Alabama Department of Transportation

Utility Installation on Alabama Department of Transportation Rights of Way (Permits)

D. J. McInnes, Director

Negotiations for installation of utility facilities on the Alabama Department of Transportation Rights of Way (Permits) should be initiated with the Department's local district Engineer. The name and telephone number of the State's District Engineer can be obtained by calling one the following:

Mr. Randy Braden
Alabama Department of Transportation
334-242-6626 Permits & Operations

Mr. Robert G. Lee
Alabama Department of Transportation
334-242-6155 Utilities Engineer

From time to time some of you will receive from the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), (generally from the Department's Division Engineer) plans for a specific construction project accompanied by a request that you prepare and forward to the writer plans, agreements and estimate of cost where applicable to accommodate the State's proposed construction relocate the utility's facilities out of conflict with the highway construction project. Small Utility companies not adequately staffed to handle the preparation of preparation of plans, agreements and cost of estimates may hire a consultant engineer for those tasks. The allowable engineering fees are governed by the ALDOT Utility Manual. A Utility Consultant Agreement between the Utility and the engineering firm is required when the utility employs a consultant. The utility may relocate their facilities by company forces, continuing contract, low bid contract or may by agreement, request that the Alabama Department of Transportation to ALDOT include the relocation of the utilities in their plans, specifications, estimates and construction. Reimbursement for this type work would be based on State law. The reimbursable agreement includes the cost of the engineering and utility relocation. Your response in such instances should be made with the writer of the letter.

Frequently, the Department of Transportation pays the cost for relocating utility facilities in conflict with construction of its project. Payment for this work involving ARWA members generally involves payment to the consultant engineer (where applicable) and to the utility relocation contractor. The State will then reimburse being made by the State to the utility owner who then pays its contractor. The State prefers that billing by the utility owner to the State ALDOT be made promptly at intervals of thirty (30) days or more. We suggest that you give this some attention in as much as prompt billing on the part of the utility owner should enhance your cash flow. Final invoices should be submitted within six (6) months of the completion of the work.

Permit applications and any other matters associated with your facilities occupying County Road Rights of Way should be directed to the County Engineer in which the facility is located. If you are not familiar with your County Engineer, we suggest that you contact your local County Commissioner in such instances who will likely direct you to the County Engineer.

Visit their Website at www.dot.al.us and find Right of Way contacts at www.dot.state.al.us/Docs/Bureaus/ Right+of+Way/Contacts2.htm.