27 CAR § 91-401 – General

(a)
1. (1) The attachment of utility lines to bridge or highway structures is discouraged, as they could materially affect:
  1. (A) Structural characteristics;
  2. (B) The safe operation of traffic;
  3. (C) The efficiency of maintenance; and
  4. (D) The appearance of the structure.
2. (2) Therefore, when it is feasible and reasonable to locate elsewhere, attachment to a bridge or highway structure will not be allowed.
(b) When it is not feasible or reasonable to locate utility lines elsewhere other than attached to a bridge or highway structure, the utility owner may request permission from the Arkansas Department of Transportation to allow the attachment of the utility.
(c) If the department determines the bridge or highway structure is not of adequate strength to carry the increased weight or forces resulting from the utility attachment with safety, permission will not be granted.
(d) When the added load of a utility attachment to an existing or proposed bridge or highway structure is sufficient to require an increase in the strength of the structure or the use of more costly materials or type of construction, the additional cost shall be paid by the utility owner.
(e) Utility facilities shall be attached to bridges in accordance with the current guidelines established by the department’s Bridge Division available on the department website, http://www.arkansashighways.com.
(f)
1. (1) The department assumes no responsibility to or for the utility owner in any respect in connection with a bridge or highway structure attachment.
2. (2) The department may cancel any permit for bridge or highway structure attachment for cause, allowing the utility owner a reasonable time to make arrangements to continue utility service.
3. (3) The utility owner shall assume all costs associated with such relocation and/or removal.
(g) Electrical transmission lines thirty-five kilovolts (35 kV) or higher, will not be permitted on any bridge or highway structure.
(h) No vehicles weighing in excess of the legal load, or the load limit posted, and no off-road hauling equipment, cranes, or other nonlegal highway vehicles or equipment will be allowed to cross or be placed on any bridge deck without the submittal of an engineering analysis for review by the department.
(i) No materials will be permitted to be stored or stockpiled on any bridge deck without the submittal of an engineering analysis for review by the department.
(j)
1. (1) Each submitted engineering analysis shall be prepared by a registered professional engineer who shall certify the adequacy of all components for the anticipated loads.
2. (2) Inspection records and, when available, design drawings may be obtained from the department for use in the analysis of the structure.