Keys to Successful Utility Coordination

One of the greatest potential hazards and liabilities in pipeline design and construction is related to utility crossings. Pipeline projects may encounter crossings with electrical, fiber optic, natural gas, and a host of other utilities. When poorly identified, each utility crossing poses a liability to engineers and a threat to the safety of contractors. Although this thesis is well established by case history, steps may be taken to avoid new utility related construction disasters. This paper discusses case histories that teach the importance of utility coordination, the identifying of utility conflicts, designing around conflicts, communicating with field crews and contractors, and keys to successful utility coordination.