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Cal Trans Defends Tough Safety Standards

Cal Trans Defends Tough Safety Standards. Introduction . Lorrie L. Wilson Chief, Right of Way Utilities California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Topics of Discussion. History of dispute California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) standards vs. Caltrans standards PG&E Lawsuit

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Cal Trans Defends Tough Safety Standards

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  1. Cal Trans Defends Tough Safety Standards

  2. Introduction • Lorrie L. Wilson • Chief, Right of Way Utilities • California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

  3. Topics of Discussion • History of dispute • California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) standards vs. Caltrans standards • PG&E Lawsuit • Statewide implications • Court’s Decision • Partnering • District Benefits

  4. History of Dispute • Cal Trans electrical overhead clearance requires greater minimum distance than CPUC • Long-standing controversy

  5. Streets and Highways Code Contain general provisions for apportionment and expenditure of highway funds

  6. Section 680 (S&H Code) ……The department may require any person who has placed and maintained any pole, pole line, pipe, pipeline, conduit, street railroad tracks, or other structures or facilities upon any state highway, whether under that or any franchise, to move it at his or her own cost and expense to such different location in the highway is specified in a written demand of the department, whenever necessary to insure the safety of the traveling public or to permit the improvement of the highway.

  7. Lawsuit Outlined • 2001 - Notice to Owner issued to PG&E to relocate power lines to 10 foot minimum clearance from signal pole and extension arm. • 2003 – PG&E sends letter of dispute • 2004 – Lawsuit filed • 2004 – Trial by judge

  8. Caltrans Argument • California Law (Streets and Highways code 680) is controlling • PG& E must relocate at their own cost to a minimum distance of 10 feet from any OH high voltage electrical lines, depending on voltage. • CAL/OSHA Regulations

  9. Court Decision Judge ruled inCaltrans favor

  10. Statewide Implications • Short-term cost minimal • Long-term cost huge • Caltrans serious about safety

  11. Partnering • Freeway Master Contract • Process Improvements

  12. Districts Benefit from Lawsuit • Takes interpretations and negotiation disputes out of their hands • Statewide consistency • Better working relationships with companies • Department credibility established

  13. Questions?

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