Office of Traffic and Safety

Home of Traffic and Safety

WHY ARE UTILITIES ALLOWED ON HIGHWAY right-of-way?

The citizens of Iowa have come to expect the road system to act as not only a transportation corridor for passengers and freight but also services, including utilities. By placing utilities in the highway right-of-way the utility providers are able to avoid the purchase of costly utility easements. This savings translates into lower rates to their customers who are also the taxpayers who pay for the highway right-of-way to begin with. It is simply the most prudent use of the taxpayer's investment.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF UTILITY ACCOMMODATION?

To provide for the reasonable accommodation of utility facilities on highway rights of way as required by Iowa Code 306A.3. The Department of Transportation has taken the position that safety is the most important issue when utility accommodation is considered. The utility facility must provide for the safety of not only the traveling public but for the utility workers and highway maintenance crews as well. Additionally we work to preserve the state's investment in the highway system by insuring the utility facility doesn't damage the roadway structure directly or adversely affect the future development of the highway as a transportation corridor.

AM I REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A PERMIT BEFORE I PLACE UTILITIES IN THE right-of-way?

Permits are required for the safety and welfare of all involved. In addition, permit applications are required by the Code of Iowa for basically doing anything (cutting trees, cutting the backslope, constructing entrances, harvesting grasses, etc.) within the primary highway right-of-way. It is the Department's responsibility to follow the Code of Iowa requirements as outlined in Chapter 319.14 which states in part:

A person shall not excavate, fill or make a physical change within the right-of-way of a public road or highway without obtaining a permit from the highway authority having jurisdiction of the public road or highway. Work performed under the permit shall be performed in conformity with the specifications prescribed by the highway authority.

IOWA ADMINISTRATIVE RULES, CHAPTER 761--115(306A)
"UTILITIES ON THE PRIMARY ROAD SYSTEM"

The current Utility Accommodation and Adjustment Policy of the Department is dated 2003 and is a copy of the rule as noted above. In addition, the policy booklet contains several graphic exhibits to explain various sections of the rule. 

Printed copies of the Policy booklet are available by contacting one of the Department's District Offices or by requesting a copy from the Utility Policy Administrator at the following address:

Eric Wright , Utility Policy Administrator
Office of Traffic and Safety
800 Lincoln Way, North Annex
Ames, IA 50010

Tele: 515-233-7903 or Eric.Wright@dot.iowa.gov

HOW CAN I OBTAIN AN APPLICATION, OR MORE INFORMATION ON THE USE OF HIGHWAY right-of-way FOR UTILITIES ACCOMMODATION?

We would suggest that you contact one of the District Offices as noted below and request assistance.

If you are familiar with the Department's application form you may obtain one by clicking here.

HOW DO I LOCATE BURIED UTILITIES BEFORE I DIG?

The state of Iowa has established a "one call system" which all underground utility providers are required to participate in.

You simply need to call Iowa One Call at 800-292-8989 at least 2 WORKING DAYS BEFORE YOU DIG. The utility companies will then have the location of their facilities marked. The following information will be required when you call:

COUNTY
TOWNSHIP
SECTION
STREET ADDRESS
TYPE OF WORK
NAME OF CALLER
START DATE
START TIME
RETURN PHONE NUMBER
CONTRACTOR
CONTRACTOR PHONE NUMBER

Page last updated 12/05/07 by Jeff Stratton