Utility Installation Review System - Implementation Report

摘要

Each year, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) issues thousands of approvals that enable new utility installations to occupy the state right of way (ROW). The current utility installation review process relies on the physical delivery of an application package to a TxDOT district office that includes a notice of proposed installation and supporting documentation depicting the location and characteristics of the proposed installation. The review process typically includes several offices at the district and, as needed, communication exchanges with installation owner applicants for additional clarifications and/or documentation. In its current structure, the utility installation review process is paper and labor intensive. It is also not appropriate for supporting the long-term goal of helping to maintain a reliable inventory of utility installations on the state ROW. This report describes the development and implementation of a web-based system that automates the submission, review, approval, construction, and archival of utility installation requests at TxDOT. The system, called the Utility Installation Review (UIR) system, enables users to submit and process installation requests online, including supporting documentation such as design and construction drawings. The system also includes an online geographic information system (GIS)-based interface that enables users to locate and query proposed installation requests using an interactive map. The system includes tabular and GIS-based reporting options. This report also summarizes the results of an extensive testing phase at four TxDOT districts: San Antonio, Pharr, Bryan, and Fort Worth, which included the participation of a large number of u tility companies and operators.