Utility Accommodation

The placement, adjustment and maintenance of utility facilities in, on, above or below the Iowa DOT's right-of-way of primary highways, including attachments to primary highway structures, are covered in detail within the (Policy for Accommodating and Adjustment of Utilities on the Primary Road System, 2005).

The Iowa DOT's Office of Traffic and Safety will determine the literal application of the accommodation policy based on the considerations of the following:

• Safety of motorist, pedestrians, construction zones (workers), and other highway users.
• Integrity of the highway roadbed/right-of-way and the highway’s intended use and function.
• The impact upon the economy and the citizens of Iowa’s public interest.

The permit process is de-centralized, thus, applicants would submit proposal via the appropriate Iowa DOT's district representative (engineering operations technician, EOT).

The department shall deny the issuance of a permit if it determines there is insufficient room for additional utility facilities with the right-of-way.