Texas Administrative Code › Title 43 - TRANSPORTATION › Part 1 - TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION › Chapter 21 - RIGHT OF WAY › Subchapter C - UTILITY ACCOMMODATION › Section 21.41 - Overhead Electric and Communication Lines

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a)
				  Type of construction. Longitudinal lines on the right of way shall be limited
				  to single pole construction on each side of the right of way, unless otherwise
				  authorized by the district. Where an existing or proposed utility facility is
				  supported by "H" frames, the same type structures may be utilized for the
				  crossing provided all other requirements of this subchapter are met.
(b) Vertical clearance. The minimum vertical
				  clearance above the highway at the largest vertical sag of the line is 22 feet
				  for electric lines, and 18 feet for communication and cable television lines.
				  The minimum vertical clearance for longitudinal lines on the right of way at
				  the largest vertical sag of the line is 22 feet for electric lines, and 18 feet
				  for communication lines. These clearances may be greater, as required by the
				  National Electric Safety Code and governing laws.
(c) Horizontal clearances. Horizontal
				  clearances or clear zones must conform to the department's publication, Roadway
				  Design Manual. Clear zone requirements may vary based on speed limit,
				  functional classification of the highway, location of the highway, and average
				  daily traffic.
(d) Location.
(1) Poles supporting longitudinal lines shall
				  be located within three feet of the right of way line, except that, at the
				  option of the department, this distance may be varied at short breaks in the
				  right of way line. Pole and guy wire installations may not encroach on current
				  American Disabilities Act (ADA) clearances. Poles with widths measured at the
				  widest part of the pole base that are greater than 36 inches in diameter may
				  not be placed within the department's right of way. For overhead crossings at
				  intersections, bridges, or large drainage structures that require greater
				  vertical clearances or longer spans, the pole width measured at the widest part
				  of the pole base may not be greater than 42 inches. Guy wires placed within the
				  right of way shall be held to a minimum and be in line with the pole line.
				  Other locations may be allowed, but in no case shall the guy wires or poles be
				  located closer than the minimum allowed by the department's horizontal
				  clearance policy, as shown in subsection (c) of this section.
(2) Poles may not be placed in the center
				  median of any highway. At the department's discretion, poles may be placed in
				  the outer separations or more than three feet inside the right of way where the
				  right of way is greater than 300 feet and where poles can be located in
				  accordance with the department's horizontal clearance policy, as shown in
				  subsection (c) of this section.
(3)
				  Overhead electric and communication line crossings at bridges or grade
				  separation structures are prohibited. Overhead lines may not be located below
				  any bridge structure. If rerouting the line completely around the structure and
				  approaches is not feasible, a minimum horizontal distance of 150 feet from the
				  bridge abutment joint and a minimum vertical clearance of 30 feet above
				  crossing the highest point of the bridge pavement and retaining walls is
				  required to ensure adequate safety for construction and maintenance
				  operations.
(4) Overhead electric
				  lines crossing a highway must conform with §
											21.37(b)(4)
				  of this subchapter (related to Design). This requirement applies only to new
				  utility facility crossings.
(5)
				  Overhead electric and communication lines running longitudinal to the bridge or
				  grade separation structures must maintain a clearance of 30 feet above the
				  highest point of the bridge pavement or any retaining wall unless there is
				  adequate horizontal clearance, as determined by the district, between the
				  bridge or grade separation structure and the overhead electric or communication
				  lines.
(6) When installing overhead
				  electric and communications lines at intersections, a utility shall follow the
				  right of way offset, if applicable, as shown in Figure §21.41(d)(6).
				  Overhead electric or communication lines must have a minimum of 10 feet
				  clearance from any department structure.
Attached
					 Graphic
(7) Only
				  one set of pole lines for all utilities will be permitted for longitudinal
				  installation on each side of the right of way, unless the district, in its sole
				  discretion, determines that one set of pole lines is impractical. Joint use of
				  the pole lines is required, unless the district, in its sole discretion,
				  determines that joint use of the pole lines is unsafe or impractical.