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Streamlining and Integrating Right-of-Way and Utility Processes

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Report Cover

Table of Contents

Figures
Tables

Sponsored by:

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration

In cooperation with:
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
National Cooperative Highway Research Program

Notice:

The Federal Highway Administration provides high-quality information to serve Government, industry, and the public in a manner that promotes public understanding. Standards and policies are used to ensure and maximize the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of its information. FHWA periodically reviews quality issues and adjusts its programs and processes to ensure continuous quality improvement.

1. Report No.
FHWA-PL-09-011
2. Government Accession No. 3. Recipient's Catalog No.
4. Title and Subtitle
Streamlining and Integrating Right-of-Way and Utility Processes With Planning, Environmental, and Design Processes in Australia and Canada
5. Report Date
June 2009
6. Performing Organization Code
7. Author(s)
John Campbell, Gerald Solomon, Gary Fawver, Raymond Lorello, Daniel Mathis, Cesar Quiroga, Bimla Rhinehart, Bernard Ward, Jeffrey Zaharewicz, Nicholas Zembillas
8. Performing Organization Report No.
9. Performing Organization Name and Address
American Trade Initiatives
P.O. Box 8228
Alexandria, VA 22306-8228
10. Work Unit No.(TRAIS)
11. Contract or Grant No.
DTFH61-99-C-005
12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address
Office of International Programs
Federal Highway Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
13. Type of Report and Period Covered
14. Sponsoring Agency Code
15. Supplementary Notes
FHWA COTR: Hana Maier, Office of International Programs
16. Abstract

Many transportation projects require acquisition of land and accommodation of utility facilities in the right-of-way. The Federal Highway Administration, American Association of State Highway andTransportation Officials, and National Cooperative Highway Research Program sponsored a scanning study of Australia and Canada to learn about innovative practices for right-of-way and utility processes. The study complemented a 2000 study of European countries.

The scan team identified nine priorities for U.S. implementation: promote incentive-based reimbursement for utility relocations, pursue corridor preservation strategies, use an alliance contract approach to integrate right-of-way acquisition and utility coordination, enhance cooperative relationships with property owners to facilitate timely property acquisition, develop GIS-based right-of-way project and asset management systems, promote visualization techniques to communicate project impacts, promote use of multiple-level MOU structures, promote use of utility coordination best practices during construction, and develop a framework to establish proficiency of right-of-way and utility professionals.

17. Key Words
corridor preservation, project development process, property management, public-private partnership, right-of-way, utility accommodation, utility coordination, utility relocation
18. Distribution Statement
No restrictions. This document is available to the public from the: Office of International Programs, FHWA - HPIP, Room 3325, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC 20590
international@fhwa.dot.gov
www.international.fhwa.dot.gov
19. Security Classify. (of this report)
Unclassified
20. Security Classify. (of this page)
Unclassified
21. No. of Pages
80
22. Price
Free

Form DOT F 1700.7 (8-72) Reproduction of completed page authorized

Prepared by the International Scanning Study Team:

Acknowledgments

The study team members give a special thanks to the following host agencies from Australia and Canada:

These agencies prepared and delivered a myriad of documents and spent many hours describing their organizations, sharing valuable information, and patiently answering questions. The study team expresses its gratitude to all the individuals from these agencies for their hospitality and contributions to the success of the scanning study.

The team thanks the Federal Highway Administration Office of International Programs, the National Cooperative Highway Research Program, and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials for their encouragement, guidance, and support.

International Technology Scanning Program

The International Technology Scanning Program, sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP), evaluates innovative foreign technologies and practices that could significantly benefit U.S. highway transportation systems. This approach allows for advanced technology to be adapted and put into practice much more efficiently without spending scarce research funds to re-create advances already developed by other countries.

FHWA and AASHTO, with recommendations from NCHRP, jointly determine priority topics for teams of U.S. experts to study. Teams in the specific areas being investigated are formed and sent to countries where significant advances and innovations have been made in technology, management practices, organizational structure, program delivery, and financing. Scan teams usually include representatives from FHWA, State departments of transportation, local governments, transportation trade and research groups, the private sector, and academia.

After a scan is completed, team members evaluate findings and develop comprehensive reports, including recommendations for further research and pilot projects to verify the value of adapting innovations for U.S. use. Scan reports, as well as the results of pilot programs and research, are circulated throughout the country to State and local transportation officials and the private sector. Since 1990, more than 75 international scans have been organized on topics such as pavements, bridge construction and maintenance, contracting, intermodal transport, organizational management, winter road maintenance, safety, intelligent transportation systems, planning, and policy.

The International Technology Scanning Program has resulted in significant improvements and savings in road program technologies and practices throughout the United States. In some cases, scan studies have facilitated joint research and technology-sharing projects with international counterparts, further conserving resources and advancing the state of the art. Scan studies have also exposed transportation professionals to remarkable advancements and inspired implementation of hundreds of innovations. The result: large savings of research dollars and time, as well as significant improvements in the Nation's transportation system.

Scan reports can be obtained through FHWA free of charge by e-mailing international@dot.gov. Scan reports are also available electronically and can be accessed on the FHWA Office of International Programs Web site at www.international.fhwa.dot.gov.

International Technology Scan Reports

Safety

Improving Safety and Mobility for Older Road Users in Australia and Japan (2008)

Halving Roadway Fatalities: A Case Study From Victoria, Australia (2008)

Safety Applications of Intelligent Transportation Systems in Europe and Japan (2006)

Traffic Incident Response Practices in Europe (2006)

Underground Transportation Systems in Europe: Safety, Operations, and Emergency Response (2006)

Roadway Human Factors and Behavioral Safety in Europe (2005)

Traffic Safety Information Systems in Europe and Australia (2004)

Signalized Intersection Safety in Europe (2003)

Managing and Organizing Comprehensive Highway Safety in Europe (2003)

European Road Lighting Technologies (2001)

Commercial Vehicle Safety, Technology, and Practice in Europe (2000)

Methods and Procedures to Reduce Motorist Delays in European Work Zones (2000)

Innovative Traffic Control Technology and Practice in Europe (1999)

Road Safety Audits–Final Report and Case Studies (1997)

Speed Management and Enforcement Technology: Europe and Australia (1996)

Safety Management Practices in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand (1995)

Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety in England, Germany, and the Netherlands (1994)

Planning and Environment

Streamlining and Integrating Right-of-Way and Utility Processes With Planning, Environmental, and Design Processes in Australia and Canada (2009)

Active Travel Management: The Next Step in Congestion Management (2007)

Managing Travel Demand: Applying European Perspectives to U.S. Practice (2006)

Risk Assessment and Allocation for Highway Construction Management (2006)

Transportation Asset Management in Australia, Canada, England, and New Zealand (2005)

Transportation Performance Measures in Australia, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand (2004)

European Right-of-Way and Utilities Best Practices (2002)

Geometric Design Practices for European Roads (2002)

Wildlife Habitat Connectivity Across European Highways (2002)

Sustainable Transportation Practices in Europe (2001)

Recycled Materials in European Highway Environments (1999)

European Intermodal Programs: Planning, Policy, and Technology (1999)

National Travel Surveys (1994)

Policy and Information

European Practices in Transportation Workforce Development (2003)

Intelligent Transportation Systems and Winter Operations in Japan (2003)

Emerging Models for Delivering Transportation Programs and Services (1999)

National Travel Surveys (1994)

Acquiring Highway Transportation Information From Abroad (1994)

International Guide to Highway Transportation Information (1994)

International Contract Administration Techniques for Quality Enhancement (1994)

European Intermodal Programs: Planning, Policy, and Technology (1994)

Operations

Freight Mobility and Intermodal Connectivity in China (2008)

Commercial Motor Vehicle Size and Weight Enforcement in Europe (2007)

Active Travel Management: The Next Step in Congestion Management (2007)

Effective Use of Weigh-in-Motion Data: The Netherlands Case Study (2007)

Managing Travel Demand: Applying European Perspectives to U.S. Practice (2006)

Traffic Incident Response Practices in Europe (2006)

Underground Transportation Systems in Europe: Safety, Operations, and Emergency Response (2006)

Superior Materials, Advanced Test Methods, and Specifications in Europe (2004)

Freight Transportation: The Latin American Market (2003)

Meeting 21st Century Challenges of System Performance Through Better Operations (2003)

Traveler Information Systems in Europe (2003)

Freight Transportation: The European Market (2002)

European Road Lighting Technologies (2001)

Methods and Procedures to Reduce Motorist Delays in European Work Zones (2000)

Innovative Traffic Control Technology and Practice in Europe (1999)

European Winter Service Technology (1998)

Traffic Management and Traveler Information Systems (1997)

European Traffic Monitoring (1997)

Highway/Commercial Vehicle Interaction (1996)

Winter Maintenance Technology and Practices–Learning from Abroad (1995)

Advanced Transportation Technology (1994)

Snowbreak Forest Book–Highway Snowstorm Countermeasure Manual (1990)

Infrastructure—General

Public-Private Partnerships for Highway Infrastructure: Capitalizing on International Experience (2009)

Audit Stewardship and Oversight of Large and Innovatively Funded Projects in Europe (2006)

Construction Management Practices in Canada and Europe (2005)

European Practices in Transportation Workforce Development (2003)

Contract Administration: Technology and Practice in Europe (2002)

European Road Lighting Technologies (2001)

Geometric Design Practices for European Roads (2001)

Geotechnical Engineering Practices in Canada and Europe (1999)

Geotechnology—Soil Nailing (1993)

Infrastructure—Pavements

Warm-Mix Asphalt: European Practice (2008)

Long-Life Concrete Pavements in Europe and Canada (2007)

Quiet Pavement Systems in Europe (2005)

Superior Materials, Advanced Test Methods, and Specifications in Europe (2004)

Asphalt Pavement Warranties: Technology and Practice in Europe (2004)

Pavement Preservation Technology in France, South Africa, and Australia (2003)

Recycled Materials in European Highway Environments (1999)

South African Pavement and Other Highway Technologies and Practices (1997)

Highway/Commercial Vehicle Interaction (1996)

European Concrete Highways (1992)

European Asphalt Technology (1990)

Infrastructure—Bridges

Bridge Evaluation Quality Assurance in Europe (2008)

Prefabricated Bridge Elements and Systems in Japan and Europe (2005)

Bridge Preservation and Maintenance in Europe and South Africa (2005)

Performance of Concrete Segmental and Cable-Stayed Bridges in Europe (2001)

Steel Bridge Fabrication Technologies in Europe and Japan (2001)

European Practices for Bridge Scour and Stream Instability Countermeasures (1999)

Advanced Composites in Bridges in Europe and Japan (1997)

Asian Bridge Structures (1997)

Bridge Maintenance Coatings (1997)

Northumberland Strait Crossing Project (1996)

European Bridge Structures (1995)

Abbreviations and Acronyms

AASHTOAmerican Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials
AACIAccredited Appraiser Canadian Institute
AASHTOAmerican Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
AICAppraisal Institute of Canada
ASCEAmerican Society of Civil Engineers
ASRDAlberta Sustainable Resource Development
BLIMSBuilding and Land Inventory Management System
DOTDepartment of Transportation
DTEIDepartment for Transport, Energy, and Infrastructure
ECIEarly Contractor Involvement
eDAMElectronic Development Application Management
FHWAFederal Highway Administration
FUCCFlorida Utilities Coordinating Committee
GISGeographic Information System
IRWAInternational Right of Way Association
LAISLand Automated Information System
LAJTCALand Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act
LPMCLand Process Management Committee
MOUMemorandum of Understanding
MTOMinistry of Transportation of Ontario
NCHRPNational Cooperative Highway Research Program
NEPANational Environmental Policy Act
NHINational Highway Institute
NSWNew South Wales
PIMSProperty Information Management System
PLECPower Line Environment Committee
PPPPublic-Private Partnership
RDARestricted Development Area
RTARoad and Traffic Authority
SHRPStrategic Highway Research Program
SPIN 2Spatial Information System
SR/WASenior Right-of-Way Agent
STEPSurface Transportation Environment and Planning
SUESubsurface Utility Engineering
TIPTransportation Improvement Program
TUCTransportation and Utility Corridors
VicRoadsRoads Corporation
VRIVicRoads International

Terms

Terms used in Australian and Canadian practice, along with the corresponding term commonly used in the United States:

Carriageway (Australia)roadway
Compulsory Acquisition (Australia)eminent domain
Expropriation (Canada)eminent domain
Footway (Australia)sidewalk
Valuer (Australia)appraiser
Road Reserve (Australia)road right-of-way
Crown Land (Australia, Canada)public land (Federal or State)
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