HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 10039 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 10039
p,ATo the Mayor and Members of the City Council August 1, 2017
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SUBJECT: RESIDENTS UTILITY WORK NOTIFICATION
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This Informal Report addresses construction work that is done by utility companies and not
construction projects initiated and coordinated by the City of Fort Worth.
The Transportation and Public Works Department permitted 7,844 locations last fiscal year for
utility construction in the city's rights of way. As part of the permitting process, notification to
residents is required. This informal report outlines the communications currently going to
residents when utility construction occurs in their neighborhoods.
Utility contractors perform two types of work: customer service request and infrastructure
construction.
Companies servicing their customers or equipment that is located in the easement are not
required to notify adjoining property owners or obtain a permit from the City of Fort Worth.
However, infrastructure construction requires both resident notification and a permit.
To effectively manage street closures, minimize damage and disruptions to traffic flow, and to
ensure proper repair to the street pavement while allowing for utility construction and
maintenance, a utility construction policy was adopted by the City in March 2001. As part of this
policy, contractors must notify the City and adjoining property owners two (2) working days (48
hours) prior to initiating construction. Advance notice to property owners must be in writing, and
include a contact person and 24 hour telephone number.
In addition, the contractor is required to install a project identification sign on each end of the work
site 48 hours in advance of the start of construction. The sign must state the utility company
name, telephone number, the contractor's name and their phone number.
If a repair is deemed an emergency, utility companies may make the repair and notify the City
within 24 hours.
In addition to the policy, notification information is included on each permit and is stated as
follows:
Notify customers 48 hours prior to construction. Permit does not grant access to utility
easements. Contact property owner to schedule access to utility easements. Traffic control
per TMUTCD. Failure to notify the contact person prior to construction may result in the
permit being revoked. A copy of the traffic control plan and the permit must be onsite. No
lane closures 7 to 9 am and 4 to 6 pm. Arrow board required for lane closures. Contractor
to schedule and coordinate all traffic control, including sidewalk closures and lane closures
with the Inspector. Equipment and materials are not allowed to be stored in Fort Worth
ROW without prior approval. Coordinate work so no pits are left open over weekends.
Contractor project information signs required.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 10039
p,ATo the Mayor and Members of the City Council August 1, 2017
po- ¢
Page 2 of 2
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SUBJECT: RESIDENTS UTILITY WORK NOTIFICATION
01
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Contractors must coordinate access to utility easements with property owners. All
communications activities (materials creation and distribution) are coordinated and paid by the
utility company and/or contractor.
For large projects that will last for multiple days and will require extensive major thoroughfare
construction, we work with the utility to notify residents through City News, social media and
NextDoor. Because of the volume, expense and staffing associated with these types of
notifications, the City's communications staff limits this level of communication and coordination
to large projects.
Any questions about this Informal Report can be directed to Michelle Gutt, Communication &
Public Engagement Director at 817-392-6248.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS