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What you need to know about INDOT Utility Relocations (Q&A Part I)

Posted By Andrew Gordon on April 05, 2023

Shelbyville Michigan Road Construction cropped.jpg

Has your community received a Work Plan Request from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and you’re wondering what to do next? If INDOT roadways through your community are listed for improvements, have you thought about how the upcoming project will affect your underground utilities? Do you have a map of where your underground utilities are and know what will be affected? 

You might be making a list of questions by now and we are here to answer them! Andrew D. Gordon, P.E., is our Drinking Water in-house resource on utility relocations associated with INDOT road projects. He has done a two-part question and answer providing information you need to know, including answering questions you may have not have thought of. 

Look for Part II of the Q&A coming soon!

Why and/ or when would I need to relocate my utilities?

Utility relocations are often required when the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is performing construction on a state road in a community.

Is there a good or ideal time to relocate my utilities?

Utilities are relocated prior to or at the same time as INDOT’s work.

How do I know if I need to even relocate utilities?

INDOT staff will send a series of letters and a Work Plan Request to potentially impacted utilities. They will attach the road project drawings and ask those utility teams to confirm the location of existing utilities and then identify any potential conflicts.

Who should be involved in a utility relocation?

The utility, INDOT, an engineer and a contractor.

What are the benefits for relocating utilities prior to an upcoming road project?

Prior relocation reduces coordination during the actual road work.  When the utility staff is able to plan ahead for the utility relocation, existing and future needs of the utility can be incorporated into the project. 

What are some steps the utility should take before the utility relocation project begins?

Planning is important. Often, utility staff take the opportunity to increase system capacity or replace aged infrastructure during a utility relocation project. Knowing your long-term goals will help to take advantage of an opportunity during a road construction project.

Complete the requested Work Plan and begin working with your engineer to draft design drawings and specifications to relocate your utilities.

This concludes Part I of this series. Be on the lookout for Part II coming soon. If you have additional questions, please contact us at 317-788-4551 or email: info@wesslerengineering.com.

CONTACT US TODAY!

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