Utility Work in the Right-of-Way
Utility work in the right-of-way often combines an excavation or repair with traffic and pedestrian impacts, so the traffic control has to match the actual work. This guide covers the considerations specific to utility operations.
Last reviewed: June 24, 2026
What It Is
Utility work in the right-of-way installs, repairs, or maintains utilities in or under the street or sidewalk, and generally requires a permit plus traffic control matched to the work.
Key Compliance Considerations
- The right permit depends on who owns the road and what the work involves.
- Traffic and pedestrian control must match the actual footprint of the work.
- Restoration of the road or sidewalk is generally part of closeout.
Planning Focus
- Confirm the correct permit for the right-of-way and the utility work.
- Confirm traffic and pedestrian control are matched to the work footprint.
- Confirm restoration requirements from the permit conditions.
Field Focus
- Set up traffic control that matches the actual excavation or work area.
- Maintain pedestrian access where the work affects a sidewalk.
- Restore the road or sidewalk as the permit requires at closeout.
Common Failures for This Operation
- Traffic control that does not match the actual work footprint.
- Blocking a sidewalk or driveway without providing access.
- Missing restoration required by the permit conditions.