27 CAR § 91-306. Overhead installations

(a) Overhead utility line supports (poles) shall be located within one foot (1’) wherever possible and no more than five feet (5’) from the right-of-way line. (b)(1) Longitudinal utilities shall be located on uniform alignment as near as practicable to the right-of-way line and/or parallel to utility lines and outside the clear zone. (2) The joint use of pole lines is encouraged and may be required at some locations. (c)(1) The minimum vertical clearance for overhead communication and power lines above all driving surfaces within the highway right-of-way shall not be less than eighteen feet (18’). (2) Greater height may be required by the National Electric Safety Code or any other regulatory agencies having jurisdiction. (d) Supports for longitudinal installations shall be limited to single pole construction within the right-of-way and shall not exceed three feet (3’) in diameter. (e) On partially controlled access highways, individual service connections will not be permitted unless no other reasonable alternatives exist. (f) The angle of crossing for overhead utility crossings shall be as perpendicular to the highway alignment as practicable. (g) For overhead utility crossings on highways where access is not controlled, all supporting structures and above ground appurtenances shall be located outside the clear zone. (h)(1) For overhead utility crossings on highways with partial and fully controlled access, all supporting structures and above-ground appurtenances shall be located outside the highway right-of-way. (2) Installation and maintenance shall be from frontage roads, crossroads, or streets, whenever practicable, or otherwise from outside the control of access line and preferably outside the highway right-of-way. (i)(1) Overhead power and communication line crossings above or below the decks of bridges or grade separation structures should be avoided. (2) A crossing may be permitted if alternatives to the crossing are not feasible and adequate minimum horizontal and/or vertical clearances, as determined acceptable by the District Engineer, are provided to ensure adequate safety for construction and maintenance operations. (j)(1) Guy wires installed within the highway right-of-way shall be held to a minimum and should normally be in alignment with the support pole line. (2) Push braces and guy wires shall not be installed from the pole toward the roadway unless specifically approved by the District Engineer.