The Utility Installation Review (UIR) system is a web-based system that automates the submission, review, approval, inspection, and post-construction processing of utility installation requests on the state right of way (ROW). At the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), a utility installation request is also called a notice of proposed installation (NOPI). UIR includes user interfaces for installation owners and TxDOT officials. The installation owner interface enables users to:
The TxDOT interface enables TxDOT users to:
Access to UIR for installation owner users and TxDOT users depends on the role that individual users play on the utility installation process and their UIR account status and privilege level.
In reference to the UIR user interface, this online help uses the following special text style conventions:
Using UIR to document the installation of utility facilities on the state ROW is a five-phase process.
Submitting. The installation owner user submits a utility installation request online (also called notice of proposed installation). As part of the process, the user provides detailed information about the proposed installation; uploads and generates portable document format (PDF) versions of plans, schematics, and other supporting documents; and locates the proposed installation on an interactive map. After submitting the request, UIR sends an email to designated TxDOT district officials to alert them about the new submission.
Reviewing. TxDOT district officials review the feasibility of the proposed installation. Depending on the case, the review might involve routing the proposal to area offices, maintenance sections, and other offices, as well as interaction with the installation owner user to gather additional and/or revised documentation. The outcome of this process is a recommendation to approve or reject the proposal. Every time a user routes the request to another user, UIR sends an automated reminder email to the recipient.
Approval/Pre-construction. A designated TxDOT official approves the proposed installation and routes the approval form along with any relevant special provisions to the installation owner user for further processing. At least 2 business days prior to starting construction, the installation owner user (or another duly authorized installation owner user) uses UIR to notify TxDOT that construction is about to commence. UIR sends an email to the designated TxDOT inspector who then coordinates with the installation owner user details such as construction schedule and traffic control plans.
Construction. The installation owner proceeds with the construction of the utility installation. TxDOT officials conduct field inspections to verify compliance with the proposed documentation and relevant specifications and regulations. This process ends when the TxDOT inspector notifies the utility permit office that construction has ended, indicating whether there were changes between approved and actual alignments. During the construction phase, if warranted, the TxDOT inspector could stop the construction and require the installation owner to submit amendment requests online to address major unexpected situations encountered during construction.
Post-construction. After the TxDOT field inspector notifies the district utility permit office that construction has ended, this office requests the installation owner to submit an as-built certification online. After the submission and review of the as-built certification, the utility permit office archives the completed request.
Each installation request is different and can involve many different steps, requirements, and review by a large number of stakeholders. A detailed installation request workflow diagram is available below.
UIR User Manual - Complete.pdf
Utility Permit Workflow Diagram.pdf
UIR User Manual - Installation Owners.pdf
Online Help for Installation Owner Users
The Utility Accommodation Rules (UAR) and the TxDOT Utility Manual govern the accommodation of utility facilities on the state highway ROW (1, 2). The rules and guidelines are the result of a federal mandate that requires states to submit a statement to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) documenting the following information:
The rules, which can be traced to utility accommodation policies and guides the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) developed, prescribe minimums relative to the accommodation, location, installation, adjustment, and maintenance of utility facilities within the state ROW (4, 5). However, the rules also establish that where industry standards or governmental codes, orders, or laws require utilities to provide a higher degree of protection than provided in the UAR, such regulations and laws take precedence (1). At TxDOT, a number of documents provide additional information regarding specific requirements that might affect utility installations on the ROW, including standard and special construction specifications, special provisions, and survey standards (6, 7).