Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-09-07
MUST CLIMB HIGHER.
Light and Power Wires Will Have to
Take Second Place on the List,
TO GET OFF THE EARTH.
Some Municipal Legislation Which Makes
Street Railways Rulers.
TWENTY FEET FIXED As THE LIMIT

Street railway wires rank first in Pitts
burg. The wires of lighting, heating and
power companies have to either take second
place or get off the esrth.-at least, they can
come no nearer than 20 feet, and in many
cases they will have to decorate the sky at
even much greater altitude. This
latest of Pittsburg's ordinances vas
flashed yesterday, at the meeting
Of the Committee on Corporations.
There was a large attendance, but no op-
position, and, outside of W. A. Magee,
who is a member OF the committee, William
Finn was the only one of the city leaders
present to look after the interests of this
new child of municipal legislation. Every
thing moved so smoothly that even that
gentleman did not have to put his shoulder
to the wheel. Without any opposition it
was afirmativeIy recommended to Councils.
WHAT IT ALL MEANS.
The ordinance provides that hereafter oil
the electric wires Of light, heat and power
companies must be placed at least 20 feet
above the sidewalks, and where there are
street railway wires on the same street the
former wires must be placed sufficient dis
tance above the latter to be entirely out OF
the way. and also must have guard wires
placed under them to prevent any possi-
bility of broken wires falling down on the
street railway wires. This is to prevent any
possibility of the accidents which might re.
suit from the heavy currents of the light
and other wires being introduced into any
OF the circuits of the street railway systems.
Another point in that just what shall
constitute the proper distance from the
street railway wires is left entirely to the
discretion of the Department of Public
Works. All plans for the erection of wires
must first be submitted to the Department of
Public Works for approval, and the only
recourse, if they are not approved there, is
to bring them before Councils and, have
them approved by joint resolution Of that
with its supplementary regulations, Is as
follows:
PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE.
Section provides that hereafter all such
companies which shall get street rights from
the City Councils must accept the provisions
OF this general ordinance, subject to regula-
tions as follows: Plans and specifications
in detail Of the apparatus and devices in
detail must be submitted to the Chief of
the Public Works Department. In case
overhead wires or cables are to be used the
plans must show their size, location, nature,
proposed height from grade line, means of
insulation and of support. In case under
ground wires are to be used the
same rule applies. The plans are
subject to the approval of the Chief
of Public Works. Further regulations
provide that overhead wires shall not be
placed less that 20 feet above the grade of
the street, and wires shall not be constructed |
across any street. Wires must |
be erected over and along the street curb |
lines as near as practicable, and shall not
cross any street except at cross street inter-
sections. On streets where wires or cables |
are located for supplying motive power TO
traction companies. the lines of light, heat
or power companies shall be erected over |
and above all the traction wires at sufi- |
cient height to secure safety, and shall |
place underneath the light, heat or power |
wires guard wires or other means to prevent |
the light, heat or power wires from falling |
upon or coming in contact in any way with |
the traction wires.
UNDERGROUND WIRES.
Underground wires, cables, tubes con-
duits or subways shall be placed at least two
feet under the surface of the ground and as
near the street curb lines as practicable. |
No company shall be allowed to open up |
more than two squares Of any street at one |
time for the construction or repair OF its un- |
1erground line, and it must replace and re- I
new the streets opened and put them in good
condition, under the supervision of the |
Chief of Public Works.
The apparatus or appliances of such COM
panies relating to the safety of the public
shall be subject at all times to the inspec-
lion and supervision of the Chief of the De-
partment of Public Safety, and they must
Information as to the operation of their svs-
em and statement showing the amount of
orce used. If the wires of such companies
'hall interfere with or obstruct the opera
ions of the fire department at fire, the
iremen may cut down the wires in their
way and the city shall not be held liable for
he loss thus incurred.
Section provides that if the company
ails to secure the approval of its system, or
my part of it, an application may be made
% Councils, which shall have the power, by
resolution or otherwise, to ap-
,rove the same.
Section provides that special ordinance
must be passed for each company in addi-
ion to this general ordinance, and the COM
,any receiving the rights must file with the
jity Controller within 80 days from the pass
ge of the ordinance a certificate of accept
nee Of all the provisions of the general
rdinance, attested by the president and sec
etary of the company.
Section provides a S100 fine for each
'iolation of any provision of this ordinance.
An ordinance authorizing the Chief of the
Department. of Public Safety to enforce the
xisting ordinances relating to the moving
4 trains on Liberty street caused consider
BILE discussion, but was finally given an at-
irmative recommendation. An ordinance
ranting the right to Rea & Co. to switch
rack at Second avenue and Try street, was
lso afirmatively recommended.