FLH PDDM Chapter 9 - Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division

9.4.G. Right-of-Way and Utilities. (continued)Locate facilities on uniform alignment as near as practical to the R/W line. On frontage roads, locate thefacilities so that servicing may be performed from the frontage road.Place facilities crossing the highway approximately at right angles to the highway alignment wheneverpossible--and preferably under the highway.d. Retention of Existing Facilities. Under certain conditions, AASHTO policy permits existing facilitiesencountered during highway construction to remain in place. Facilities deviating from this policy may remainon the highway right-of-way when it is in the public interest and will not adversely affect the highway or itsusers. Any such retention will be with the understanding that compliance is mandatory when the facility isreconstructed.When accident history or safety studies show that existing facilities are hazardous, relocate or shield themregardless of prior agreements with the utility. Changes in operating conditions of existing facilities, other thanfor routine maintenance, require a new permit from the highway operating agency before initiating such workor change.e. Aesthetic Controls. If practical, place cluttered overhead facilities underground. The design of facilitiesshould minimize any adverse visual impact and should be planned to preserve attractive landscapes.New utility installations, including those needed for highway purposes, are not permitted on highwayright-of-way or other lands acquired by or improved with Federal funds within or adjacent to areas of scenicenhancement and natural beauty. Such areas include public park and recreational lands, wildlife and waterfowlrefuges, historic sites as described in 23 USC 138, scenic strips, overlooks, rest areas and landscaped areas.New underground utility installations must not cause the extensive removal or alteration of trees visible to thehighway user or impair the visual quality of the area.Avoid new aerial installations unless there is no feasible and prudent alternative to the use of such lands andonly if the following can be established:(1) Other utility locations are not available, are unusually difficult, are unreasonably costly, or are lessdesirable from the standpoint of visual quality.(2) Underground installations are not technically or economically prudent or are more detrimental to thevisual quality of the area.(3) The location and installation of the proposed facility will not significantly detract from the visual qualitiesof the area being traversed. The facility will employ suitable designs and materials to enhance aestheticvalues.No service connections shall cross freeways when a distribution line is available within a reasonable distanceon the same side of the highway as the premises being served. Keep crossings of other highways and streetsto a minimum.Facilities to be located on or across highways having easements, such as through Forest Service land, Bureauof Land Management land, railroad land, etc., require the approval of those agencies.9 - 115