Detection of utility conflicts as early as possible during the project development process can help to substantially improve the timely relocation of utilities and can allow time to develop alternatives to avoid utility relocation. However, collecting accurate information on the location of underground utilities from utility companies can be challenging. This is one reason that subsurface utility engineering (SUE) has become a critical tool in helping to identify and locate utility installations within the right-of-way. Although the benefits of SUE have been well documented, a disconnect between its full potential and its actual use at the Texas Department of Transportation (DOT) was suspected. A survey of staff in diverse organizational units at the Texas DOT was conducted to learn about current utility investigation practices and to gain a better understanding of how the Texas DOT uses SUE. The team found, among other issues, some unfamiliarity with SUE technology and its best uses, a general need for training and education on the use of SUE, and a recent decline in the use of SUE technology that may be linked to frequent uncertainty about the benefits of SUE.


    Access

    Download

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Utility Investigation Trends in Texas


    Additional title:

    Transportation Research Record


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    2012-01-01




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Transportation Corporations and Road Utility Districts: The Texas Experience

    M. A. Euritt / A. Almquist / C. M. Walton | NTIS | 1992


    Commuting in Texas: Patterns and Trends

    D. G. Perkinson | NTIS | 1999


    Texas Rigid Pavement Database: Accomplishments and Trends

    C. I. M. Chavez / B. F. McCullough / T. Dossey | NTIS | 2005