Citation

Jones DH. Transp. Res. Rec. 1980; 769: 43-50.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1980, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Conflicts between vehicle traffic and utility facilities are examined in a before-and-after study of a heavily used section of a four-lane major arterial in Knoxville, Tennessee. At the beginning of the study, many utility facilities were located in the roadway and at the back of the curb in close proximity to moving traffic. Some of the underground facilities in the roadway were relocated under or to the far side of the sidewalk, and all utility poles were relocated to the far side of the sidewalk and to one side of the street. Prior to the relocation, there was a high incidence of vehicle collisions with aboveground utility facilities and considerable traffic delays caused by maintenance of underground facilities on this section of highway. In the five years since the relocation, no collisions with utility facilities have been reported. Other factors examined include accidents involving the failure of pavement cuts made when underground facilities were repaired or installed, delays resulting from utility operations, and user costs resulting from traffic delays and accidents in which utility facilities are involved. The study shows not only that serious conflicts exist in certain locations but also that considerable improvement can be achieved through cooperation in planning, design, and operations between highway agencies and utility agencies.