Standards
and expressways expect high-speed, free-
flowing traffic. Any activity which disrupts 11.1 Design
traffic flow (such as construction
equipment and service vehicles accessing See Section 5 for general design standards
work sites directly from freeway lanes) may which apply to all utility installations.
increase the risk of an accident.
Design and construction standards for
High Voltage Transmission Lines: underground cable and related facilities
Buried cable rated at 60 kv phase-to-phase must meet or exceed standards established
or greater is prohibited from highway right- by the Electrical Safety Branch, Ministry of
of-way for safety reasons and the risk of Municipal Affairs, Recreation and Housing,
serious injury in the event that a line is the Workers' Compensation Board, and/or
severed by maintenance or construction other regulatory agencies which have
crews. authority. In the absence of other
applicable standards, standards
Cable Installations in Medians: recommended by the CSA will apply.
Construction and maintenance vehicles Where the Ministry has prescribed a more
entering and leaving the median from the stringent standard than other regulators or
centre lanes on a freeway would constitute recommended CSA standards, the
an unacceptable hazard. Ministry's standard will apply. Similarly,
where a regulatory authority requires a
Multiple Lines. The shared use of higher standard than those prescribed by the
facilities is part of the Ministry's effort to Ministry, the regulator's standard will
accommodate as many utilities as possible apply.
in a safe and orderly manner within limited

Revised: December, 1994 Page 11.0 - 3

 Subject: 11.0 Underground Power and
Communications Lines

11.2 Location -- General 11.3 Location -- Lines Along

Highway Right-of-Way
See Section 5 for general Location and
Alignment requirements. 11.3.1 Alignment

Conditions which are unsuitable for Where possible, underground cable

underground cable must be avoided. installations are to be located parallel to the
Examples include: highway centreline and within 2 metres of
the inside boundary of the highway right-
y Locations near bridges, culverts of-way.
and retaining walls;
y Locations where it is difficult to Where the highway right-of-way boundary
maintain full depth of cover; is irregular, the Ministry will consider a
reasonable alignment which does not affect
y Locations at or near the bottom backslopes, drainage systems, other
of rock slopes; improvements, or maintenance operations.
y Locations which will interfere However, every effort must be made to
with planned installation of locate cables a consistent distance from the
luminaires, traffic signals or edge of the highway right-of-way and the
other highway facilities; and, toe of slopes.
y Areas of known soil stability
11.3.2 Minimum Distance from the
problems.
Highway Structure
Exceptions may be made by the District
Cable installations must be offset a
Highways Manager where approved special
sufficient distance beyond the slope or ditch
measures are taken to protect the
line to ensure that the structural and
installation. The District Highways
operational integrity of the highway is not
Manager will specify any special
impaired. In general, this entails a
investigations or design work required for
minimum offset of 2 metres from the toe of
consideration of an exception. This may
embankment fills and 2 metres beyond the
include design reviews by a Professional
top edge or daylight point of the cut slope.
Engineer. Reasons for exceptions must be
Disturbance to the roadway embankment
documented.
and back slope are not permitted.

On curb and gutter sections, the minimum

permissible offset is generally 2 metres
from the outside edge of the curb.

Revised: December, 1994 Page 11.0 - 4

 Subject: 11.0 Underground Power and
Communications Lines

Exceptions may be approved by the District 11.3.4 Multiple Lines

Highways Manager where there is a
conflict with other utilities. Distribution lines may be permitted on both
sides of the right-of-way where soil or other
11.3.3 Installation Under Ditches, conditions are such that it is not feasible to
Medians, and the Highway bore or push lines under the roadway for
Structure service connections and where there is
ample room in the right-of-way for all other
No buried cable which parallels the utilities.
highway centreline is permitted under
ditches, medians or the highway structure The District Highways Manager may also
except where all of the following conditions permit lines on both sides of the right-of-
have been met to the District Highways way where, in their opinion: local
Manager's satisfaction: conditions make it impractical to
concentrate all underground cable on one
y The cable owner has clearly side; and, an exception will not
demonstrated that alternate compromise highway operations, safety or
locations (including locations maintenance.
outside the right-of-way) are not
feasible because they involve 11.4 Crossings
high-risk locations,
unacceptable environmental 11.4.1 Angle of Crossing
hazards, or extremely high
costs; Underground cables must cross highway
y Installation plans include rights-of-way at an angle as close to 90
protective caps, increased depth degrees as practicable unless installation
of bury, or other measures can be proved advantageous at a lesser
which are approved and signed angle.
(or sealed) by a Professional
Engineer who is experienced in Diagonal crossings of intersections are not
underground cable design and is permitted.
registered in B.C. at the time the
permit application is submitted 11.4.2 Installation of Crossings
to the Ministry; and,
Cable crossings must be bored, jacked or
y The special design measures directionally drilled under the highway
proposed by the cable owner are structure using equipment and methods
satisfactory to the Ministry.

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 Subject: 11.0 Underground Power and
Communications Lines

which will not damage the highway or that excavations do not affect
affect traffic safety and operations. the stability of footings.

Boring, tunneling and jacking must 11.5.2 Clearance from Other Utilities
conform with standards which are set out in
Section 13 of this manual. The Ministry of Transportation and
Highways generally will not prescribe a
Trenching will be permitted in exceptional minimum clearance from other utilities.
circumstances only when it is approved by Clearances must be in accordance with
the District Highways Manager in industry standards and with requirements
accordance with Section 13 of this manual. established by regulators.

Cables may not be run through the 11.6 Depth of Cover

Ministry's highway culverts, even on a
temporary basis. Electric power installations,
telecommunications cable, ducts, conduits
11.5 Clearances and casings must conform with minimum
depths of bury prescribed in
11.5.1 Clearance from Bridges and Table 11.6 - 1.
Other Structures Greater depth of cover may be required by
the Ministry where conditions warrant,
Minimum clearance from bridges and other particularly in the following cases:
structures will be determined on a case by
case basis after consultation with: y Where the existing ditch is
substandard (i.e. the elevation of
y The Bridge Inspection Engineer, the ditch bottom is higher than
to ensure that maintenance the elevation of a "design ditch"
operations are not impaired by which meets Ministry standards
the presence of cables or related as defined by the District
facilities; and, Highways Manager or their
designate);
y The Regional Geotechnical and
Materials Engineer, to ensure

Revised: December, 1994 Page 11.0 - 6

 Subject: 11.0 Underground Power and
Communications Lines

Table 11.6 - 1 Minimum Depth of Bury

for Underground Cable and Related Facilities

Type of Utility Under Pavement Under Design Elsewhere in the

and Shoulders Ditch Inverts right-of-way
Electric power cable 1.2 m 1.0 m 1.0 m
Fibre optics cable 1.2 m 0.75 m 0.75 m
Other telecommunications 1.2 m 0.75 m 0.75 m
cable

y Where there is potential for Where protective slabs are to be provided,

scour, maintenance operations, they will be designed to meet specific site
or the need to increase ditch conditions. Bagged concrete is not
capacity; acceptable as a means of protecting cables
which are buried at substandard depth.
y Where changes to vertical
alignment of the highway are
planned; and, 11.7 Measures to Protect Cables
y Where footings for sign 11.7.1 Casing Requirements
structures or other roadway
facilities on the side of the Cables must be protected with ducts,
highway require greater cover. conduits or concrete slabs of a design
Reduced cover may be permitted where which is acceptable to the Ministry in
necessary provided that the installation is situations where, in the Ministry's view, the
protected by concrete slabs or other lines are vulnerable because of their
measures which are satisfactory to the location or depth of bury.
Ministry. These exceptions will be made
only in special circumstances (e.g. where The following are examples of conditions
the trench is cut in solid rock or where the where casings of this sort may be required:
presence of other utilities makes it
impossible to meet the standard) and only y For crossings of freeways,
for short distances. expressways, and other
controlled-access highways and

Revised: December, 1994 Page 11.0 - 7

 Subject: 11.0 Underground Power and
Communications Lines

in other situations where installations that run parallel to the

trenched construction is not centreline of the highway.
permitted;
Standard markers which have been
y To provide protection from
approved by the District Highways
external loads or shock, either
Manager must be used. The following
during or after construction of
information must appear on the marker:
the highway; and,
warning notice; the type of installation;
y In the vicinity of bridge name of the operating company; and an
footings, pole footings or emergency telephone response number.
pedestals, and other highway
structures. 11.8.2 Underground Markers
Where future highway requirements or
limited right-of-way width leave limited An underground marker must be installed
space for utilities, the Ministry may require with any fibre optic cable which does not
cable owners to install additional duct include a metallic tracer line. The marker
capacity to accommodate other users. must make it possible to locate the line with
a readily available electronic device.
11.7.2 Length of Casings Metallic tape of 12-gauge copper wire may
be used for this purpose.
Where ducts or conduits are used for road
crossings, they must extend at least 3 Where electric power cable, fibre optic
metres beyond the toe of fills, the back of cable or a conduit is installed by ploughing
the ditch line, or the outside of curbs unless or trenching, a plastic warning tape must be
the utility owner demonstrates that a shorter spread above the cable at a suitable depth
length is consistent with site conditions. below ground surface. The warning tape
used by the applicant must be of a type,
11.8 Appurtenances width, durability, and colour which is
commonly used in the industry.
11.8.1 Above-ground Markers
11.8.3 Manholes
Above-ground markers are required in rural
locations (generally where there is open Manholes which are located within the
drainage along the highway) for electric Clear Zone as defined in Section 5.3 must
power cable and fibre optic cable. be at ground level or be designed in such a
way that they do not create an obstacle.
Where required, markers must be placed at
both ends of crossings at the right-of-way In all rural areas and in urban areas with
edge and at 200-metre intervals for posted speeds above 60 km/h, manholes

Revised: December, 1994 Page 11.0 - 8

 Subject: 11.0 Underground Power and
Communications Lines

must not be located in the pavement, on 11.9 Cable Installations on

shoulders, or in medians. Bridges and Other
Structures
Exceptions may be made for future
installations where:
Standards for cable installations on bridges
y Manholes are essential;
and other structures are set out in Section
y Manholes are not located under 14.
wheel paths; and,
y There are two or more lanes in
each direction.

In urban areas with posted speeds of 60

km/h or less, manholes may be located in
the pavement provided they are not in the
wheel path and there are two or more lanes
in each direction.

11.8.4 Pedestals

Pedestals or other above-ground

appurtenances installed as part of buried
cable facility must be located: immediately
inside the right-of-way boundary; well
outside highway maintenance areas; and
outside of the Clear Zone as defined in
Section 5.3

Revised: December, 1994 Page 11.0 - 9

Utility Manual Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

Definitions

Policy

Background to Policy

Procedures
12.1 Locations on Right-of-Way Lands
12.2 Locations on Ministry Structures
12.3 Exposure to Radiofrequency Fields
12.4 Master Use (Operating) Agreement Required
12.5 Site Permit
12.5.1 Site Permits
12.5.2 Site Permit Review Process
12.5.3 Site Permit Application Checklist
12.5.4 Site Permit Referrals
12.5.5 Site Permit Numbering
12.5.6 Shared Structures
12.6 Wireless Communications Site Fee
12.6.1 Fee Criteria
12.6.2 Fee Calculation
12.6.3 Fee Payment
12.7 Exceptions to this Policy
12.7.1 BCBC Agreement
Standards
12.8 Landscape and Aesthetic Design Requirements
12.9 Roadside Locations
12.10 Non-Highway Sites
12.11 Structures: Bridges and Poles (signs and lighting)
12.11.1 General
12.11.2 Installation on Bridge Structures
12.11.3 Installation on Sign Structures
12.11.4 Installation on Lighting Poles

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 1

 Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

Definitions
The following definitions apply throughout this section.

Equipment means the transmission and reception antennas, apparatus, fixtures, conduits,
attachments, cables, wires, shelters, cabinets, and other appurtenances and structures
comprising the Wireless Communications Facility.

Fee means that annual amount payable by the Company as calculated in accordance with
the terms set out in the schedule of fees in the Master Use (Operating) Agreement.

Ministry Structure means, but is not limited to, buildings, bridges, towers, tunnels, sign
and lighting structures or video poles.

Right-of-Way Lands means portions of the highways under the jurisdiction of the
Ministry of Transportation and Highways excluding the travelled portions and includes
Ministry structures situated thereon.

Sites means the portions of the Right-of-Way Lands and the Ministry Structures that may
be designated from time to time as locations for a Wireless Communications Facility and
is set out on the plans appended to the Site Permits and Site means any one of such Sites.
For the purpose of this section, a site could consist of a tower or structure used to mount
antennas, with or without related equipment located at ground level adjacent to the
structure. A site may also be a structure where several antennas are located in various
locations on or in structure but are all connected to one central equipment cabinet or
shelter. Where a Ministry structure is used as a Site, the structure will be deemed to be a
separate Site for each wireless communications company regardless of the configuration
of equipment.

Site Activities means the activities of the Company on the Sites related to the installation,
maintenance and operation of the Wireless Communications Facility, including the
installation, construction, repair, replacement, relocation, maintenance, operation,
dismantling and removal and restoration of the Wireless Communications Facility.

Site Permit means the instrument, setting out the grant of the non exclusive licence of
use and occupation of the site and incorporating the terms and conditions of the Master
Use (Operating) Agreement.

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 2

 Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

Wireless Communications Facility means the configuration of Equipment installed,

maintained and operated at the Site for the purpose of providing wireless communications
services.

Policy 4. Exposure to Radiofrequency Fields.

All wireless communications Sites
1. Applicable to New Installations Only. installed, maintained and operated on
Policy, procedures and standards in this Right-of-Way Lands, shall comply with
Section apply only to the installation, the recommendations described in
maintenance and operation of new Health Canada Safety Code 6, Limits of
Wireless Communications Facilities. Exposure to Radiofrequency Fields at
Frequencies from 10kHz - 100GHz.
2. Locations on Right-of-Way Lands.
Except where otherwise noted, the
installation, maintenance and operation
of Wireless Communications Facilities
are generally permitted on all Right-of-
Way Lands including all classes of
highways where the use will not impact
the safety of the highway user, Ministry
employees or their contractors, or is an
impediment to the operation and use of
the highway.

3. Sites Permitted on Highway

Structures. Except where otherwise
noted, the installation, maintenance and
operation of Wireless Communications
Facilities are generally permitted on
highway structures where the use will
not impact the physical integrity or the
intended use of the structure, the safety
of the highway user, Ministry
employees or their contractors, or is an
impediment to the operation and use of
the highway.

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 3

 Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

5. Master Use (Operating) Agreement

Required. A signed Master Use
(Operating) Agreement between the
Ministry and the wireless
communications company is required
prior to the approval of any Site Permits
for the installation, maintenance and
operation of Wireless Communications
Facilities on Right-of-Way Lands.

6. Site Permit required. A Ministry

permit, H1026 Permission to Install,
Maintain and Operate Utility Works on
Right-of-Way Lands is required for the
installation, maintenance and operation
of the Wireless Communications
Facility on Right-of-Way Lands under
the jurisdiction and control of the
Ministry.

7. Wireless Communications Sites

subject to a Fee. A fee, as outlined in
the Fee Schedule contained in
Appendix A of the Master Use
(Operating) Agreement will be paid by
the Company to the Ministry for the use
of Right-of-Way Lands for the
installation, maintenance and operation
of a Wireless Communications Facility.

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 4

 Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

Background to Policy of communications can be supplied or are

proposed. The more common at this time
Communications companies utilizing are voice and paging systems.
wireless communications technology
require site specific locations on highway
right-of-way to install, maintain and operate
wireless communications facilities that will
provide continuous communications
coverage over a defined geographic area.
Locations on highway right-of-way are
required because of gaps in
communications coverage (bridges, tunnels,
topography) while using the highway and
also because of the highways proximity to
population concentrations.

Wireless communications sites consist of a

single or group of small antennas mounted
on a structure. Because of their compact
size it may also be possible to mount
antennas on Ministry structures such as
buildings, bridges, tunnels, sign or lighting
structures/bridges or video poles. The
wireless communications structure will
vary in size ranging from a utility pole to
larger towers depending on the area of
coverage which is planned for the site.
Related equipment cabinets may be
installed at or adjacent to the Site.

Two different technologies are being used

for wireless communication: personal
communications systems (PCS) which is a
digital technology; and, the cellular or
analog technology. These systems may be
integrated or used as separate systems.
Several types

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 5

 Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

The Ministry recognizes the potential impact the proposed site during the
benefits for permitting these stand alone permit review and approval process.
sites on Right-of-Way Lands both in terms
of a direct benefit to the traveling public as The Wireless Communications Facility
well as the potential indirect benefits to the is to be installed, maintained and
Ministry through the shared use of the operated in a manner which complies
wireless structures for Ministry purposes. with Ministry standards and directives
which have been established to protect
the traveling public and highway
Procedures facility.

12.1. Locations on Right-of-Way Lands. The Wireless Communications Facility

is to be installed, maintained and
Wireless communications Sites are operated in such a manner that if it is
permitted in the following locations. damaged or there is an emergency
related to the wireless communications
Wireless communications sites are facility, any service or repair activities
permitted on all titled and untitled lands will not impact the operation and use of
under the jurisdiction and control of the the highway facility.
Ministry.
The operation of the Wireless
Wireless communications sites are Communications Facility will comply
permitted on all classes of highways with the safety requirements prescribed
including freeways and expressways by the Ministry.
where, in the opinion of the District
Highways Manager, the installation, The Wireless Communications Facility
maintenance and operation of the shall be landscaped in accordance with
facility does not impact the use and the standards and guidelines prescribed
operation of the highway. by the Ministry.

The following criteria should be considered

when reviewing an application for location 12.2. Locations on Ministry Structures
on a highway.
Wireless communications facilities may be
Industry applicants should be advised of located on Ministry structures. Small low
the status of individual properties, powered wireless communications
including possible disposition or equipment can be placed on or in Ministry
proposed improvements which may structures to fill gaps in communications
coverage if the equipment does not impact
the operational life and use of the structure.

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 6

 Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

The following criteria should be considered at Frequencies from 10 kHz - 300 GHz,
when reviewing an application for location Safety Code 6 Guidelines are adopted
on a structure. as Ministry standards for this purpose.

Small compact equipment that Applications for wireless

comprises the wireless communications communications sites will confirm that
facility, which are installed, maintained the design of the facility complies with
and operated according to Ministry Health Canada guidelines.
directives and requirements should have
minimal impact on the Ministry
structure and use of the highway
facility.

The wireless communications facility

shall be installed in such a manner that
if it is damaged or is in need of
emergency repair there will be no
impact on the operation and use of the
Ministry structure.

12.3. Exposure to Radiofrequency Fields

The safety of the public and Ministry

employees is critical in the location and
operation of Wireless Communications
Facilities. When a Wireless
Communications Facility is located on
Right-of-Way Lands the operation will be
carried out in a manner that ensures that
neither the public or Ministry employees
are exposed to excessive levels of
Radiofrequency energy. The following
safety requirements must be followed by
the applicant.

Safety guidelines for the installation,

maintenance and operation of Wireless
Communications Facilities as outlined
in the Health Canada publication Limits
of Exposure to Radiofrequency Fields

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 7

 Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

12.4. Master Use (Operating) communications Site on Right-of-Way

Agreement Required. Lands.

The Agreement has been introduced to The Director of Construction and

provide general terms and conditions for Maintenance Branch is responsible for
the installation, maintenance and operation the administration of the Master Use
on Wireless Communications Facilities on (Operating) Agreements. The contact
Right-of-Way Lands. The Agreement has position for the Agreements is the
been developed because of the complexity Manager, Operations Policy,
of issues associated with the placement and Construction and Maintenance Branch.
use of this type of facility in a range of
possible locations. A signed Agreement 12.5 Site Permit Required.
confirms that the Company has agreed to
terms and conditions set by the Ministry. Each Highways District will issue a Site
The following administrative procedures Permit for wireless communications sites
apply. located in their District.

The installation, maintenance and The District Highways Manager will

operation of Wireless Communications ensure that a signed Master Use
Facilities on Right-of-Way Lands (Operating) Agreement in place
including Ministry structures will be in between the Ministry and Company
accordance with the terms and prior to approving a Site Permit for a
conditions set by the Ministry and Wireless Communications Facility in
agreed to by the wireless their District.
communications company in a Master
Use (Operating) Agreement. A Ministry Permit H1026 Permission
to Install, Maintain and Operate Utility
A signed Master Use (Operating) Works on Right-of-Way Lands is
Agreement between the Ministry of required for each wireless
Transportation and Highways and the communications site.
wireless communications company is
required prior to approval of any Site The Master Use (Operating) Agreement
Permits for the installation, and Site Permit are to be used
maintenance and operation of wireless conjunctively when approving a
communications facilities on Right-of- wireless communications site.
Way Lands.
Ministry Site Permit H1026 is available
The Agreement specifies that a Site in an electronic format only, and is
Permit is required for the installation, located on the Ministrys Public Drive
maintenance and operation of a wireless at:

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 8

 Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

FS_Public_Files@SVRHQ_CONS01 change the facility; or, (2) the number

@Servers\Freedom\Formsmgt\H- of antennas has been increased or
Forms\H1026.DOT decreased either by the Company or a
sublicensee at the site.
Two copies of the H1026 form, which
are dated and signed by the District A Site Permit is required by the
Highways Manager are to be forwarded wireless communications company
to the Company Representative for when the company occupies space on a
signature. One copy is to be returned to non-wireless structure (a hydro
the Highways District office. The Site transmission tower, utility pole or
Permit takes effect on the date that it is platform) which is located on Right-of-
signed by the Company Representative. Way Lands regardless of whether all or
a portion of the Wireless
12.5.1 Site Permits Communications Facility is located on
the structure. The wireless
Site Permits will be issued or amended in communications company will be
the following manner. responsible for obtaining a Site Permit
to locate on the non-wireless structure.
A Site Permit is required for each
wireless communications site. 12.5.2 Site Permit Review Process

Only one Site Permit will be issued for The following Site Permit review process
each wireless communication site. A should generally be used.
Site Permit will only be issued to the
wireless communications company that 1. Applicant submits completed H20
establishes a Site. Any subsequent Application for Permission to
wireless companies that propose to Construct Works Within Highway
share the Site will be deemed a Right-of-Way:
sublicensee to the Company that has
obtained the Site Permit. District office to carry out all
preliminary permit application referrals.
All subsequent changes to the Site by
the Company or any sublicensee to the 2. The District office will notify the
Company will require an amendment to applicant within thirty (30) days of the
the Site Permit issued to the Company. receipt of the application:

An amended Site Permit will be as to whether the site is suitable for the
required when: (1) in the opinion of the intended use (grant preliminary layout
District Highways Manager alterations approval);
or modifications to the site materially

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 9

 Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

advise the applicant at this time if the

Ministry requires the site to be occupied 2. Drawing Information
on a shared basis. - The location and area required for
the Site on Right-of-Way Lands
3. If the proposed site is located on or in a - The specifications and layout of all
Ministry structure or a high the Equipment
maintenance area where additional - The power output from each
technical information is required: antenna and the total output from
the Site in units of measurement
refer detailed permit information to used in the Health Canada Safety
those sections of the Ministry indicated Code 6, Limits of Exposure to
for review and approval. (see Section Radiofrequency Fields at
12.5.4 Site Permit Referrals); Frequencies from 10kHz-100GHz
- The location, type and height of the
the Ministry may be required to supply proposed tower or structure used
further technical specifications and - A detailed description and location
requirements to the applicant to prepare of all utility connections to the Site
a final plan for the development of the - Proposed landscaping
Site. improvements

4. If no further technical or operational 3. Location on or in a Ministry

review is required, the Ministry will Structure
issue a form H1026 Permission to - Description of the Equipment to be
Install, Maintain and Operate Utility located on or in a Ministry structure
Works on Right-of-Way Lands to the - The location and method of
applicant. placement or attachment of the
Equipment to the Ministry structure.
12.5.3 Site Permit Application
Checklist 4. Other
- Description of any wireless
The following information is required as communications equipment
part of a Site Permit application. currently at the Site or in the
immediate vicinity of the Site
1. Administration - Method and frequency of access to
- Company Name, address and phone the site
number - any non-proprietary information
- Company Representative that may be requested by the
(completing the application) District Highways Manager in
- Company Representatives phone connection with the installation,
number maintenance and operation of the

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 10

 Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

Wireless Communications Facility if the proposed Site impacts Ministry

as it may impact the Ministrys staff, agents or contractors in their role
radio communications or electrical of providing maintenance or support to
equipment or the operation and use an adjacent Ministry facility or
of a highway facility or Ministry installation.
structure.
2. Regional Property Agent.
5. Signatures Wireless communications sites are
Drawings that form part of the Site permitted on all Right-of-Way Lands which
Permit Application will be signed by are defined as all titled and untitled land
the following Company Representatives under the jurisdiction and control of the
including: A Civil Engineer; Electrical Ministry of Transportation and Highways.
Engineer; and, Radio Frequency Where confirmation of the existing and
Engineer who are experienced in the future status of Right-of-Way Lands is
design of wireless communications necessary, applications will be referred to
facilities and are registered in British the Regional Property Agent who will:
Columbia at the time the Site Permit
Application is submitted. will confirm status of lands where
wireless Sites are proposed.
12.5.4 Site Permit Referrals
3. Manager, Electrical Engineering. Site
1. Radio and Electronics Section. All Permit applications should be referred to
Site Permit applications to install, maintain the Manager, Electrical Engineering, South
and operate a wireless communications Coast Region to ensure the following
facility will be referred to the Radio and requirements are addressed:
Electronics Section, Construction and
Maintenance Branch who will review the if the wireless communications site is
application for the following: located on or in a Ministry structure,
refer to the Manager, Electrical
if the Site interferes with the Ministrys Engineering to ensure that works
radio communications system or any comply with Ministry electrical
other electrical or mechanical operation standards and that final drawings
associated with a Ministry facility or submitted from the applicant have been
installation; completed to Ministry electrical
drawing standards; and,
if the Site is, or may be required for a
Ministry radio communications facility; if the proposed Site is near a Ministry
and, structure or intersection, where it may
interfere with worker safety or traffic
(visual impediments), refer to the

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 11

 Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

Manager, Electrical Engineering for 6. Planning and Programming. Referral

information purposes. for information purposes.

The Manager, Electrical Engineering, South 7. Local government.

Coast provides guidelines and information Referral for information purposes.
on a Province wide basis.

4. Electrical District Manager 12.5.5 Site Permit Numbering

Highway District to forward Site Permit The following Site Permit number system
to the Electrical District Manager for will be used for wireless communications
information purposes. The Electrical sites.
District should also be advised of
scheduled work at the wireless Add the following permit code for
communications site. Wireless Communications Sites to the
Development Approvals System (DAS):
5. Regional Bridge Engineer. PER_DC

All Site Permit applications that are The fee for the wireless
proposed for Ministry structures will be communications site will be based on
referred to the Regional Bridge Engineer the number of antennas located at the
who will review the aplication for the Site by the Company. An additional fee
following: will be added for the number of
antennas located on the site by each of
assess the integrity of the structure to the sublicensees. Add a Note Field to
support to wireless equipment and record the number of antennas located
outline modifications such as mounting at the Site by the Company as well as
methods and materials, location etc. the number of antennas for each
where a wireless site can be sublicensee located at the Site in
accommodated; and, Schedule 2 for Permit Form H1026.

where a wireless company has proposed The Site Permit number will be used for
a wireless communications site on a subsequent Site Permit amendments by
light structure, sign bridge etc., in any a chronological change to the first digit
location in the province, the South to the right of the decimal place in the
Coast Regional Bridge Seismic permit number. For example, in Lower
Engineer shall be consulted on technical Mainland District the initial Site Permit
issues. number to install, maintain and operate
wireless communications facility would
be 0106xxxxx.0. If the company

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 12

 Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

changes the number of antennas located other wireless companies of their

at the Site an amended permit would be intention to share/not share the site. If
issued with the permit number no other company expresses an interest
0106xxxxx.1. If a sublicensee locates in the site or the applicant has not
at the Site, which adds additional received confirmation in writing from
antennas to the Site, the amended other wireless companies within 30
permit number will be 0106xxxxx.2, days from the date from the initial
and so on. expression of interest to other wireless
companies, the Ministry will then
12.5.6 Shared Structures proceed to review the application for a
Site Permit.
Wherever possible, wireless
communications companies should be The Ministry will not approve
encouraged to share support structures. subsequent applications from other
wireless communications companies to
Where alignments are critical, or space on develop a facility if they have been
Ministry structures is limited, wireless previously contacted by the applicant to
companies will be required to share develop a facility at this location unless
wireless sites. Districts will identify these Site is developed on a shared structure
critical locations when providing basis.
preliminary layout approval for wireless
sites. Where the Ministry designates a site Where a subsequent company enters into an
as shared use or occupation only, the agreement with the Company as a
following procedure will apply. sublicensee to share the use of the Site, the
Company which holds the Site Permit will
The District will identify locations that make application to amend the existing Site
are to be developed on a shared basis Permit. No additional permits will be
and advise wireless companies at the issued for the use of the Site. The
time of application of the shared following information will be included in
structure status of the proposed site. Schedule 2 of the amended Permit:

The first applicant for a shared site will - the name and address of the
coordinate the interests of other Sublicensee;
wireless communications companies - a contact name, address and phone
which are in the wireless number of the sublicensee;
communications business at the time the - changes, additions, alterations and
application is made. removal of equipment at the Site;
- the number of antennas installed at the
The applicant will provide to the Site by the Sublicensee;
Ministry written confirmation from

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 13

 Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

- proposed location of utility services; 12.6.1 Fee Criteria

and,
- any other non-proprietary information The fees set for the use of the Site will
required by the District. be in accordance with the amounts set
in Schedule A Fees of the Master Use
(Operating) Agreement with the
12.6 Wireless Communications Site wireless communications company.
Fee.
The annual Fee for a Site will be
The Company will be required to pay to prorated for the first year and be
the Ministry a fee for each wireless payable within fourteen days of the Site
communications Site located on Right- Permit being signed by the Company
of-Way Lands. and issued by the Ministry.

The Fee required for any portion of a

month will be treated as a fee for
one/twelfth (1/12) of the annual Fee.

The annual Fee payable to the Ministry

will be paid on the first day of April for
each calendar year.

The amount owing from each wireless

company will be confirmed through an
audit of Site Permits issued and will be
carried out by the Director,
Construction and Maintenance Branch.

The Companys Fee shall be

automatically increased if the number of
antennas is increased at the Site to a
higher category.

Where the Company has sublicenced

the Site, the Company will pay to the
Ministry, in addition to the Companys
own Site Permit fee, an amount
equivalent to twenty-five (25) percent
of the Site Permit fee that would have
been paid by the Sublicensee for their

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 14

 Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

own site. The additional fee to be paid Ministry within the boundaries of the
by the Company for each Sublicensee is Capital Regional District (CRD),
based on Site criteria specified in Greater Vancouver Regional District
Section 12.6.2 and forms part of the (GVRD), and the Fraser Valley
total Site Permit fee payable by the Regional District (FVRD).
Company.
Zone 2 is comprised of all Right-of-
Where the Company elects to install, Way Lands under the jurisdiction of the
maintain and operate its facilities on a Ministry within the boundaries of
structure which belongs to a non- municipalities within the Province of
Wireless Communications Company, British Columbia which have a
and where the non-Wireless population of 50,000 or more as
Communications Company has a Permit identified in the 1996 Canadian Census.
to locate on and use Right-of-Way
Lands, the Wireless Communications Zone 3 is comprised of all Right-of-
Company will pay the Ministry twenty- Way Lands under the jurisdiction of the
five (25) per cent of the annual Site Ministry which are not included in Zone
Permit Fee that would be normally paid 1 and 2.
to the Ministry. The Site Permit Fee
paid by the Wireless Communications 2. For the purposes of a Fee calculation
Company to the Ministry is based on the annual Fee paid by the Company
the site criteria specified in Section will be determined by the total number
12.6.2. of antennas installed by the Company
and each sublicensee at the Site.
12.6.2 Fee Calculation
3. For the purposes of a Fee calculation
The Fee for a Site will be based on the the annual Fee paid by the Company
following three factors: (1) geographic will be determined on the basis of
location, (2) the total number of antennas whether or not the Companys
located at the Site; and, (3) if the Wireless Equipment is attached, mounted or
Communications Facility is attached, installed in, or on a Ministry Structure.
mounted or installed on or in a Ministry
Structure. 12.6.3 Fee Payment

1. The Province shall be divided into the The following payment proceedures are to
following zones for the purposes of a used.
Fee calculation:
The Site Permit Fee will be based on
Zone 1 is comprised of all Right-of- the location and equipment installed at
Way Lands under the jurisdiction of the the Site as outlined in the Ministry Site

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 15

 Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

Permit H1026 Permission To Install, Provinces GST registration number is

Maintain and Operate Utility Works on R107864738. The Site Permit Fee is
Right-of-Way Lands. not subject to Social Services Tax
(PST).
The Fee will be calculated by the
Company as per the criteria contained The Ministry will audit all Site Permit
in Schedule A of the Master on an annual basis to confirm payment
(Operating) Agreement and outlined in of fees.
Section 12.6.2 of this section.

The initial Site Permit Fee and the 12.7 Exceptions to this policy
Companys annual Fee will be paid by
the dates specified in the Master 12.7.1 BCBC Agreement
(Operating) Agreement to the Director,
Construction and Maintenance Branch, The following will apply where the British
Ministry of Transportation and Columbia Buildings Corporation (BCBC)
Highways, Province of British has an interest in buildings located on
Columbia P.O. Box 9850 STN PROV Right-of-Way Lands under the jurisdiction
GOVT, Victoria, B.C. V8W 9T5. and control of the Ministry.

The initial Site Permit Fee payment, to Where a building and Right of Way
be made payable to the Ministry of Land are owned by MOTH but BCBC
Finance will include a copy of the Site may or may not be providing building
Permit containing: the Site Permit maintenance services and billing the
Number; site location; and, number of Ministry as part of the Building
antennas located at the Site. Occupancy Charge (BOC). the Ministry
will enter into an agreement directly
The Company will make one annual with the wireless communications
Fee payment for all of its established company. No referral to BCBC is
Sites located on Right-of-Way Lands. required and the Ministry will retain
The payment will include the following revenue for the installation,
information: an itemized listing of Sites maintenance and operation of the
containing the Site Permit Number, site Wireless Communications Facility on
locations, total number of antennas at the lands or building. Examples where
each site and the total amount payable this may occur include, but are not
for each of the Companys Sites. limited to Weigh Scales, Rest Areas,
Toll Plazas etc.
Payment of the Goods and Services Tax
(GST) is required, and the GST owing Where the Right-of-Way Lands are
will be in addition to the Site Fee. The under the jurisdiction and control of the

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 16

 Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

Ministry but the building situated on the The Company is requested to make the
Right-of-Way Lands is owned by wireless communication Site as
BCBC but occupied by MOTH, BCBC inconspicuous as reasonably possible
will enter into an agreement on behalf and to ensure a design that is visually
of the Ministry with the wireless compatible with the visual quality of the
communications company to develop a highway corridor and adjacent land
Site on either the building or lands on uses.
which the building is located. BCBC
will refer the application to local Facility locations should be selected
District Highways Manager for review that require minimum site disturbance.
and approval prior to entering into a
lease with the wireless communications To the greatest extent possible, towers,
company. BCBC will retain revenue poles or any other similar structure
from the lease. required to mount or place antennas or
other similar equipment required to
Standards operate the wireless communications
facility shall not be of a height, bulk or
12.8 Landscape and Aesthetic Design size which is in excess of Ministry or
Requirements utility installations that are typically
located on highway right-of -way. As a
The proposed Site must comly with general rule, no portion of the wireless
Ministry aesthetic guidelines. Facilities facility should exceed a maximum
may be permitted if site design can be height of twenty (20) metres above
developed or modified to reduce adverse natural ground.
visual effects. Facilities must also be
compatible with community desires; no To the maximum extent possible,
facilities should be located in areas which existing vegetation shall be preserved to
are objectionable to the local community. provide visual screens and buffers.
facilities should not create a visual element
that would be an unwarranted distraction to New or replacement planting, and other
neighbouring property owners and the visual screening treatments required by
traveling public. Above ground equipment the Ministry will be planted and
shelters or huts should blend into the properly maintained by the Company
surrounding area as much as feasible. for a period of one year.
Antenna designs should be innovative so as
not to attract special attention. The Sites shall not be located, designated or
following aesthetic guidelines will apply. proposed on highways which are
deemed to have high scenic qualities.

12.9 Roadside Locations

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 17

 Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

- all utility services to the wireless

The following standards will apply where communications site (electrical and
wireless communications Sites are communications) will be installed
installed, maintained and operated at underground from the edge of the right-
roadside locations. of-way boundary to the wireless
communications site.
All wireless communications sites shall
be located outside of the Clear Zone as Where the Site is located on a highway
outlined in the Ministry of which is not a freeway or expressway,
Transportation and Highway Highway approval in advance from the District
Engineering Design Manual Section Highways Manager is required to
400. access the site to construct, maintain
and operate the Wireless
Where a Site is located on a freeway or Communications Facility.
expressway, the following access
guidelines for the construction, Maintenance pullouts shall be located in
maintenance and operation of a a manner where acceleration and
Wireless Communications Facility shall deceleration from the traveled way can
apply: be safely achieved.

- access to the site will be from the local 12.10 Non-Highway Sites (yards,
road or street network or adjacent compounds, parking lots,
frontage roads; or obtain approval from buildings)
adjacent property owners to allow
access through adjacent public or The following standards will apply where
private property, and where access is wireless communications sites are not
gained to highway right-of-way in this constructed, maintained or operated at
manner, the Company will be required roadside locations.
to maintain a locked gate at their access
point. Wind and seismic loading calculations
- access to a site cannot be from the and foundation designs of new towers
outside radius of a curve for an on/off will be approved and signed (or sealed)
ramp at an interchange; by a Professional Engineer who is
- all above ground obstructions experienced in the design of wireless
including facilities and equipment at the communications sites and is registered
site as well as parked service vehicles in B.C. at the time the permit
will be located outside of the sight application is submitted.
distance line or clear zone, which ever Unless other site protection is required
is greater; and, in the Health Canada Limits of
Exposure to Radiofrequency Fields at

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 18

 Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

Frequencies from 10kHz -300GHz exception is approved, the space(s) shall

Safety Code 6 Guidelines, standard be those that least impact the facility.
steel post barrier protection of a
wireless communications site will be All designs which call for the placement
required. A minimum of 4 guard posts, of components of a Wireless
no less than 2.5 metres in length will be Communications Facility on a Ministry
installed surrounding any new towers or building must be approved and signed
poles erected at non-highway sites. (or sealed) by a Professional Engineer
Posts will be no less than 150 mm in who is experienced in the design of
diameter, and made of schedules 40 Wireless Communications Facilities.
galvanized steel. Posts will be installed
1.2 metres below the finished grade 12.11 Structures: Bridges and Poles
adjacent to the tower or pole, with a 300 (sign and lighting)
mm diameter concrete footing
surrounding each post to a depth of no 12.11.1 General
less than 75 mm below the bottom of
the post. Below grade, posts will also The installation, operation, and
be filled with concrete. A 25 mm maintenance of wireless communications
circular concrete cap will be installed at equipment is permitted on Ministry
the top of each post. structures if the wireless company
demonstrates that alternative sites are not
Open storage of equipment and practical or possible, and that it is safe to do
materials will not be permitted at the so.
wireless communications Site.
The Ministrys first preference will be
The placement of the Companys to have wireless communications
equipment, which forms a portion of the equipment on a separate Company
Wireless Communications Facility structures whenever possible.
located on or in a Ministry compound,
parking facility, park and ride facility, Conditions at the site shall remain as
building or any other such facility, shall safe as before the Wireless
not interfere with the operation of the Communications Facility was installed.
Ministry facility, interfere with access
to any portion of the facility, nor The design of the Wireless
compromise public safety if located Communications Facility should not
adjacent to, or is in a Ministry facility. have any detrimental structural or
aesthetic impact on Ministry structures.
The Site shall not take up a designated
parking space if located in a parking lot The ability to perform maintenance
or park and ride facility. If an inspections, repairs or other

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 19

 Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

maintenance operations on the Ministry will be approved and signed (or sealed)
structure shall not be impaired by the by a Professional Engineer who is
Wireless Communications Facility. experienced in the design of wireless
communications sites and is registered
The service life expectancy of the in B.C. at the time the permit
Ministry structure shall not be reduced application is submitted.
as a result of the installation,
maintenance and operation of the The mounting of special attachments, or
wireless equipment. new components as part of the Wireless
Communications Facility to existing
Where inspections indicate increased sign or lighting structures shall be in
vibration or fatigue in the Ministry accordance with the standards contained
structure as a result of the placement of in the Ontario Highway Bridge Design
equipment which comprise the Wireless Code Third Edition (1991) and
Communications Facility, the Standard Specifications For Structural
components will be modified or Supports for Highway Signs,
removed by the Company as and when Luminaries and Traffic Signals (1994).
directed by the Ministry. Final approval will be subject to review
and approval of the Ministrys South
When installing wireless service Coast Regional Bridge Seismic
equipment on Ministry owned and Engineer.
maintained lighting or signal standards,
the Company will be responsible for All designs which call for the placement
determining conduit and wiring of equipment which is part of a
requirements as per the Electrical and Wireless Communications Facility on a
Traffic Engineering Manual, Guidelines Ministry structure must be approved
for the Design of Lighting, Signals, and and signed (or sealed) by a Professional
Sign Installations, (1994), Ministry of Engineer who is experienced in the
Transportation and Highways, Province design of Wireless Communications
of British Columbia, and the Canadian Facilities and is registered in B.C. at the
Electric Code, and any other design time the permit application is submitted.
guidelines that may be used by the
Ministry. The Company is also All drawings for Wireless
responsible for the installation and any Communications Facilities to be placed
upgrades in conduits and wiring, on or in Ministry structures will be
including removing and replacing completed to a standard that conforms
foundations, if necessary. with the Ministrys Manual of Drafting
Standards. The Ministry will supply
Wind and seismic loading calculations electrical drawings for structures upon
and foundation designs of new towers request.

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 20

 Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

bridge for box girder bridges or

Where the Ministry elects to provide between the girders for bridges with no
electrical power to the Site, the soffit. Conduits can be cored through
proposed design will require the abutment to the street and from there to
approval of the Manager, Electrical equipment located in ground
District and Manager, Electrical installation.
Engineering.
Wireless communications antennas will
Any installation of a Wireless be allowed on a pedestrian overpass if
Communications Facility on a Ministry the placement of the antenna meets
structure will comply with the standards Health Canada Limits of Exposure to
set out in Chapter 14, of the Ministrys Radiofrequency Fields at Frequencies
Utility Policy Manual, 1995. from 10kHz - 300ghz Safety Code 6
Guidelines and all other safety and
12.11.2 Installation on Bridge Structures health concerns and issues have been
addressed to the satisfaction of the
When there is no reasonable alternative Ministry.
available, the Wireless Communications
Facility may be installed on a bridge No wireless communications antennas
structure if the proposed facility conforms will be allowed on or in Ministry
with the following provisions. structures which require regular
maintenance by Ministry employees in
Equipment that may distract a vehicle the vicinity of the wireless
operator from safe use of the Ministry communications antennas. Exceptions
structure shall not be permitted. This may be reviewed on a case by case
includes facilities that may distract a basis. Where antennas are permitted,
driver when the equipment is being the Company will agree, as part of the
serviced or maintained. permit approval, to power down the site
to a level requested by the Ministry
The aesthetic architectural and historic when both scheduled and emergency
value of the Ministry structure must be activities are carried out by the
maintained. employees of the Ministry, its
contractors or agents.
The operation and maintenance of the
Wireless Communications Facility must Wireless communications equipment
not interfere with traffic operations on shall not be placed where access and
or near the Ministry structure. maintenance may be difficult or unsafe.
Access and maintenance to an existing
The Electrical or communication lines Ministry structure shall not be limited
to the Site should be installed inside the or prevented in any way.

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 21

 Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

12.11.4 Installation on Lighting Poles

Wireless communications equipment at,
on or in a Ministry structure shall not The installation of wireless
interfere with the capacity or communications components will be
performance of existing Ministry permitted only when there are no other
equipment associated with the structure. reasonable alternatives available to the
wireless company. Savings in costs to
1211.3 Installation on Sign Structures the wireless company will not be
considered as a justification for
The installation of wireless approval.
communications equipment is not
permitted on signs located in the Installation should be in proportion to
highway median. the size of the pole.

Wireless antenna panel should be The combination of antenna size and

placed behind the existing sign configuration and the electric pole
structures. should be design checked for structural
adequacy.
Cables or conduit should be placed
inside the sign poles, If this is not All wireless components should consist
possible, the proposed cable should be of dim, hot dip galvanized steel
mounted in a manner so that the cables material.
or conduit can not be viewed by passing
traffic. Lighting structures, both breakaway and
non-breakaway types, shall not be
An antenna panel can only be installed structurally modified to accept wireless
behind the sign panel. Other types may communications equipment.
be installed on top of the right post if
there is no aesthetic impact or it does
not detract from the primary purpose of
the sign.

Special elements may be considered for

large existing Overhead Bridge
Structures. Work related to mounting
attachments will avoid alterations near
the structures main and connecting parts
including primary members, bolts, and
welds.

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 22

 Subject: 12.0 Wireless Communication

References:

Government of Canada, Canadian Electric

Code .

Ministry of Transportation, Province of

Ontario, Ontario Highway Bridge
Design Code Third Edition, 1991.

Ministry of Transportation and Highways,

Electrical and Traffic Engineering
Manual: Guidelines for the Design of
Lighting, Signals, and Sign
Installations, 1994.

Ministry of Transportation and Highways,

Highway Engineering Design Manual .

Ministry of Transportation and Highways,

Manual of Aesthetic Design Practice,
1991.

Ministry of Transportation and Highways,

Utility Policy Manual, 1995.

Ministry of Transportation and Highways,

Standard Specifications For Structural
Supports for Highway Signs,
Luminaries and Traffic Signals, 1994.

May, 1998 Page 12.0 - 23

Utility Manual Subject: 13.0 Trenching, Boring and Jacking

Policy

Background to Policy

Standards

13.1 Trenching
13.2 Trench Backfill
13.3 Trench Resurfacing
13.4 Blasting
13.5 Trenchless Technology
13.6 Casings
13.7 Jacking and Boring Pits

References

Revised: December, 1994 Page 13.0 - 1

Utility Manual Subject: 13.0 Trenching, Boring and Jacking

Policy
1. Crossings: The use of trenchless y Highway sections where the
technology (which includes boring, road surface is in such poor
tunneling and jacking) under the condition that a permanent
highway structure must be carried pavement patch will not detract
out using equipment and methods from the quality of the surface;
which will not damage the highway y In urban areas on highways
or affect traffic safety and without full control of access;
operations. or,
2. Approval of Trenching: Any open y Where the permit holder has
trenching for crossings must be demonstrated that a reasonable
approved by the District Highways effort has been made to bore or
Manager with a notation on the jack the pipe or casing and that
permit, including reasons for an it is impractical or impossible to
exception being granted. install the crossing in this way.

Background to Policy Standards

Trenching may be permitted in special 13.1 Trenching
conditions where, in the view of the District
Highways Manager, traffic flow and traffic 13.1.1 All Trenches
safety can be maintained at an acceptable
standard and the highway structure can be Trench width within the highway prism
restored to an acceptable standard. These must not be greater than necessary to
conditions might include: permit installation of the line.
Except where trenching is well clear of the
road shoulder, all excavated material must
y Low volume, unpaved road be removed from the site immediately.
y Highway sections which are Exceptions may be permitted where the
likely to be recapped or rebuilt District Highways Manager has given
within two years; approval, and the following conditions have
been met:

Revised: December, 1994 Page 13.0 - 2

 Subject: 13.0 Trenching, Boring and Jacking

y The material has been Machines with steel tracks or flat steel pads
barricaded in a manner that has are generally not permitted on any portion
been approved by the District of the paved surface at any time. When
Highway Manager; heavy rubber-tired equipment is turning on
the paved surface, care must be taken to
y The spoil piles are outside the
prevent scarring.
Clear Zone; and,
y No excavated material remains During the removal or replacement of any
on the site overnight. existing curb, gutter or sidewalk, the edges
of the work area are to be saw cut in order
Stockpiling of native material adjacent to to provide a clean and even joint.
the trench is not permitted.
13.1.3 Where Trenches Cross Driveways
Trenches must be backfilled or adequately and Entrances
covered at the end of the work day, unless
the District Highways Manager has given Excavations across entrances, whether
their approval to an open trench. Any open private or commercial, must be backfilled
areas must be adequately fenced, lit and and thoroughly compacted by the end of the
signed. current working day. The surface must be
restored, whether paved or gravel, to its
13.1.2 Where Trenches Cross a Highway original condition within 48 hours.
or Enter the Highway Prism
The use of road plates may be used only
Pavement must be cut by hand or approved when the District Highways Manager or
mechanical means in straight lines parallel their designate has approved their use and
to the trench centreline. only when the following conditions apply:

Distance from a pavement cut to the edge y Across entrances to residential

of the trench must be at least 150 mm or and commercial properties; and,
sufficient to ensure the pavement will not
y In urban areas where roads have
be undermined by sloughing.
a posted speed of 60 km/h or less.
Trench shoring must conform to WCB
Affected property owners must be notified
standards and is to be used where soil
at least 48 hours in advance before
conditions warrant. Extreme care must be
excavating a driveway. The District
taken to avoid sloughing of the trench sides
Highways Manager may specify that a
to minimize damage to the subgrade
temporary traffic plan be developed and
beyond the limits of excavation.
approved by the Ministry where trenching
work will significantly disrupt traffic flow

Revised: December, 1994 Page 13.0 - 3

 Subject: 13.0 Trenching, Boring and Jacking

to residential or commercial property, or Base gravel must be a minimum

the movement of emergency vehicles. compacted thickness of 150 mm
and consist of "50 mm minus"
13.2 Trench Backfill crushed gravel which meets
Ministry standards as set out in
13.2.1 All Trenches Section 202.04, Standard
Specifications for Highway
Pipe bedding must conform to industry Construction; and,
standards.
13.2.2 Where Trenches Cross a Highway Surface gravel must be a
or Enter the Highway Prism minimum compacted thickness
of 150 mm and consist of
The following requirements apply to all "25 mm minus" crushed gravel
trenches which cross a highway, as well as which meets Ministry standards
to all trenches which are parallel to the as set out in Section 202.04,
centreline within a highway right-of-way Standard Specifications for
where any part of the trench is in the gravel Highway Construction.
shoulder or within 3.6 metres of the edge of
the pavement. Backfill must be placed in layers of
approximately 250 mm thickness and
Where sloughing of trench sides has compacted with approved tamping
undermined the pavement, the pavement equipment to a minimum of 95 percent
must be marked with a painted line showing Proctor density to within 300 mm of the
the extent of the damaged area. Pavement surface and 100 percent for the final 300
must be removed from this area and the mm.
voids filled and compacted in accordance
with backfill requirements. The District Highways Manager may
require verification of backfill densities.
Trenches must be backfilled with granular
material in accordance with the following Shoring must be lifted as backfill is placed.
minimum requirements:
Backfill material must be free of frozen
Sub-base material must consist lumps.
of granular borrow which meets
Ministry standards as set out in 13.2.3 Where Trenches Are Outside the
Section 202.6, Standard Roadway Prism
Specifications for Highway
Construction; Except where requested by the District
Highways Manager or their designate,

Revised: December, 1994 Page 13.0 - 4

 Subject: 13.0 Trenching, Boring and Jacking

trenches outside of the roadway prism may a permanent patch installed as soon as
be backfilled and compacted to native soil possible.
conditions.
13.3.2 Gravel Surfacing
Where requested, trenches outside of the
roadway prism will be backfilled with Gravel and earth highway surfaces must be
native material which is compacted in 150- restored to a well-compacted, stable and
mm lifts to 95 percent Proctor free draining surface with a crown of 40
density. Sites are to be reseeded to mm vertical rise for every metre of highway
standards set out in Section 757, Standard width.
Specifications for Highway Construction
where required by the District Highways Material must meet the following
Manager. standards:

13.2.4 Restoration of Ditches For surfaces with no granular

base course or which were not
All ditches must be restored to their previously surfaced with
previous condition or to the satisfaction of granular surfacing: 75 mm select
the District Highways Manager. granular sub-base, (Section
202.06, Standard Specifications
13.3 Trench Resurfacing for Highway Construction.);
For surfaces which were
13.3.1 Temporary Patching previously graveled and where
no paving is planned: 25 mm
As soon as any portion of the highway can high fines surfacing, (Section
be re-opened to traffic, a temporary asphalt 202.05, Standard Specifications
patch must be applied unless the District for Highway Construction.);
Highways Manager has given an and,
exemption.

Where the District Highways Manager has

agreed that a temporary asphalt patch is not
For all surfaces where paving is
required, the backfill must be brought up to
planned: 25 mm well graded
grade with a final layer of "25 mm minus"
material, (Section 202.05,
crushed gravel which meets Ministry
Standard Specifications for
standards as set out in Section 202.4,
Highway Construction).
Standard Specifications for Highway
Construction. The surface is to be kept
well-graded and compacted at all times and

Revised: December, 1994 Page 13.0 - 5

 Subject: 13.0 Trenching, Boring and Jacking

13.3.3 Shoulders The District Highways Manager may

specify that a concrete saw is to be used to
Shoulders must be restored to a well- prepare pavement edges.
compacted, stable and free draining surface
with a crown of 40 mm vertical rise for Asphalt concrete or Portland cement
every metre of highway width. Shoulders pavement must be restored to the same
must be compacted using industry standard thickness as the existing surface or to a
equipment. If there is not sufficient minimum of 50 mm thickness, whichever is
moisture present in the material, the surface greater. Asphaltic concrete is to be a type
will be watered before compaction. "B" medium mix or fine mix, as specified
by the District Highways Manager, and
Material must meet the following must meet Ministry standards as set out in
standards: Section 223, Standard Specifications for
Highway Construction.
Base course aggregate: 25 mm
well-graded material, (Section Asphalt concrete is to be laid in two or
202, Standard Specifications for more lifts or layers. Each lift is to be
Highway Construction); thoroughly compacted before successive
lifts are applied.
Surfacing: 25 mm high fines
surfacing, (Section 202.05,
Where there is sufficient width and length,
Standard Specifications for
Highway Construction); paving must be done by machine.
The utility will ensure that the permanent
Asphalt surfacing: as specified pavement patch is to Ministry standards
below for Permanent Patching; for one year from the date that the patch is
and, installed.
All granular or other material
must be removed from paved 13.4 Blasting
surfaces after shoulder
restoration has been completed. Any blasting within the right-of-way must
be approved by the District Highway
13.3.4 Permanent Patching Manager (in the case of an existing
highway) or the Project Manager (in the
Pavement edges must be cut, made true and case of relocation for a highway
straight, cleaned, and primed before construction project).
installing a final patch. Blasting plans shall consider peak velocity
and particle displacement calculated at the
locations of other existing adjacent

Revised: December, 1994 Page 13.0 - 6

 Subject: 13.0 Trenching, Boring and Jacking

pipelines or other road and utility

structures.

Revised: December, 1994 Page 13.0 - 7

 Subject: 13.0 Trenching, Boring and Jacking

13.5 Trenchless Technology liquefied or dissolved; and, flammable and

combustible liquids.
Trenchless technology refers to techniques
for installing and repairing utilities without Heavy-walled pipe will be allowed for
the use of traditional open trenching highway crossings where: soil conditions
methods. permit; depth of bury is sufficient; and, the
design for the installation has been
The following conditions apply to the use approved by a Professional Engineer who is
of trenchless techniques. experienced in pipeline design and is
registered in B.C. at the time a permit
y Trenchless techniques must application is submitted to the Ministry.
ensure continuous contact
between the outside of the pipe The Ministry may require pressure grouting
and surrounding soil; to fill overbreaks and unused holes.
y Boring or augering equipment
must be designed to encase the
13.7 Jacking and Boring Pits
hole as earth is removed, with
the cutting edge protruding no Jacking and boring pits must be offset from
the highway structure by sufficient distance
more than 30 mm beyond the so that they do not cause instability and do
end of the pipe or casing; and, not interfere with drainage facilities. Pits
y Water jetting is not permitted must be offset from the outside edge of the
unless the design for the shoulder by a distance which is at least
crossing has been certified not equivalent to the vertical distance from the
to cause any settlement on the pavement to the bottom of the pit.
road surface. The design must Pits should be located and designed in such
be certified by a Professional a way that ditches continue to function and
Engineer who is experienced in do not drain or overflow into the pit.
pipeline design and is registered
in B.C. at the time a permit Pits generally are not permitted in medians.
application is submitted to the
Ministry. Pits must be completely fenced.

Pits which are located within the Clear

13.6 Casings
Zone as defined in Section 5.3 must be
shielded with a flared Concrete Roadside
Casings are generally required for pipelines
Barrier in accordance with the Highway
carrying commodities including: gases
Design Manual.
which are compressed, deeply refrigerated,

Revised: December, 1994 Page 13.0 - 8

 Subject: 13.0 Trenching, Boring and Jacking

References
Highway Design Manual, Ministry of
Transportation and Highways.
Standard Specifications for Highway
Construction, Ministry of Transportation
and Highways.

Revised: December, 1994 Page 13.0 - 9

Utility Manual Subject: 14.0 Installations On or Near Structures

Policy

Background to Policy

Procedure

Background to Procedure

Standards

14.1 Location
14.2 Attachments
14.3 Abutments
14.4 Shut-off Valves
14.5 General Requirements
14.6 Drawings

Background to Standards

References

Page 14.0 - 1
 Subject: 14.0 Installations On or Near Structures

Definitions

The following definitions apply throughout this section.

y High Pressure Pipelines: Pipelines intended to operate at pressures greater

than 2,070 kPa (300 psi).
y Intermediate Pressure Pipelines: Pipelines intended to operate at
pressures greater than 700 kPa (100 psi) and up to 2,070 kPa (300 psi).
y Low Pressure Pipelines: Pipelines which are intended to operate at
pressures which are less than or equal to 700 kPa (100 psi).
y High Risk Seismic Zones: National Building Code of Canada
Acceleration-Related Seismic Zones 3, 4, 5 and 6. The approximate location
of these zones is shown in Exhibit 14.1.
y Seismic Design Guidelines: ATC-6 Seismic Design Guidelines for
Highway Bridges or AASHTO Standard Specifications for Seismic Design
of Highway Bridges.

Policy facilities on highway bridges and other

structures.
1. Applicable to New Installations Only.
Policy, procedures and standards in this 3. Restrictions on Gas Pipelines.
Section apply to new utility Pipelines transmitting gas:
installations, modifications and
replacements. y Are only permitted on bridges
which are water crossings and
2. Bridges and Structures Can only then when alternatives
Generally be Used by Utilities. routes or crossings are not
Except where otherwise noted in this feasible because of
manual, utilities are generally permitted environmental risk or
to install cable, pipe, conduit and other sensitivity;

Revised: December, 1994 Page 14.0 - 2

 Subject: 14.0 Installations On or Near Structures

y Are not permitted on timber y Are only permitted on bridges

"through truss" bridges; which are water crossings and
y Are not permitted in tunnels; only then when alternatives
and, routes or crossings are not
feasible because of
y Are not permitted where one or environmental risk or
more gas pipelines have already sensitivity;
been installed on a bridge or
structure. y Are not permitted on timber
"through truss" bridges; and,
Pipelines transmitting gas must conform
with the following restrictions on pipe y Are not permitted in tunnels.
diameter and design pressure:
5. Restrictions on Water Lines.
Timber bridges: only low
pressure pipelines are permitted; Pipelines transmitting water:
with an outside pipe diameter no
greater than 114 mm (4 inches); y Are only permitted on bridges
Bridges in high-risk seismic which are water crossings and
zones that have not been only then when alternatives
designed according to seismic routes or crossings are not
design guidelines: only low feasible because of
pressure pipelines are permitted; environmental risk or
with an outside pipe diameter no sensitivity; and,
greater than 168 mm (6 inches). y Are not permitted in tunnels.
On bridges other than those
specified above: only low and
intermediate pressure pipelines
are permitted; with an outside
Background to Policy
pipe diameter no greater than
Reasons for Restrictions.
324 mm (12 inches).
General: Due to the consequences of a
4. Restrictions on Pipelines Carrying
leak or rupture, pipelines carrying gas, oil,
Oil, Liquid Petroleum Products and
liquid petroleum products, water and
Sewage.
sewage are permitted on bridges only where
absolutely necessary.
Pipelines transmitting oil, liquid
petroleum products and sewage:
On "Through Truss Bridges": The risk
of collapse from errant or overheight

Revised: December, 1994 Page 14.0 - 3

 Subject: 14.0 Installations On or Near Structures

vehicles is high for timber "through truss" alternatives, in terms of the total cost of the
bridges and consequently gas, oil, liquid pipeline project, (transfer stations, supply
petroleum, and sewage pipelines are and installation of pipes, water crossings,
prohibited from this type of structure. etc.), shall be included.

Pipeline Size and Diameter: The Ministry

recognizes that bridges located in high-risk
seismic zones that have not been designed
Background to Procedure
in accordance with seismic design
guidelines are much more susceptible to Justification for Pipeline Installations.
damage from earthquakes than other The Ministry recognizes that the only
bridges. Restrictions on pipe size and feasible way for a pipeline to cross a river
operating pressure have been placed on gas may be on a highway bridge. However, it
pipelines as a means of reducing the is the utility company's responsibility to
consequence of pipeline rupture. explore all of the options for a crossing and
prove to the Ministry
Although they were not designed to modern that using the highway bridge is the only
earthquake codes, timber bridges feasible alternative. Utilizing the Ministry's
have proven to stand up very well to bridge is often the least expensive
earthquakes. However, they are more alternative for a crossing, but the cost of the
susceptible to other types of damage crossing in relation to the cost of the entire
(particularly arson) and therefore only pipeline project may be small.
small-diameter, low-pressure pipelines are
permitted on these structures. Standards
Procedure 14.1 Location

General Procedure: See Section 16 for 14.1.1 Utilities cannot be attached above
information on the approval process for the bridge deck or to railings, rail
installations on or near bridges and posts or parapets.
structures.
14.1.2 The attachment of utilities must not
Justification for Pipelines Transporting reduce the vertical clearance under
Gas, Oil or Liquid Petroleum Products: the bridge.
When submitting a proposal to attach a
pipeline to a Ministry bridge, the utility 14.1.3 Where possible, utilities other than
must provide documentation showing that gas pipelines must be installed
alternatives are not environmentally inside the facia girder. Gas
acceptable. A cost comparison of the pipelines must be installed outside

Revised: December, 1994 Page 14.0 - 4

 Subject: 14.0 Installations On or Near Structures

the facia girder. Pipelines carrying 14.2.3 Bolting of utility attachments to

fluid commodities are not permitted existing bridge members will be
inside steel and concrete box permitted only when it does not
girders. cause the bridge member to be over
stressed. Holes to be made in
14.1.4 Utility installations must be located existing bridge members must be
so as not to interfere with bridge drilled.
maintenance and inspection.
Installations must be designed to 14.2.4 All steel utility conduits and
accommodate vertical jacking of the mounting hardware must be hot dip
bridge superstructure by up to 4 galvanized or stainless steel.
inches. Pipe material used on pipelines
must meet requirements of the
14.1.5 Access to service vaults behind governing CSA design
abutments must be located outside specification.
the traveled portion of the roadway.
14.2.5 Concrete inserts must be of the
14.1.6 On structures with a low clearance adhesive type.
to flood waters, utilities must not be
installed on the outside of an 14.2.6 Damage to the paint coatings of
upstream girder or truss. structural steel caused by a utility
installation must be repaired in
14.1.7 Utilities transporting mutually accordance with the Ministry's
hazardous commodities (such as specification Maintenance Painting
fuels and electrical energy) must be of Old Steelwork. Damage to
mounted on opposite sides of a galvanized or metallized coatings
bridge. must be touched up by thoroughly
cleaning the damaged area and
14.2 Attachments painting with a Ministry approved
organic zinc rich paint.
14.2.1 Holes to be made in concrete for
attachments are not permitted within 14.2.7 Utilities must be electrically isolated
150 mm of prestressing strands. from steel bridge components.

14.2.2 Field welding of utility attachments

to existing bridge members will not
be permitted.

Revised: December, 1994 Page 14.0 - 5

 Subject: 14.0 Installations On or Near Structures

14.3 Abutments an earthquake with a 10%

probability of exceedance in a 50
14.3.1 Openings created in bridge year period (475 year return period).
abutment walls to allow the passage
of utilities must be of the minimum 14.4.4 Pressure-sensitive automatic shut-
size necessary, but must allow for off valves must be used for all
differential settlement between the pipelines which:
abutment and the utility pipe or
conduit. The opening in the carry gas, oil, liquid petroleum
abutment around the utility must be products, water and sewerage;
completely sealed to preclude are attached to bridges which
leakage of moisture or backfill have not been designed in
material. accordance with seismic design
guidelines; and,
14.4 Shut-off Valves
are located in high-risk seismic
14.4.1 Shut-off valves must be installed for zones.
the following types of installation:
An automatic shut-off valve must be
y All gas pipelines designed to located at the supply end of the
operate at pressures exceeding bridge and a check valve located at
350 kPa (50 psi); the opposite end.

y All pipelines which are 14.4.5 Manual valves may be used for all
transmitting oil and liquid pipeline installations on timber
petroleum products; and, trestles.
y All water and sewer lines.
14.5 General Requirements
14.4.2 Where they are required, shut-off
valves must be installed at both ends 14.5.1 Excess vibration of the utility due to
of bridges and be located between wind and traffic loads must be
10 and 100 metres from the back of prevented.
abutments.
14.5.2 Installations carrying transmittants
14.4.3 Except where they are installed on subject to freezing must be
timber trestles, pipelines which are insulated.
not equipped with automatic shut-
off valves must be designed to
accommodate movement caused by

Revised: December, 1994 Page 14.0 - 6

 Subject: 14.0 Installations On or Near Structures

14.5.3 Adequate provision for expansion must appear on those drawings includes but
and contraction in pipelines and is not limited to the following:
ducts must be provided.
14.5.4 Where appreciable loads or dynamic Drawing Title Blocks
effects (not provided for in the All drawing title blocks must show
original design of the bridge) are the bridge name and number, the
added because of a utility utility company's name, the name of
attachment to a bridge, the affected the consultant designing the
members of the bridge must be attachment if applicable, and the
analyzed by a Professional name and phone number of the
Engineer. The Ministry retains the utility's contact person.
right to set the terms of reference
for this analysis, but the associated Type of Utility
fee will be paid by the utility The type of utility to be carried on
company requesting the attachment. the structure must be indicated (i.e.
The engineering firm to perform the fibre optic cables, natural gas, cable
analysis must be selected from a list vision, etc.).
of firms approved by the Ministry.
In the case of pipelines carrying
14.5.5 Utilities and their supports must be fluids and gases, drawings must
designed to support their dead load, show design and maximum
plus wind, thermal and earthquake operating pressures and the
forces, as well as other forces from direction of flow.
the utility itself (e.g. surge, etc.).
The voltage of all electric power
14.5.6 All cuts, holes and damages to the lines must be shown (voltages
surface of treated timber members shown as phase to ground).
caused as a result of the utility
installation must be field treated to Loading
the requirements of the American The weight of the utility and its
Wood Preservers Association attachments per unit length must be
Standard M4. indicated.

14.6 Drawings Location

Drawings must include a plan and
Applications for a permit to attach a utility elevation view of the bridge with
to a bridge must include four sets of plans the location of the utility and its
or drawings showing details of the attachments to the bridge. The plan
proposed attachment. Information which view must show a north arrow, the

Revised: December, 1994 Page 14.0 - 7

 Subject: 14.0 Installations On or Near Structures

direction of river flow, and the 1. All abandoned holes in concrete

direction to the nearest community. must be filled with a non-shrink
The location and details of all grout.
service vaults and shut-off valves
must be shown. The depth and 2. A magnetic rebar detector, such as a
location of all buried components pachometer, must be used to ensure
relative to bridge substructure holes drilled in reinforced concrete
elements must be shown, as well as do not coincide with any reinforcing
a trench detail showing backfill steel.
requirements. The location of all
other utilities attached to the bridge 3. Diamond tipped drill bits must not
must be shown. be used to drill holes for hanger
inserts.
Details
Details of all attachments must be
shown, including the routing of the
utility at the abutments. Background to Standards
Design Codes
14.1.1 By keeping utilities below the
Design codes used for design and
level of the deck, the potential
construction of the utility and its
attachments must be indicated.
for damage by vehicle accidents is
greatly reduced.
Expansion and Contraction
The range of expansion and
14.1.2 Clearance must be maintained in
contraction in pipelines and ducts
order to ensure that utility
must be shown.
installations are not hit by
overheight vehicles and are not in
Earthquakes
violation of the Navigable Waters
Drawings must show the amount of
Protection Act. Utilities hanging
earthquake-related movement which
below a bridge also diminish the
has been used for pipeline design.
aesthetics of the structure.
Notes to Appear on Drawings
14.1.3 For aesthetic reasons, utilities
other than gas pipelines should be
The following construction notes must be
mounted inside of the outer
included on the drawings:
girders. This may not always be
possible when attaching to an
existing bridge. Gas pipelines

Revised: December, 1994 Page 14.0 - 8

 Subject: 14.0 Installations On or Near Structures

should be placed on the outside of System, and Hilti C-100 epoxy

the girders to ensure that leaking system and the Hilti HVA anchor.
gas will not collect between All of these anchor systems can be
girders. installed in overhead applications.

14.2.1 Due to the consequences of 14.2.7 Utilities should be electrically

damaging pre-stressing strand, it isolated from the bridge to prevent
is prudent to specify this stray currents that may be carried
restriction which is easy to by a utility from
comply with.
causing corrosion in steel bridge
14.2.2 Poor welding procedures can components.
seriously reduce the fatigue
resistance of bridge components. 14.4.4 Sewer lines and pipelines carrying
The Ministry does not have the oil and liquid petroleum products
resources to inspect field welding on bridges with the most
of utility attachments to bridge vulnerability to seismic damage
steel components and acceptable should be equipped with
alternatives to field welding, such automatic shut-off valves to
as clamps, are readily available. minimize the pollution to
waterways from a pipeline rupture
14.2.3 Cutting holes with a torch is caused by an earthquake.
undesirable due to the sloppy
results and the difficulty for the Water lines on bridges most
Ministry to ensure quality control. susceptible to earthquake damage
should be equipped with
14.2.4 Stainless steel or galvanized automatic shut-off valves to
attachments will reduce prevent damage to the abutment
maintenance requirements and the and pier foundations from the
potential traffic closures scouring effects of the water in the
associated with maintenance. event of a line break.

14.2.5 Adhesive anchors prevent 14.4.5 Automatic shut-off valves have

moisture ingress and are less not been specified for timber
likely to cause spalling compared trestles as these are very
to wedge type anchors. expensive to install and maintain
Acceptable anchoring systems and therefore should not be
include the UCAN Poly-All specified indiscriminately.
Epoxy Injection Anchoring Automatic valves for pipelines on

Revised: December, 1994 Page 14.0 - 9

 Subject: 14.0 Installations On or Near Structures

timber trestles would not Loading

significantly reduce the risk of The weight of the utility should be
damage from a fire or rupture to indicated so that the Ministry can
the Ministry or the public judge whether the utility will
overload the bridge.
14.5.1 The Ministry has had a problem in
the past with a utility installation Design Codes
where the anchor spacings were Stating relevant standards and codes
apparently too far apart and the on the drawings gives the Ministry
pipeline vibrated in the wind. some assurance that proper design,
construction and maintenance
14.5.4 The Ministry has received procedures will be followed. Oil
requests for installations that may and gas pipelines must be designed,
overstress a bridge. The bridge installed and maintained in
should be rated, including the accordance with requirements of
effect of the new utility, to the Z662. Other utilities are governed
latest design code and live load by similar standards or codes.
model. The Ministry's list of
approved consultants from the Notes to Appear on Drawings
RISP category appropriate for the
type of bridge in question should 1. Using a magnetic rebar detector,
be used to select a consultant for such as a pachometer, prior to
this load rating. drilling will minimize the number of
holes abandoned because of
14.6 Title Blocks conflicts with reinforcing steel.
Ministry personnel reviewing
utility applications often need to 2. Masonry bits are usually used to
discuss the proposal with the drill holes for concrete anchors.
utility designer. The bridge name Reinforcing steel is not damaged by
and number should be shown on this type of bit. Diamond drills on
the drawing to aid in the the other hand easily cut through
Ministry's filing system. reinforcing steel. Even with the use
of a magnetic rebar detector, it is
Type of Utility and Transmittant possible that reinforcing steel may
It is in the Ministry's best interest to be hit by a drill hole and, therefore,
know exactly what commodities are diamond bits should not be used.
being carried on each of its bridges.
3. In the case of abutment walls in
which core holes must be drilled to

Revised: December, 1994 Page 14.0 - 10

 Subject: 14.0 Installations On or Near Structures

accept ducting, diamond tipped bits

are required as they provide neat
and accurate holes. While some
reinforcing steel is bound to be cut
in this coring operation, the holes
should be located to keep this to a
minimum. The cutting of some
reinforcing steel is acceptable as the
areas where ducts pass through the
abutment walls are not subject to
very heavy loading.

References
Bridge Standards and Procedures, Ministry
of Transportation and Highways.

Revised: December, 1994 Page 14.0 - 11

Utility Manual Subject: 15.0 Compensation

15.1 Compensation --General

15.2 Compensation --Pipelines
15.3 Compensation --Water and Sewer Lines
15.4 Compensation --Overhead Power, Communication and Cable TV Lines
15.5 Compensation --Underground Power and Communication Lines

Page 15.0 - 1
UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 15.1 Compensation - General

Policy
y Section 15.3 for water and sewer
1. General Policy: The Ministry
lines;
provides varying degrees of
compensation for relocation of y Section 15.4 overhead power,
utilities which must be moved to communication, and cable
accommodate highway television lines; and,
improvements. y Section 15.5 for underground
cable.
2. Where Utilities Have Prior
Rights: The Ministry will provide 4. Relocation of Utilities on Bridges
compensation equal to the direct and Other Structures: No
cost of relocating a utility where: compensation is provided for
relocation of utilities on bridges or
y The utility is located on land other structures.
which is being acquired for
highway right-of-way; and, 5. Relocation Because of a Natural
Occurrence: Where a utility which
y Proposed highway
is on highway right-of-way must be
improvements make it necessary
relocated because of a natural
to relocate the utility.
occurrence (e.g. slide or washout),
the Ministry will provide no
3. Relocation for Highway
compensation.
Improvements: Where a utility
which is on highway right-of-way
6. On Disposal of Surplus Land: No
must be relocated in order to
compensation is provided where a
accommodate highway
utility relocates or is relocated as a
improvements, the Ministry will
result of the Ministry's disposal of
provide compensation as specified
surplus property. (See Section 3.4
in:
for policy on disposal of surplus
property.)
y Section 15.2 for pipeline
installations;

Revised: January, 1995 Page 15.1 - 1

 Subject: 15.1 Compensation - General

Background to Policy
The Ministry's compensation policy is
based on a number of factors:

y Historic support for extension of

power and telephone networks
throughout the Province;
y The administrative complexity
of cost-sharing arrangements
which have been used in the
past;
y The inability of some utilities
(particularly small
municipalities) to raise the
capital required for relocation
projects;
y The need to provide utilities
with an incentive to relocate
facilities to fit with Ministry
construction schedules; and,
y The Ministry's inability to
anticipate all highway
construction projects, with the
result that utility installations
occasionally have to be moved
shortly after they have been
installed.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 15.1 - 2

UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 15.2 Compensation - Pipelines

Policy Background to Policy

1. No Compensation for Pipeline Special compensation arrangements have
Relocation: The Ministry provides been incorporated in some pipeline permits
no compensation for relocation of in the past. These arrangements over-ride
pipelines which are located in current policy of providing no
highway right-of-way and must be compensation for pipeline relocation.
moved in order to accommodate
highway improvement projects.

2. Exceptions: Where an existing

permit makes provision for
compensation, then conditions set
out in that permit will apply.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 15.2 - 1

UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 15.3 Compensation - Water and
Sewer Lines

Policy Background to Policy

1. Full Compensation: Where Prior to 1990, the Ministry's policy was to
domestic water, sanitary sewer and pay no compensation for relocation of
irrigation lines are owned and water, sanitary sewer or irrigation lines. As
operated by local government (a a result of a number of exceptions to this
municipality, regional district or an policy, cost sharing arrangements were
irrigation district), the Ministry negotiated on a project-by-project basis.
provides full compensation for the
cost of relocations required to A "full-compensation" policy was initiated
accommodate highway in 1990 with Treasury Board approval.
improvement projects.

2. The Utility Owner Covers the

Cost of Any Upgrading: The
References
Ministry's compensation
Treasury Board Request No. 8/91,
commitment is limited to
replacement "in kind" -- a "Highway Construction -- Public Utility
replacement with a new or relocated Relocation", August 20, 1990.
facility which has the same capacity
and capability as the facility that is
being replaced. The cost of adding
capability or capacity must be
covered by the utility owner (local
government).

Revised: January, 1995 Page 15.3 - 1

 <<Oct 95

UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 15.4 Compensation Overhead Power,

Communication and Cable TV Lines

THE BC HYDRO, BC TEL AND WEST KOOTENAY POWER PROTOCOL

Oct 95>> AGREEMENTS SHOULD BE CONSULTED FOR FULL DETAIL ON COMPENSATION.

Policy Compensation at $400 per pole is

based on the number of poles which
1. No pole line compensation is
are to be moved, rather than the
provided to utilities other than BC
number of replacement poles.
Hydro, BC TEL and West Kootenay
Calculation of the number of
Power.
existing poles includes both the
energized pole and the guy anchor
2. Full Compensation for "New"
pole if one is present.
Installations: Where a pole line
owned by BC Hydro, BC TEL and
4. High Voltage Towers: Where it is
West Kootenay Power must be
necessary to move BC Hydro towers
Oct 95>> moved within two years of
or poles on lines that are energized
installation to accommodate
at a potential of 100 kV or greater,
highway improvements, the
the Ministry provides compensation
Ministry provides compensation
equivalent to full direct cost.
equal to the direct cost of relocation.
Oct 95>> Where it is necessary to move West
Kootenay Power towers or poles on
3. Flat Rate Pole Line lines that are energized at a potential
Compensation: Where pole lines of 60kV (phase to phase) or greater
that are owned and operated by BC the Ministry will provide
Hydro, BC TEL and West Kootenay compensation equivalent to full
Power must be moved, and the "full direct cost.
compensation" policy does not
apply, the Ministry provides 5. Telephone Cable: Where overhead
compensation at the rate of $400 per telephone lines are owned by BC
pole. TEL and do not fall under the "full
Oct 95>>
compensation" policy, the Ministry
provides compensation at the rate of
$3.50 per sheath metre of cable
where a splice in a cable is required.
Compensation at $3.50 per metre is
determined on a "sheath metre"
<<Oct 95
basis where a sheath metre is

Revised: October, 1995 Page 15.4 - 1

 Subject 15.4 Compensation Overhead Power,
Communication and Cable TV Lines

defined as an enclosed cable All project staging, including utility

regardless of the number of pairs in plant relocations, will be the
the cable. This compensation is responsibility of the MoTH project
provided only where there is a need manager.
to splice the cable.

Where there is more than one cable, Background to Policy

they will be paid for separately.
Where the telephone circuits are <<Oct 95
The Province's policy on cost-sharing for
open wire, any number of open
pole line relocation projects has changed
wires is considered the equivalent of
over time.
one cable.

6. Compensation to Permit Holders y Prior to 1915, the Province covered

and BC TEL Only: Compensation the full cost of relocating power and
is paid to pole permit holders only, telephone lines.
with the exception that BC TEL is y In 1915 that policy was reversed
compensated for cable relocations and utilities were required to pay
where a splice of the cable is 100 percent of relocation costs.
Oct 95>>
required, whether the line is hung
from electrical poles or BC TEL y In 1939, the Province agreed to pay
poles (where a splice is required). 50 percent of labour and trucking
costs.
7. Interim Moves: Where a pole line y In 1953, the 50-percent policy was
that is owned and operated by BC extended to include materials.
Hydro, BC TEL or West Kootenay
Power must be moved more than
once during a highway y In 1959, new policy was introduced,
improvement project, the Ministry with the Province paying 50 percent
pays the full cost of interim moves, of labour and trucking costs for
together with the flat rate and sheath plant which was installed prior to
metre fees where applicable. 1959 and zero percent for post-1959
installations.
Where compensation is being
y In 1981, the current compensation
provided for an "interim" move, the
policy for pole lines was introduced.
"full cost" of the move includes
overhead expenses.
When it was first introduced, compensation
at $400 per pole and $3.50 per sheath metre

Revised: October, 1995 Page 15.4 - 2

 Subject 15.4 Compensation Overhead Power,
Communication and Cable TV Lines

<<Oct 95
was intended to be the weighted average of
50-percent compensation for pre-1959
poles and zero compensation for post-1959
References
poles. Compensation has remained at that
level, recognizing that the weighted average Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of
has shifted as pre-1959 poles represent an Transportation and Highways/BC Hydro.
ever-diminishing fraction of the poles that Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of
are being moved. Transportation and Highways/BC TEL.
Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of
The following MOTH General Circulars
Transportation and Highways/West
are canceled: Kootenay Power.
G Circular 22/85 Pole Line Moves
(cancelled December 31, 1994).

G Circular 9/87 Pole Line Moves

(cancelled December 31, 1994).

G Circular 14/87 Pole Line Moves

(cancelled December 31, 1994).

Procedure <<Oct 95

See Section 17 for information on project

management involving pole line relocation.

The application of compensation or cost-

sharing policy to BC Hydro, BC TEL and
West Kootenay Power is set out in protocol
agreements with the respective utilities.

Revised: October, 1995 Page 15.4 - 3

 UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 15.5 Compensation Underground Power
and Communication Lines

THE BC HYDRO, BC TEL AND WEST KOOTENAY POWER PROTOCOL

AGREEMENTS SHOULD BE CONSULTED FOR FULL DETAIL ON COMPENSATION.

Policy improvements, the Ministry

provides compensation equal to the
direct cost of relocation in the
1. Full Compensation for Certain
following situations:
BC Hydro Installations: Where
underground circuits are owned and y For Distribution Conduit:
operated by BC Hydro or West Where underground structures
Oct 95>>
Kootenay Power must be moved to or conduits contain fewer than
accommodate highway four ducts, and those
Oct 95>> improvements, the Ministry installations must be moved
provides compensation equal to the within two years of the original
direct cost of relocation in the permit date; and,
following situations: y For Feeder Conduit: Where
underground structures or
y For Distribution Circuits: If conduits contain four or more
an underground distribution ducts and those structures must
circuit must be moved within 2 be moved within 20 years of the
years of the original permit date; original permit date.
and,
In these cases, compensation covers
y For Feeder Circuits: If an
the cost of equipment and cables in
underground feeder circuit must
the conduits that are owned by BC
be moved within 20 years of the
TEL as well as the conduits
original permit date.
themselves.
In the case of Feeder Circuits, the
full compensation policy applies
from a substation to and including
the first switch.

Oct 95>>
2. Full Compensation for Certain
BC TEL Installations: Where
underground circuits are owned and
operated by BC TEL and must be
moved to accommodate highway

Revised: October, 1995 Page 15.5 - 1

 Subject: 15.5 Compensation - Underground Power
and Communication Lines

3. BC Hydro, BC TEL and West For underground cable, a "sheath

Kootenay Power Distribution metre" is one metre of enclosed or
Circuits Where Full wrapped cable, regardless of how
Compensation Does Not Apply: many wires or fibres are in the
Where distribution circuits or cable. Where there is more than one
conduits that are owned and cable, separate compensation is
operated by BC Hydro, BC TEL or provided for each cable.
West Kootenay Power must be <<Oct 95
moved and the "full compensation" 6. Interim Moves: Where
policy does not apply, the Ministry underground circuits, conduits or
provides compensation at the rate of cables must be moved more than
$25 per trench metre (regardless of once during a highway
the number of conductors or improvement project, the Ministry
conduits in the trench). pays the full direct cost of interim
moves, together with compensation
Compensation at $25 per trench as outlined above for the final move.
metre is based on the actual length
of trench as required for the Where compensation is being
highway improvement project. provided for an "interim" move,
Trench metre costs are based on an "full cost" includes overhead
equivalent poleline relocation cost. expenses.

4. BC Hydro, BC TEL and West All project staging, including Utility

Kootenay Power Feeder Circuits Plant relocations, will be the
Where Full Compensation Does responsibility of the MoTH project
Not Apply: The Ministry provides manager.
no compensation for Feeder Circuits
Oct 95>>
which must be relocated after the 7. No Compensation for Utilities
"full compensation" (20 year) Other than BC Hydro, BC TEL
period has lapsed. and West Kootenay Power: The
Ministry provides no compensation
5. BC TEL DIRECT Buried Cable: for relocation of underground power
Oct 95>> The Ministry provides compensation to and communication lines which are
BC TEL at a rate of $3.50 per "sheath owned by utilities other than BC
metre" where it is necessary to Hydro, BC TEL and West Kootenay
relocate buried cable which is not Power.
installed in a duct.

Revised: October, 1995 Page 15.5 - 2

 Subject: 15.5 Compensation - Underground Power
and Communication Lines

Background to Policy
Special compensation arrangements may
have been incorporated in some permits for
underground power and communication
cables in the past. These arrangements
over-ride current compensation policies.
<<Oct 95

Procedure
See Section 17 for information on project
management involving relocation of
underground utility installations.

The application of compensation policy to

BC Hydro, BC TEL and West Kootenay
Power facilities is set out in protocol
agreements with the respective utilities.

References
Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of
Transportation and Highways/BC Hydro.
Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of
Transportation and Highways/BC TEL.
Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of
Transportation and Highways/West
Kootenay Power.

<<Oct 95

Revised: October, 1995 Page 15.5 - 3

Utility Manual Subject: 17.0 Utility Relocations

Policy

Background to Policy

Procedure

Background to Procedure

References

Page 17.0 - 1
UTILITY MANUAL Subject: 17.0 Utility Relocations

relocation work is handled within the same

Policy project management structure as the overall
highway construction project.
1. Utility Relocation and Project
Management. Utility relocation District Offices and Utility Relocation
projects which are initiated by the Projects. Under the Ministry's project
Ministry are carried out in management structure, highway
accordance with the Ministry's construction and improvement projects are
project management guidelines. undertaken by a Project Sponsor -- usually
the region. Individual projects are managed
2. District Offices and Utility by a Project Manager who is appointed by
Relocation Projects. The District the Project Sponsor and is responsible for
Highways Office is represented on the overseeing the work and managing
all project teams and are work schedules and budgets.
responsible for issuing the permit
for relocated utility facilities. Although Project Managers are responsible
for construction and improvement work, the
3. Permits and Letters of Authority. district may act as "project owner" because
A Utility must hold both a Letter of of their direct interest in highway
Authority issued by the Project operations during construction and in long-
Team and Ministry permit issued by term maintenance, operation and traffic
the District office before starting safety on the new or upgraded facility.
work on a relocation project. However, in all cases, to ensure that the
District's interests are accounted for in the
project management process, every project
management team should include a district
Background to Policy representative. Depending on the
complexity of the project, utility
Utility Relocation and Project representatives may also be included on the
Management. Projects are defined as "... team.
any task or group of tasks that has a defined
scope, finite time frame and budget and Permits and Letters of Authority. A
which is intended to achieve a specified set Utility is issued a Letter of Authority to
of objectives" (Project Management Policy proceed with relocation work. This
and Principles Manual, Ministry of authorization document advises that a
Transportation and Highways, April 1993). permit is required from the District office
Most highway improvement projects before relocation work begins. The Letter
involve utility relocation work. That of Authority focuses on cost, timing and

Revised: January, 1995 Page 17.0 - 1

 Subject: 17.0 Utility Relocations

other matters related to the work itself. It design stage. Level of detail varies with the
does not deal with conditions of right-of- nature of the work, but drawings are usually
way occupancy or related issues such as produced at a scale of 1:5,000 for highway
liability. Since the permit addresses these construction projects. In the course of the
broader considerations, it is essential that it Preliminary Design work, the Designer
be put in place before work begins. must contact utilities to identify future
(Letters of Authority are addressed later in development proposals.
Section 17; policy and procedures related to
permits are covered in Section 16.) Functional Design Stage

The Functional Design stage follows the

Preliminary Design for proposed
Procedure construction or improvements. Level of
detail varies with the nature of the work,
Where utilities must be moved as part of a but drawings are usually produced at a
highway construction/improvement project, scale of 1:500 or 1:1,000 for highway
the project management team works with construction projects. The following
utilities from the preliminary design stage, utility-related steps are part of that process.
through detailed design, to construction. A number of steps in this process apply
Steps in the process are outlined in the only to municipally-owned utilities. These
following checklist. It should be noted that are highlighted with underlining.
the following is intended as a guide rather
than a rigid procedure, and details of the During the Functional Design
process depend on the nature of the project, process, the Designer contacts the
the extent of utility relocation work, and owners of all utilities which are
whether the project has been initiated by located in the area affected by the
the District, Region, or through project. The purpose of this initial
headquarters as a Major Project. However, contact is to make them aware of the
where communication and information project and to pass on information
exchange is concerned, the following related to:
checklist generally represents the minimum
level of effort. Where complex relocation the nature and extent of the
projects are involved, contacts between the project;
Ministry and utilities may be more expected timing for the
intensive than indicated here. functional and detailed stages of
the design process;
Preliminary Design Stage the expected time for
construction;
There should be an awareness and the expected impact on utilities;
consideration of utilities at the preliminary and,

Revised: January, 1995 Page 17.0 - 2

 Subject: 17.0 Utility Relocations

the name of the Design at the earliest possible date, and

Supervisor (who is usually a asks that the utility confirm the
Ministry employee) who is location of facilities and advise of
overseeing the Functional any errors or omissions.
Design process.
When the right-of-way required for
As part of the initial contact, the the project has been defined, the
Designer arranges for the utility to: Designer provides the following
information to the owners of any
identify a contact person for the
utilities which might be affected:
project;
provide copies of "as-built" plans showing the toes of slopes,
drawings for facilities that are tops of cuts, and the location of
located in the area covered by utility facilities which are likely
the project (if not attached to the to be relocated;
utility permit); and,
a schedule for completing the
in the case of a municipal water functional and detailed design;
or sanitary sewer line, determine the expected call for tender date;
whether design work is to be and,
carried out by the utility relocation "window" -
- from the time when it is
the municipality or the Ministry. expected that right-of-way will
(Where work is being done by be prepared for utility relocation
the municipality, the remainder
work to the point where utilities
of this procedure applies to the
must be moved in order to avoid
municipality as it does to other
interference with highway
utilities.)
construction.
Where a municipal utility is being The Designer requests written
relocated, the Designer works with confirmation from the utility on
municipal staff to obtain agreement their ability to work within the
that the municipality is required to relocation "window". Where the
cover the full cost of any upgrading utility cannot work within that
(any improvement to the capability "window", the Designer obtains a
or capacity) which is to be written explanation.
undertaken on behalf of the
municipality as the facility is being Where the Ministry is handling the
relocated. design work for a municipal water,
irrigation or sewer line, the
The Designer provides the utility municipality is provided with a
company with preliminary drawings copy of the proposed design and is
of the proposed area of construction

Revised: January, 1995 Page 17.0 - 3

 Subject: 17.0 Utility Relocations

asked to identify any necessary the work schedule for the

changes. detailed design process; and,
the expected timing for
The Designer asks the utility to:
construction
identify any errors or omissions
The Designer identifies utility
in the information on existing
facilities which will be affected by
plant which is shown on
preliminary drawings; and, highway development and
determines which are located in the
submit a preliminary relocation
proposed highway right-of-way.
plan.
The Designer reviews the
preliminary relocation plans, and In the case of municipal utilities, the
discusses them with the owners. Designer works with the
municipality to confirm the extent
Where appropriate, the Designer
to which the facility is to be
makes changes to the design and
upgraded as part of the relocation
drawings to account for information
work.
provided by utilities.
The Designer reviews all utility
Detailed Design Phase permits to identify special
provisions including cost sharing
The Functional Design is used as the basis arrangements.
for Final Design, which carries the process
When detailed design is 50
through a further iteration -- usually with
percent complete and final right-
drawings prepared at a scale of 1:500 or
of-way requirements have been
1:1,000. Utility locations and right-of-way
defined, the Designer provides
boundaries are further refined as part of this
utilities with the following
process.
information:
Detailed Design involves the following plans showing utilities which are
utility-related activity: to be relocated;
profiles and cross-sections for
The Designer contacts utilities at the proposed highway work (where
beginning of the detailed design relevant for utility relocation)
phase to make them aware that work showing the affected utility
is under way and to provide plant;
information on: the expected call-for-tender
date;
the nature and extent of the
utility relocation "window"; and,
project;

Revised: January, 1995 Page 17.0 - 4

 Subject: 17.0 Utility Relocations

terms and conditions for reviews relocation proposals

relocation. with each utility;
ensures that any conflicts
The Designer asks each utility to:
between utilities are addressed
identify any errors or omissions by the utility owners; and,
which appear on the Ministry's resolves technical and schedule
drawings; issues with utility owners.
submit a relocation plan for
consideration by the Ministry; When design is 100 percent
and, complete and spending authority
advise whether relocation work has been confirmed in accordance
is to be carried out by the with the Ministry's spending
utility's own forces, by the authority matrix, the Design
utility's contractors, or by the Supervisor or Project Manager
Ministry's grading contractor. advises each utility that design is
complete and asks for written
The Designer reviews utility plans confirmation that the utility accepts
to: the engineering design, the work
ensure consistency with schedule, and compensation
Ministry policies and standards; arrangements (if applicable).
and, Through the District representative
identify any conflicts between on the project team, the Design
utilities. Supervisor confirms that the design
The Designer forwards utility of the relocated utility is acceptable
relocation plans to the District to the District.
office for comment. The District In the case of a municipally-owned
will respond with: approval, where utility, the Designer provides the
appropriate; comments where municipality with an estimate of
changes may be required; and total project cost and the portion of
information on any special the cost which is being borne by the
provisions which will apply. This Ministry to replace the existing
work is handled through the facility "in kind".
District's representative on the
project team. Where a utility is owned by a
municipality, the Design Supervisor
works with municipal staff to obtain
When design is 75 percent council approval for the municipal
complete, the Designer: portion of project costs, based on
design quantities and estimated unit
prices.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 17.0 - 5

 Subject: 17.0 Utility Relocations

When a utility has accepted the A transition in project management begins

terms of relocation, the Designer in the pre-construction phase as
refers the completed relocation responsibility shifts from Design to
plans to the district office through Construction. As part of that process, a
the district's representative on the Project Supervisor or Consultant Project
project management team for Supervisor is named as the Ministry
review and approval. Representative for the project. Among
other things, the Ministry Representative
Once the terms of relocation have
assumes responsibility for ensuring that
been accepted in writing by the
utility relocation work is carried out in
utility and the Design Supervisor
accordance with permit conditions and the
has confirmed that funding has been
Letter of Authority.
approved, a Letter of Authority is
issued advising the utility that:
The following steps generally take place at
funding is in place; the pre-construction stage.
approval is granted for the
utility to proceed with the Where utility relocation work is
relocation work; and, completed prior to the start of
a revised Ministry Utility Permit construction.
is required and will be issued by
the District Highways Office. A Ministry Representative is
(See Section 16 for permitting appointed. Responsibilities include
ensuring that utility relocation work
procedures.)
complies with permits and Letters of
The Letter of Authority also Authority.
confirms timing of the work as well
The Ministry Representative
as terms and conditions of the
relocation project. ensures that the District has issued a
permit for the relocated facilities.
A copy of the Letter of Authority is
The Ministry Representative works
forwarded to the District through
with municipal staff to obtain final
the District's representative on the
council approval for the municipal
project management team.
portion of project costs, based on
On receipt of a copy of the Letter of unit prices as tendered.
Authority, the District prepares and
Where appropriate, the Ministry
issues a permit for the relocated
Representative includes utility
plant.
representatives in an "in house" pre-
tender meeting. Typically, all
The Pre-Construction Phase:
parties involved in a project are
asked to attend this meeting for a

Revised: January, 1995 Page 17.0 - 6

 Subject: 17.0 Utility Relocations

final review of plans and Manager provides utility owners

arrangements. Participants might with information on the proposed
include: the Project Manager, work schedule.
Designer, Design Supervisor,
Where utility relocation is a major
Manager of Construction, Ministry
aspect of a project, the Project
Representative, utilities or their
Representative may ask utilities to
consultants, and municipalities.
be represented at an "in house" pre-
Once the utility's work has been tender meeting. Typically, all
completed, the Designer obtains: parties involved in a project are
"as-built" drawings showing new asked to attend this meeting for a
and abandoned plant; or written final review of plans and
confirmation that work has been arrangements. Participants typically
completed in accordance with the include: the Project Manager,
permit. Designer, Design Supervisor,
The Designer forwards copies of Manager of Construction, Ministry
"as-built" drawings to the district Representative, utility owners or
representative on the Project Team, their consultants, and municipal
representatives.
to be attached to the permit in
district files. Where utility relocation is a major
aspect of a project, the Project
The Designer updates project
Representative may ask utilities to
drawings to include new utility
be represented at an on-site "pre-
plant and highlight any abandoned
tender" meeting to provide
plant which remains on site.
information to prospective bidders.
When utility relocation has not started or
The Construction Phase
is incomplete when construction begins.
Prior to the pre-construction
The Designer provides the Ministry
meeting or within seven days of
Representative with a copy of
acceptance of the Tender,
relevant correspondence, drawings
whichever is sooner, the highway
and notes related to utilities and also
contractor must provide the
advises the Ministry Representative
Ministry Representative with a
of any incomplete relocation work
construction schedule. (Section
or negotiations which might affect
1.19, Special Provisions Checklist,
the construction program.
Major Works Contract Agreement).
When the schedule for award of At this point, the contractor will
contracts is firm and budget have firmed up relocation work with
approvals are in place, the Project utilities.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 17.0 - 7

 Subject: 17.0 Utility Relocations

The Project Representative includes The contractor is responsible for

utility representatives in pre- preserving and protecting utility
construction meetings which are infrastructure affected by
scheduled once construction relocation for which the
contracts have been awarded. These Ministry has compensated the
meetings are designed to establish utility, and will assume full
contacts and lines of responsibility for all damage
communication, firm up work caused by the contractor
(Section 18.03, Major Works
Contract Agreement).
schedules, and ensure that all
The contractor is responsible for
participants have the information
ensuring that all of its
they require.
employees, subcontractors,
The Project Representative provides owner/operators and any other
the contractor with all of the workers on the site:
Ministry's information on
(a) Know where all
underground utility installations.
underground utilities are
The Project Manager ensures that located and know the
contractors comply with utility- importance of avoiding
related provisions of the Major damage to those utilities;
Works Contract Agreement. These and,
include the following requirements.
(b) Observe all instructions in
The contractor is responsible for connection with those
scheduling and coordinating any utilities issued by the
utility relocation with the utility Ministry representative on
company or municipality which behalf of the utility company
owns the facility (Section 18.02, or municipality. (Section
Major Works 18.04, Major Works
Contract Agreement). Contract Agreement.)
The contractor must provide the The Project Manager arranges
Ministry Representative and compensation for reimbursable
appropriate utility delays during construction (i.e. any
representatives with at least work performed by any other party
fourteen days notice prior to including utilities which is not
commencing work adjacent to reasonably foreseeable by the
any utility (Section 1.18, Special
Provisions Checklist - Major
Works Contract Agreement).

Revised: January, 1995 Page 17.0 - 8

 Subject: 17.0 Utility Relocations

contractor). (Section 36, Major Under the Ministry's Project Management

Works Contract Agreement.) System, the a project is assigned to a
Project Manager. The project is broken
Completion and Commissioning Phase down into any number of identifiable
component sections or parts. The Project
Once the utility's work has been Manger assembles a "project team", and
completed, the Ministry assigns each member of the team the
Representative obtains: "as-built" responsibility for completing any number of
drawings showing new and the component parts of the project.
abandoned plant; or written
confirmation that work has been Team members become "project managers"
completed in accordance with the of their particular assignments, and using
permit. the principles of project management,
ensure that those assignments are provided
The Ministry Representative
on schedule and within the allocated funds.
forwards copies of "as-built"
drawings to the District
In most cases, utilities are considered in
representative on the Project Team,
five of the seven phases: preliminary
to be attached to the permit in
design; functional design; detailed design;
District files.
construction; and
completion/commissioning.

Background to Procedure Project Management Teams

The following members of the project team

The Project Management System
may work with utility representatives on a
highway construction project which
Most highway improvement projects are
includes utility relocation.
organized in seven phases:
Project Manager. The Project Manager
A planning or conceptual phase;
has overall control and responsibility for a
A preliminary design phase;
project including responsibility for budget,
A functional design phase;
scope of work and schedule. Depending on
A detailed design phase;
the complexity of a project, the Project
A property acquisition phase;
Manager may deal directly with the utility
A construction phase;
or delegate responsibility to the Ministry's
A completion; and
Design Supervisor or Ministry
commissioning phase.
Representative.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 17.0 - 9

 Subject: 17.0 Utility Relocations

Project Designer (or Designer). Most of District Representative. Because of the

the Ministry's design work is now carried direct interest in highway operations during
out by consultants who are retained by the construction, long term maintenance
Ministry to provide design services. The operation and safety of a proposed facility,
Designer is responsible for coordination the Highway District, where the project is
with utilities throughout the design process, to be constructed, is usually represented on
including agreement on: engineering design Ministry project management team.
details; terms and conditions of the
relocation process; and costs (where cost- Utility Representatives. Utilities may be
sharing is involved). invited to participate in project
management meetings or, where there is a
Design Supervisor. The Design major utility impact, to be a member of the
Supervisor is a Ministry employee who is team. BC Hydro and BC TEL
responsible for: representatives on project management
teams will usually include the following:
Overseeing the Designer's work;
Negotiating formal agreements BC Hydro
with utilities for relocation
work; and, Area service planners/service
Ensuring that agreements and technicians (for changes in
utility relocation work conform distribution facilities).
with Ministry policy and Customer service and design
procedures. technicians with ongoing input
from a BC Hydro Project
Ministry Representative. One person is Engineer/Coordinator (for
designated as the Ministry Representative changes in transmission
for any highway construction project. The facilities).
Project Supervisor or the Consultant Project BC TEL
Supervisor performs this role.
Detail Design Engineer or
The Ministry Representative becomes Design Technician.
actively involved in a project once a Construction Supervisor (during
construction contract has been awarded. the construction phase).
Responsibilities include coordination of
highway construction and utility relocation
work and resolution of any disputes that
develop between contractors and utilities. References

Revised: January, 1995 Page 17.0 - 10

 Subject: 17.0 Utility Relocations

Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of

Transportation and Highways/BC Hydro,
1994.

Protocol Agreement -- Ministry of

Transportation and Highways/BC TEL,
1994.
Responsibility and Cost Sharing Guide,
Classified Highways - Part 3, Highway Act,
Circular G 23/87, Ministry of
Transportation and Highways, September
1987.
Major Works Contract Agreement, Ministry
of Transportation and Highways.
Project Policy and Procedures Manual,
Ministry of Transportation and Highways,
April 1993.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 17.0 - 11

 Subject: 17.0 Utility Relocations

Policy Proposal
Utilities on Bridges -- Work to be Included in General Bridge Contract

Consideration is being given to a requirement that all utility work related to construction
and rehabilitation of bridges and other structures will be included in the Ministry's
general bridge contract, with costs to be recovered from the utility.

This approach would provide the highest possible level of coordination for work
schedules and materials handling and would reduce the likelihood of delays and extra
costs related to utility relocation.

This policy initiative is being developed by Bridge Branch.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 17.0 - 12

 Subject: 17.0 Utility Relocations

Policy Proposal
Utility Relocation -- Work to be Included in T&H General Contract

Coordination of highway construction and utility relocation work could be coordinated by

a general contractor who takes responsibility for both construction and relocation. BC
Hydro and the Ministry have agreed to undertake a pilot project which is designed to test
this approach and to develop guidelines and procedures for joint projects of this sort.

The process envisaged by BC Hydro and the Ministry would include the following steps:

y The Ministry initiates a major highway construction project.

y BC Hydro completes design work for the relocated pole line or other works.
y BC Hydro drawings and specifications are included with highway design
drawings as part of the bidding package.
y Utility relocation is included as a Special Provision in the Ministry's major works
contract, with the general contractor taking responsibility for utility relocation as
well as highway construction.
y Sub-contractors for utility relocation work must be selected from a list which is
pre-approved by BC Hydro.
y BC Hydro is compensated for relocation work in accordance with the BC
Hydro/Ministry of Transportation and Highways protocol agreement.
y Relocation costs are recovered from BC Hydro. Authority to credit those funds to
the project account rather than general revenue would be requested under Section
22 of the Financial Administration Act.

The pilot project would include development of contracting procedures, project

management procedures, and methods of separating highway costs from utility costs and
related overheads.

Revised: January, 1995 Page 17.0 - 13

UTILITY MANUAL Subject: Glossary

Back Slope The slope between the ditch and the natural ground at the top of a
cut.

Clear Zone The roadside border area immediately adjacent to the roadway
clear of fixed object hazards which may be traversed by errant
vehicles. The width is dependent upon the traffic speed and
volumes, and the road geometry and alignment. (Design
Manual.)

Controlled Access Highway

Design Ditch

Designer

Holding Property

Inside Ditch Point

Expressway

Field-side Installations

Freeway

Highway As defined in the Highway Act, including all public streets, roads,
ways, trails, lanes, bridges, trestles, ferry landings and
approaches and any other public way.

Highway Prism

Limits of Approach

Low Volume Road (LVR) A road with Average Annual Daily Traffic of 200 or less, and
whose service functions are oriented toward rural road systems.
A Low Volume Road may be to or within an isolated community,
a recreation road or a resource development road. (Design
Manual)

Revised: January, 1995 Page G - 1

 Subject: Glossary

Near-side Service Connection

Nominal Voltage

Open-Shoulder Highway

Phase-to-Ground Voltage

Phase-to-Phase Voltage

Posted Speed

Primary Users

Push Braces

Secondary Users

Section 4 Road

Section 74 Road

Service Connections

Sheath Metre

Stub Poles

Surplus Land

Transmission Lines

Trunk Lines

Underbuilding

Revised: January, 1995 Page G - 2