Cal Trans Defends Tough Safety Standards

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Cal Trans Defends Tough Safety Standards
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Introduction

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

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Topics of Discussion

• History of dispute
• California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
  standards vs. Caltrans standards
• PGE Lawsuit
• Statewide implications
• Courts Decision
• Partnering
• District Benefits

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History of Dispute

• Cal Trans electrical overhead clearance requires
  greater minimum distance than CPUC
• Long-standing controversy

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Streets and Highways Code

• Contain general provisions for apportionment
  and expenditure of highway funds

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Section 680 (SH 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.

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Lawsuit Outlined

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

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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

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Court Decision

• Judge ruled in Caltrans favor

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Statewide Implications

• Short-term cost minimal
• Long-term cost huge
• Caltrans serious about safety

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Partnering

• Freeway Master Contract
• Process Improvements

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Districts Benefit from Lawsuit

• Takes interpretations and negotiation disputes
  out of their hands
• Statewide consistency
• Better working relationships with companies
• Department credibility established

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Questions?