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This was the first publication from the Transportation Association of Canada’s – Public Utilities Management Subcommittee (PUMS). The major components were a review of current practices across Canada and around the world, and a Survey of Ministries of Transportation and Municipalities to get a sense for how they deal with Utilities.

Although the number of respondents was limited there was some great feedback obtained. One of the key findings was the consensus on the major concerns that each respondent had. Some of the top issues identified in the study were:

Delay of road construction due to relocations
Quality and timeliness of as-built drawings
Losses due to utilities being installed in newly constructed roads
The ability of utility companies to identify the exact location of their facilities

Sound familiar?????

The study even touches on the sensitive topic of cost allocations. This is always an interesting aspect to look at and see how it is handled in different areas. Some of the specific comments in the document are:

“We do require ‘total value’ cost estimates. In very rare cases where disputes occur we may ask for a detailed cost estimate.” (Saskatchewan Highways and Infrastructure)

“The utility companies are not providing MTO with enough information.” (Ministry of Transportation Ontario)

“Since relocations are typically paid for under the Act, we ask for a detailed cost estimate ahead of time so we can budget appropriately.” (City of Toronto)

One of the interesting things about this document is the ability to see how far the industry has come since it was published back in 2008. The use of Subsurface Utility Engineering, is much more common place, and the Utility Coordination Guidelines published by the committee as helping to streamline how municipalities and government agencies deal with Utilities and therefore improve the overall process.

Bottom line is that although this document is somewhat dated, there is some great information in there that could be of benefit to anyone working for a municipality of government agency that wants a look into what others are doing, or more correctly were doing back in 2008. You can use it as a measuring stick to see how you stack up.

If you want to download a FREE copy from the TAC website you can click here.

One critical aspect of managing Utility Risk on projects is to have a set processes or standards to follow. The best way to start and develop these is to look at existing standards and best practices that have been developed by other users and practitioners from reputable industry focused groups like the Utility Engineering and Survey Institute, Transportation Association of Canada - Public Utilities Management Subcommittee, Right of Way Management Committee and Transportation Research Board. Over the next coming weeks and months, we at 4Sight will help to summarize some of the key standards and guidelines and breakdown a practical user guide to effectively using them on your project(s). These summaries will aim to be short and sweet but hit all the key things that you need to know to use them effectively.

Some of the documents that will be covered include:

All six TAC Guidelines published by the Public Utilities Management Subcommittee.

ASCE 38 Standard, published by the Utility Engineering and Survey Institute

CSA S250 - Mapping of Underground Utility Infrastructure

Soon to be published ASCE "Utility As-Built Guideline"

If you have any documents that you think we should include please send a comment and we can add it to the list.

First up, starting next week will be coverage of the guidelines published by the TAC - Public Utilities Management Subcommittee.

2008 - Management of Utilities in and Adjacent to Public Right-of-Way: Survey of Best Practices

2011 - A Guide for the Accommodation of Utilities Within Freeway Rights-of-Way

2013 - Guidelines for Underground Utility Installations Crossing Highway Rights-of-Way

2016 - Guidelines for the Coordination of Utility Relocations

2020 - Utility Agreements: Survey of Best Practices

2021 - Guidelines for the Coordination of Utility Relocations on PPP Projects.

Up first starting next week will be the 2008 Survey of Best Practices. This is an interesting overview of practices across Canada and around the world. It is a great way to see how thing stack up in your jurisdiction!

Management of Utilities in and adjacent to the Public Right-of-Way: Survey of Practices

A Guide to key Utility Risk Management Standards & Guidelines