scope:

These guidelines are provided for consideration and use by transportation agencies in regulating the use and occupancy of highway right-of-way by utilities. They are limited to matters, which are the responsibility of transportation agencies for preserving the safe operation, maintenance, construction, and integrity of the highway.

Where the laws or orders of public authority, industry, or governmental codes, or transportation agencies prescribe a higher degree of protection than provided by these guidelines, the higher degree of protection shall prevail. These guidelines supplement, but do not alter the provisions of the AASHTO A Policy on the Accommodation of Utilities within Freeway Right-of- Way (2).

It is recognized that a distinction exists between buried fiber optic cables and other utilities. These guidelines supplement, but do not alter the provisions of AASHTO Guidance on Sharing Freeway and Highway Rights-of- Way for Telecommunications (1).a