IRC 98-1997

GUIDELINES
ON
ACCOM~s’1ODATIONOF
UTILITY SERVICES ON ROADS
IN URBAN AREAS

(First Revision)

THE INDIA N ROADS CONGRESS

1997

<<
 1RC :98-1997

GUIDELINES
ON
ACCOMMODATION OF
UTIliTY SERVICES ON ROADS
IN URBAN AREAS
(First Revision)

Published I
THE INDIAN ROADS CONGRESS
~JamnagarHouse, Shabjahan Road,
New Delhi-I 10011
1997

Price Rs, 72/-

(plus packing and postage)

<<
1RC:98- 1997

First pubiishccl : January, 1988

Reprinted : September, 1 990
Firsl Revision : July, 1997

([lights ofPublication and ofTranslation are reserved)

Printed a~Sagar Printers & Publishers, New Delhi-i 10003

(1000 copies)
<<
 IRC:98-1997

MEMBERS OF THE HIGHWAYS SPECIFICATIONS ANI)

STANDARDS COMMITTEE
(As on 313.96)
t DC (RD), Ministry of Surface Transport
1. Al). Narain
(Convenor) (Roads Wing), New Delhi

2. SC. Sharma Chief Engineer IR) StdsiR, Ministry of

(Member-Secrctary) Surface Transport (Roads Wing), New Delhi

3. CC. Garg Engineer~in-Chief,Municipal Corporation

of DeThi, Town Hall, Delhi-IICX)06

4. Dr. MR Dhir Director, CSIR (Rctd.),A-l/133, Safdacjang

Enclave, New Delhi-Il 0029

5. RN. Malik Chief Engineer (Mech.), Ministry of Surface

Transport (Roads Wing) NEW DELHI

6. CS. Tawannalani Addi Director General (S&P), CPWD,

Nimian lihawan, New Delhi-i 10011

7. Dr. AK. Gupta Professor & Coordinator, Centre of Transport

Engg, University ofRoortee, Roorkee

8. ftP. J~imdar Secretary to the Govt. of Gujarat, R & B

Deptt, Block No.14, Sachivalaya Complex,
Gandhinagar-382010

9. MB. Jayawant Synthetic Asphalis, 103, Pooja Mahul Road,

Chembur, Bornhay-400074

10. KS. Narayanao Chief Engineer ~CCU),Mb. Environment &

Forests (Retd.), ii-23, Central Govt. Qtrs.,
St. Martin Marg, New Delhi-I 10021

I 1. RD. Agarwal Chief Engineer (N.H.), LP. PWD,

Lucknow-22(~01

12. Maj. CR. Ramesh Engineer-in-Chief, Public Health Engg.,

Ananda Rao Circle, Bangalore-56(XKlS)

13. Dr. L.R. Kadiyali Chief Consultant, Dr. L.R. Kadiyali &
Associates, S-487, lind Floor, Greaser
Kailash-i, New Delhi-I 10048

14. Ninan Koshi DG(RD), MOST (Reid)., 56, Nalanda Apartment,

Vikaspirri, New Delhi-1l001S
* ADG(R) hieing not in position, the meeting was presided by Shri AD. Naotin,
DC(RD) Govt of India MOS I

<< (i)
IRC:98-1997
Else Director General, National Council Io’r (lenient ~‘CHutiding
Materials P~21,South Ems. II, Ring Road,
New Delhi-I 10.149

Di, S. Raghava Chad, Transport Engg. Section, Dspn. of Civil

Engg., Regional Engg. College, Watangal

Vinod Kuntar Dtrec:tor & head )Cosi Lngg.), hicire.ac of

Issdiast Standards, \‘ia,nak hihswan, 9,
‘Hahadurshah islar Msrg, New DeEi - 11(002

lii I’.J . l(so I). Dtreetor A. 1 lead, (lei::steehnicsl l’ingg.

Dts’ision, (entral Road Research Institute,
Dr.rlh.i—Mathsra Roach, New Delhi-i 101)21’)

Prof. ( V Rao Pro). if Coil Engg., 1.1. 1’, Flares Ehas,

New Delhi -1111016

211. Prof. CC. Swansinat han ‘Hadni’, 51’i, Drirosankadarn Strict,

R.A . I’srstst, Madras’6(K1(’12 8’

21 . Ii. Megu Chief Engineer (Zone]), Aninachal Pradesh,

PVs11, ]tanagar-79 111

2.2. M.K. Saxena Director, Natioiral institute for Training of

l”itglsssay Engineer’-, I 14, Jor H.sgh,
Xcv Delhi - 1111(03

:2.3. Pro). H. \~Singh Dtreetor, Central Road Research lrrsn Rite,

Delhi-Mathara Road, P O.CRR1, f3khls,
N’ew Delhi- II 0(120

2-1. Jbe Di rector Highway Research Stat tssn, Gatridv,

.MadrtLs-64’X’1025

2~. A. Sen Chief Engineer i’Ctvil), Indian Rsa:ttls

Con stnicttoo Corpo. Ltd., 6, (‘ore., 6th H nor,
Scope Conrpies, l,.s’rdhi Road, New Delhi

26. RD. Mehta Chief Engineer ( mAT), Ministry of Surface

Transport (Roads Wing), Ness Delhi

21. R.L. Koul Chief Engineer (I>Iarinning), Ministry of

Surface Transport (Roads Wing), New Delhi

28. Ens). C. [if] Juror Prof i I t, srI I nr~ I ii sits of I ti) I—

Civil, lasrgalose I nrrs’er’ ire, Ilarigalore

(.).P. (Joel III 0816-1, \‘asanrt Krrni, Nesr Delhi—i 11)03(1

N’l.R. Kaehhwaha Chic) Ltrgrneei’ 1B~lStd./R, Ministry of Surface

‘Iran-port (Roads Wrngl, New Dehhi.-l 1(1)01

<< (ii)
 rRC’:98-1997
Si %Lsj. Gc’nr. C’ 1’ (‘han
I).( I Vr’., P. -in-f isref’ s Branch, Aony [hqrs -
Kashitrir I-brass - Dl lQ ItO, Ness DeE)- 1111(111

3.1. Prof. N Ran llittr nit 5rrrf A Head, Depti. of Transport Plannrng,
l
Seltirol csf PIano rig & Archttecturr, 4,
Hlock -13, Indraprastha Estate, Ness DeIfri

33. 13 N Sdvastava Chref Engineer, Dy. Dtrectssr GenenslbflS

Dte. General i3order Roads, Kashrnir Fissure.
Dl FQ P0, Ness Delhi’ 1111011

‘F’l ,~.K\‘l tslsn,s Drrc’etor (1 echnreal F, Oil (Toonr.lrtration

Consrninee, 2nd llrssrr, Core -8, Scope. Cornple
7, lnstrtrorotral .5 cc’s, 1_odhi Road, New Delhi—I I 11(11.3

35 [l,S,i3hat a (‘Thief (‘r nsa Ii ant Irngirrs-c—r s & \1 ansient’, lit

-
Associates, _P5, Kalkay Lsrrt Nc-ss Delhi

,
R.K lairs I5nrsirrct Director \l’)B Project, Knitlin N’’ 1
Nimr-tri bKrin;, Sc-ri, r -1 6A Ilsrdtrh,s I

-
37 [tt,erirdetsi ls[ S ( urnsrri ‘ lix -Oftic ii’

-
lnnliao l~toacls (Ti”rrgnc’ ss (‘hief litsgors-er I an jab PW I’),
BAR H ranch, I5ati ala

38. DGiRL’)) & lIon I reasurer, .5.1’). Narain - ETa -(Iffic to

Indian Roads Ctsrrgress

39. Secretary, S (2. Shanssa - l’a’s-FT)Oti, sn

lmtdiart Roads (Tnrsrgress

coRPEspom)ING MEMBERS
1,2’s. Narendra Siogh 13-36, Plot 86, Kakareeya Apaorns’nts.
Pstpargatsj, Delhi- II hXT$~2

R S Slrukla B-lOG, Sector 55, Ncstda-2fhI31)1

(lit)
<<
IRC:98~i997

CONTENTS

I~aget~rc~

Introduaion

2. Scope 3

3. Guidelines 3

3.1. Planning 3

3.2. Considerations to Satisfy Specific E..~ocational

Requirements of Utility Lines 3
3.3. Depth of Laying Services Lines along Roads 5

3.4 Localion and Space for Services 5

15. Design 9

3.6. Accommodation of Utility Lines Across Roads 10

3.7. Accommodation of Utility Lines Across

Bridge Structure 16

3.8. DrawingsoflJtilityLine IS

3.9. Co-ordination IS

<<
 ‘URCT98~1997

(;UIDELLNES ON ACCOMMODATION OF
SF RVJfl S ON ROADS
IN URBAN AREAS

IN’i Rffl’)iX’Ttf)N

1.1 - A draft ott tlt~’Six’ci fl:catIoI)s for Reinsuoen’ient of irertehes Along the
Sides and Across the Roads was prepared by Shri .R,S. Shttkla and discussed by
Hex ible Pavemenl (‘ottimiltec’ itt 11.5 meeting held on 28th June, 1989 when it was
dectded thai (he draft would be modif ied by the Member~Se.cret.amyof (he Flexible
P IIL mi, til ( onimi 11cr in I hc li~
ht ol Ihc su Cc SI Ions 1k n’n, nOV t s ‘1k dr ut us
ittodilied h’st Shri M,K, Gl’tosh, Metnher~Secri’t.arywas atzain discussed ott 13th
.Augusl., I 999. A Ocr fitrther trlod f’iear ions, the (Tom 111)11cc urtder the (‘onve’oorsh ip
of Prof. CC, Swamirtathan approved it lbr be imig placed before the. Highways
Spec if cal ions &. S lamtdards Comm 111cc,

I h I ltgh I 155 5)5, ~. tilL lltotts ~LSi intl iid’s C otttnti Us. s. sc htIs disc usslnp
0157 al”sove draft in its meeting held on 1st September. 1992 felt that a new Standard
ott the suhlccl might not be warranted and the cx tstitlg 1RC:98~1988 “Cui.deline.s
01) Ac cO.mfllodallon of (.,,indcrcround Utility Services .~\longand Across Roads in
Urban Areas” may be revised. Flexible Pavement Committee was, therefore,
reqttcsled to prepare tl’te driti t for tile re.v~5ionoi’ (RC98~1988 after incorporating
necessary p7(111 tom reiflstatctl’ts7nt ‘of trenches, .Accordngly, the draft was revised
and approved by the Flexible Pavement Cotrtmrtitmc (pet-sonnet given below) in
their mecling held on 6,9,93.
l>’rcrf’. CT.C..S ssarniiiiathnsrr (Tcsnvenrc,r
pp N’anr Sirnrnl’sc—r- Secretary

Ti’Iemnhers
S,K. Agaro’al f>.K. Lauria
l.R .Aoca K.K ,T%4aclarr
5K. l3hsatrragar .~5,1),Navak
KS). (Tbrattc-rjc’c’ Dr. liP PantRy
Dr’S. K. Goi~ta MG. Raiehur
S.S. Das Ciritsa s’s. S,inissp
5.1> (Jantavs-r PP. Sikka
.\i.l’t Java u’arri fIR. Tyagi
.

I .i.C,rl. RI.. Kdnr ‘l’he Direeteir, I IRS, N’Iactras

IS. .Selvanayaga’in lI’rc,rnas)

t’rrrre’.sptantlimig \1t’rnhers

I _N. Naiendra Siirabt Dr,,’~,.5’ irer,sea gas so

Anil[ l’,rrel

<<
fRC’:98~1997
E’oofticiss T\lt’rnhers
1>resrdansi, IR(’ (54K. Agar-ssal” D.C (Ii 0, A An’bdl 5.’,. Mt ‘153
Seereiar’> , IR(’ II) P (iriprt I fNiniair Kr.sshi p

The I-{ighways Specifications & Standards (“omn’i etc-c in Its mceling held
tin 8th November, I 993 had con’, idered the revised draP and ft trnlcLl a Sub- g rr’tup
consisting of S/S’hri P K. Dutta, I RAm) a and PP. Nair 10 finalise the draf I in light
of comments offered by members d tiring the meeting

Tile draft, as prepared b~Sub—group, was again placed before the

Highways Specifications & Standards (‘omm ilIac tn its meeting held on 5th April.
1995, wherein a nttrnher of conttnents were oI’fercd bc the members, ‘ftic
Member-Se.cretar~ Ft ighss ays Specifications & Standards (.‘otn m titee had again
,

incorporated Ihe comments artd sent to IRC for c’ irculatutri to tteintbers ftf
Highways Specifications & Standards (‘onlniilts’c

Finally itt thth

the March,
ntec aug of ttHights as’s Specifications
1Q96, was decided thaI the tale ofandIbis Standart.ls
dcscitrncrtt
Certnmniuee
be changed belt,) ott I
to “Guidelines ott \ccttritmodaltotl i’rI’ I 1tiltt~Sers iL’L’S on Roads in
Urban Areas’’ The draft was approved after tnc’orptrraltrrc Ills’ coninlcmrts of the
itlenibers,

Later, the guidelines cs crc itpproved by the Fxecuttc c Committee in its

mneetimtg held on 17111 April, 1996, The Cotirteil tir its incetine~lteld on May 2—i -
1996 at [)areel ing discussed the ahos e doctnncnt and il was dec idc’d that the
comintents of the ment hers 1st’ i ncorporatt’d Accordingly N Ir. A P. Bahat lur,
Director, IRC, Prof. A K, Gupta & Prof. S,S,,Iairt, (‘onvenor and
Member—Secretary of Flexible Paceinent Commiuce respectic ely, incorrx~rttedall
the contrnerits of the Count-i I Members, The draft was finally approved by the
Executive C.’cntntittee in its meetIng held on 21, 12,96 and the same was approved
for pruning,

1 2, In urban areas, it becomes necessary to aecom modalc utility serviL’es

along ltnd across the roads Suclt ulililv services include waler sLipplv tines, sewer
lines, storini water drains, eleclrre cables, telephone cables, gas pipelines, etc As -

utii it)’ sen’ices grov~ the frequent’ y of occ urrence ft rr two or more I ine.5 oce up~i ttg
,

the same space or to imltersect one another Increases thereb) causing problems of
operation and ntaintcnance Or lhc’se services as well as he road f~tcility

1,3. It is, therefore, c-sseittial thaI local 00, laying anti ioa ttcn,intcc sd the
utilit~services and reinslalemenl of (nettches L tO scotilil be plamttitsd 110(1 e\eelils’d
a manner that it does nol effccl the t.pcnatiottal safely antI Iuttctiomial intleg.ril’s
of the road facility and enables rmtomtiloririg by a (‘o-ordt nation Committee at
periodic intervals, This dtretltns’nl has been prepared to pntvitle guidelines in this
rc’gltrd.

<< ‘3
 IRCr98-i997

2. SCOPE

2. I ‘T’ltese gutdelines are ittended for use by the authority responsible for

,
t.tnbant roads in regulating the localion, design, Installation and nlaintertallcc 01’
11u151 it’ mU lit)’ servit,Tes cc’ithiit the r igltt—of— sc’ay of tirhan roads. The objective is to
pros’ide an urti I’orint approac-It, hi sed ott mutual imtterest of the tmtil i ty agencies arid
the road ama ltoril~- witich cc tI I iii in i mist’ interference between the operations of
vanir iu 5 ag’eitc ies amtd also to en sure safe and sin not h traffic flow by re instattng ti’ie
trenches alter imtstallat ion.
2.2. ‘T’ltcse guidelines :tre mt ended cssenttiaIl~for new roads or for ca ses where
re beat intl of an exist iitg service of laying of a ness’ service along/across cxi sting
roads mntay be in volved -

2 3. Utility agencies have various degrees of authoril) to install their lines

within the right—of-way of roads These guide Iinics are not intended to ttltc r or
-

iitfrimtg’c nn such pocs ens, btit are suggested in the interest (if dcve.loptng and
preserving safe operation of the rottd fac il it~with least i mtterfcne nec to it by the
utility servIces, thus ensuring’ least inconvenience to the road misers during the
Inst a IOn ion tjf such sers’ ices amtd after reinstatement of the trenches emIt frtr
itlStltl lat ions
3. (‘;tIDEIJNES

3,1 - Planning

3 1. I, Far new roads, there shetu Id be advance planning to earmark the position
of cacti utility line expected along the road, and provide space therefore in such a
nnannien that it doe s not interfere with other sent’ ices or safe operat ton of the road,
For this purpose fOrmal meetings and consultations with the concerned utility
agencies slrould be held by tue road authority to arrive at mmttualiy acceptable
locations for the c anious utilities,

,:‘,. roads. pi-oposals for new utility line should he care fully
l:r cx istt tt~~
esanttncd by the road aulhonit) to ensure that the existing scm’s-it-c lines and fimttire
road devc lsipmnent needs arc mit rI a ffec-tcd ad s-ersel y, nor does ii lead to unniccessa n)
(‘5 pcmtcht it mc-

3.2, Cm in ski erat ions to Satisfy Specific Local tonal Requiren’i ents of Utility
Lines

12. I UliltI) Iiltc’s can be grouped tinder the following four categories, each
-

having distinct characteristics:

(i) Sewer and drainage lines;
liii Water supply lines;
<< .3
IRC:98— 1997

(iii) Flee tricity and telc’communieation cables; and

(iv) Gas pipelines and those carrying t-omhmtstiblc matcniltls

Some mitil it) I mncs have Interactive characteristics with other I mnes, and as
suelt their relative location cc arrants earcfmtl consideration, 5ome others, c.g,,
teleeotntmnunieation lines hate certain specific requirements (if laying as prescribed
h) the eonecrntcd authority. Al I tltesc are brought on in the follow in~ paragraphs

3.2 2. Sewer and drainage lines tills-c generally gravitational florx and arc laid
at substantial (lcpth, the lie tulti deptit depending tin the topography of the area.
‘fIle)’ nornta U)’ require deeper arid svider trenches f(ir I nstallatiant, and are provtdcd
cc ith manholes at intl erv~tIs. Because of the presence of titan holes and possi hi lity
t.:sf avcrflow from these aich Iintes should he tat ri tn the rescrs-e area otitsidc thc’
carriageway I ittlits,

S tormmt water drains 111,1 y be in the font of open c hanne Is or pipelines

pros’ided at the extreme edges of the rig,ht-ol’—wa)’.

3,2,3, Water suppl) bItt’s cltrn) cc aten tinder pressure, and any leakage camtses
damage to road pa’ etttent. These lines sltould not he close to sccccr ltnes to avoid
rittcrntisi iltg in ease of any Ic-akage or lilfiC burst. Waler lines should he prt”ts’ided
timt one sitle of thc’ road

3,2,4, Electricity cables ,ine tO different types, rtamel) lighting cables (Li), and
,

ittgtt tension (HIT,) cables, i”hcse c-aisles should nut be closed to cc’ltler smippl)’ lines
to avoid sitont circuit, I-fl” cables should not he laid itt the proxmntity of
tt’lecommnmtication cables because of possible electrical interference citne to
induced voltttge, Also, the cables shetuld he acva)’ from the tree tine to ctvotd
possible emrapntcnt of titese by tree roots,
3.2..5 i”he Connntuntications Department has taken up a ntaior pro~eetto
ae-eontmo(Ia(e major tc’leeamntttnication lines in ducts, These dLmets, depending
on tilt’ numher of cables 1(3 he aceomntodatcd, var) in width front f).7 to I .1 ill and
Iteight front 0.65 to 1.1 ni and lint’ I~tidwills a mininitmmn cover of 0.65 m.

3,2,6, (las nntairts and citlter pipelines carrying conthtmstihlc ttiaterials should he
far assay from electricity cables -aittl soturees of heat and localed at the extreme
ends of right—of-way

3.2,7. Whereven isossi ble concrete ducts or subcc a~’ssltatdd be proc’ided to carry
the cit ilities itt groups cititer along or across the road at appropriate depth so as to
Ittiltintise lilt’ imteonc-eltic’ric’d- rsb I requenit (liggittg al Ihe road at di lIe remit loc’atiomis
him repairs and fltltilt tenancc (sec ,.t iso para .3.6,4,) -

<< 4
 IRC:98- 1997

3 Depth of Laying Services Lines along Roads

3-3,1 - The depth of installation depends on the type of service line

accommodated, The minimunt depth is from considerations.:’of providing a
minimums cover to safeguard the line from any superimposed loads’ or impact, or
from erosion, and this should not be less than O,6n1, The different senrice lines are
also to he located at different depths s~othat it cross contnection of a service~line is
not obstructed b)r another lint”~,

13,2, Gravity sewer lines, from operational angle are required to be. laid at
substantial depth, frotrm ‘2 to 6 nt depending on the topography of the area, As
regards electricity- cables, FIT lines should be at grt1ater depth than LT ones from
safety considerations,

3,3,3. From the above onsiderations, broad recommendations about the depth
of ta)’ing (denoting the bottom of the trench) of the srarious sers- ice lines aiding the
road are- given below:
(i)Trutsk sewer tine - 2 to 6 or
(ii) Water supply line
Service tine ‘ 0.6 to I m
,

Tnrtdc line - tOm 1.5 en

(iii) tileeirie eabte

ur cable - 0,6 u I or
HTcahle - 1.5 to 2 en

(is’) ‘I’etecortinsurricamiorr cable

directly lain - 0.6 mc len
laid in ducts - 2 mc 3 to

(v) Ciasinairrs and lines - 2 to 3 tsr

ensrev ing cornhustit,te rsrnsi,enntt

3,4, Location and Space ibm Services

14.1, I,..,ocation of the various utility’ services will depend ott several factors such
as C Ills-s of road, the land width available, the size and type of utility lines to be
accommodated and other related factors’, Land width recommended by the lnd,ian
Roads Congres;s, vide JRC:69-1977 “Space Standards for Roads in Urban Areas”
for various c.iasse.s of ttrban roads is given in Table I
-

<<
5
IRC:98” 1997

‘table 1, Recommnensled Land Width (tsr Roads in Urban Areas

Cnstegorv ct roast Lnmtsd ss-iniLhn (ni)

t:~xpress’ways 50-60
Ancrial Streets 50-60
Sub—arterial Streets 30-40
Cotleemr Streets 20-30
local Streets t 0-2(1

As’ far as possible, the ualit)’ lines sitould he accomsirtiodated in the space
spe~c.iaIlyearmarked ‘for the purpose. i’he space required will vary depending on
the type., size and nmmunber of service lines- to be laid. For example, not all roads
cs’iII require to aceonimodate all types of utility’ lines, Ftirther, the space’ required
for each utility lirte cc’ill depend on its size, htit generally- the utilhy lines follow
tite hierarchial system of the road That is, service~lines itmid along major roads
-

cvill be the nsain one.s reqtriring larger space than those along minor roads, This
niteans, rria jar roads cviii re.qn ire to provide’ for larger space for services than minor
roads, Genterally, a width of 5 nit for services on either sitic. of the road will he
a’de.qm.mate. in most eases, For case,s where earmarked space- for services is not
mtvt,ulable, the service I dies sitoulmi be. accommodated uttder footpaths, and itt their
absertce, at tim e.xtrenme e.mmds of the night-of~way.
3,4,’2, Other considerations needling attention itt the. locationt of mutility service~s
are given below:

(ml itml mty’ I mitts should 1-sn, so tot nIt d ts to its mi lii mcd thit need for thetr
suhscqttemst adjustittent to accomtriodate ftittmre road iniprovements,
at the sante, t inie the location should he such that it permits
ntaintenanec. of the tines with n’tinintum interference to road traffic,

In) I lit utilIty I mitts should ht laid on tmnm I orns ml mgnmi, nt p tral let to the
road centre hue -

(iii) Service littes neqi.tirinu; frequent access should lie, located in a manner
that the access is readily available at minimum cost.

(is’) Some of the utility’ lines will reqtimrc. provision of manholes,

controllers/regulators, etc, cvithin the~right-of-cva)-, The manhole
covers- should mint proirude~diver the road ~urfaeeanti should be fixed
in level with the existing road, in course. of the subsequent renewals
of the. roadl, the, level of the man’ml-mole coc’e,rs should also be raised to
the level of the road, The manhole covers should be so maintained
a~not to enidantgem the safety amid en’- ironment,
<< 6
 IRC:98- 1997

3,4,3 -Suggested locations for the various utility’ lines arc ittdicated (in the
typical cross-sections of different classes of urban roads in Figs, I to 3. The
cross-sections are based on the re.commendation,s given in IRC:69- 1977. Avenue
trees, roadside dramns and street light posts are also shown on the cross-sections to
ensure that these do not interfere with the utility lines.

t~i -I

— T Lu

0W o
I SC S,G~~20H
0

I ~ I
(a) LOCAL STREET (CuL—DE--SAC)

ci 0
a
U
w
0
‘2,5—,

(b) LOCAL STREET (DOUBLE LANE)

Notes:
Legend:
I. All dimenstons are in 05cm res L-Ltgluing cable
2. ‘T’he tocatsonc ot I,he services are suggesttvc only sent will depcrrn’l E-Elecnricnty cable
as number, sin’e and type of ser’s ices to be accommodated, W..Waier supply line
space available for services, crc. i”i’elecnmt cable
3 Open drains shown for storm water dratnage may be replaced .5-Sewer
by closed d ratns(ptpes as ~ situation G-Ga,v lure
-4 Depth would be nn an.:corctnmnee with pars 3.3 3

Fig, 1. Suggested locations for utility services atona,~local streets

<< 7
 [RC:98-1997

& ~ 2.5

(a) COLLECTOR STREET—TWO LANES WITH CYCLE TRACK

p p

(b) COLLECTOR STREET—FOUR LANE DMDED

Note:

1. Fortegend see Fig. 1.

2. The locations of services are suggestive only and will depend on nurnher, sue and type
of services to be accommodated, space available for services, etc.
3. Depth would he in aceordancce with pars 33.3.

Fig. 2. Suggested locations for utIlity services along collector streets

<< 8
 IRC:981997

0
L

ci t ______
~.,-. 45 535~33•~ ~ 75—~—~2O~4
~TH

(a) SUB~-ARTERIALSTREET — FOUR LANE DiviorO WITH CYCLE TRACK

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lx

5..,,,. .5
4.0_li ~
—4——3O—’————————75—”———’ -I-~~I
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— Ito——
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(b) ARTERIAL STREET SIX LANE DIVIDED WITH SERVICE ROAD

Vote

1. For legend, see Fig. 1.

2. The locations of services arc suggestive only and will depend on number, 51cc and type ol
services tobe accommodated, space available forservices, etc.
3. Depth would be in accordance with para 3.3.3.

Fig. 3. Suggested locations for utility services along sub~arterialand arterial streets

3.5. Design

3.5.1. Design of utility lines to be accommodated within the road land is the
responsibility of the. concerned utility agency, but this should be reviewed and
approved by the road authority in respectof location, method of installation, effect
on structural integrity of the roadway and road structures, ease of maintenance,
and permitting free and safe flow of traffic. Where ducts or culverts are to be
provided beneath the roadway along or across the road, the road authority should

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IRC:98- 1997

be satisfied about their structural adequacy. Materials used should be durable, of

adequale strength and conform to the currently applicable specifications of the
Bureau of Indian Standards so that subsequent disturbance to the road is
minimised.

3.6. Accommodation of Utility Lines Across Roads

3.6.1. Need for accommodating utility services across a road will arise in
situations such as road intersections where the lines along one road will have to
cross the intersecting road, and for spur connections from a service line to reach
the other side of the mad. Several methods are available for effecting the crossing
depending on the situation, hut in alleases, the following principles should be kept
in view:

(i) The service line should cross bencaih the road along a line normal
to the road alignment

(ii) In case of all major roads, the service lines shall he taken through
ducts of sufficient size and strength in order to facilitate future
repairs/addition of lines, etc. without resorting to cutting open of the
road.

(iii) The installation should be strong enough to sland the superimposed

traffic loads and earth pressure.

(iv) The installation should be such that it is possible to maintain the

service lines without undue interference to traffic movement or
damage/disturbance to the road pavement) structures, and

(v) The lines should be laid at such depths as to provide adequate cover
beneath the pavement.

The different methods of crossings of roads by service lines are discussed

in paragraphs below:

3.6.2. Simple uncased crossing: In certain situalions such as crossing of a

minor road, service lines may he installed without encasement. The minimum
cover over the top of the service line should he 1.2 m. Where the service line is a
pipeline, it should be bedded on a layerofgranular material free ofstone fragments,
and should be hackfilled carel’ully in two stages, one upto the top of the pipe and
the other upto the top of lhe road. The pipeline should he strong enough to support
the superimposed loads when the pipe is operated under all ranges of pressure, i.e.
zero to maximum internal pressure. As this method will involve cutting of the
road for any maintenance or replacement, it should be restricled only to minor

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 IRC:98-1 997

roads. However, to prntect the utility and to identify it during subsequent

excavations, the utility line should preferably he provided with a sand cushion and
covered with brick lining.

3.6.3. Crossing through casing pipe: The casing pipe (or conduit pipe in the
case of electric cables) carrying the utility lines should be of steel, cast-iron or
reinforced cement concrete and be large enough to permit easy withdrawal of the
carrier pipe/cable.

The strength of casing should at least be equal to that of a normal

cross-drainage structure on the road taking in’ account the overfill, The casing
pipes should be leak proof and without joints in the case of steel casing
anticorrosive painLs be provided over its sw’face, If necessary pipes could be
welded to cover the full width of the road. Ends of the casing should he sealed
froni outside so that the annular space between the earlier and the casing does not
act as a drainage path-

The casing pipe should, as a minimum, extend from drain to drain in cuLs
and toe of slope to toe of slope in fills. The top of the casing should he atleast
1.2 ni below the road level subject to it being atleast0.3 m below the drain inverts.

The easing pipe~should be installed preferably by boring through the road

embankment. Where trenching method is adopted in exceptional cases the casing
should be bedded on a 0. i5 ft 30 in thick layer of granular material free of rock
-

pieces and carefully back tilled in two stages, one upto the top of the pipe~and the
second upto the road level, In general, the installation of the casing pipe should
follow the same procedure and observe the same precautions as are required for
pipe culvert construction, A typical cross-section of crossing a road through casing
pipe is shown in Fig. 4.

Installation of service lines through casing pipes facilitates easy

withdrawal of the carrier line in ease ofmaintenance of replacement without need
for cutting the road. Interference to traffic and disturbance to pavement structure
are avoided. This method should be adopted for all important roads where separate
duels/subways exclusively for service lines are not available.

3.6.4. Reinstatement of trenches cut ftr accommodating utility services:

Proper care and attention are required during planning and implementation of
installation of utility services, so that the work of reinstatement of trenches is
carried out in specified manner right in time. Any neglect in adhering to a proper
schedule can lead to serious traffic hazards besides recurring problem in road
maintenance,

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 IRC:98- 1997

/// /7
EXISTING CRUST
CRUST ID BE REBUILT
AFTER BACK FILLING
C ‘CNCH

SIDE FILL— —

BED FILL—
II~ittt
Note:
The location of the services are suggestive only and will depend on number, size and type of
services to be accommodated, space availsHe for services, etc.

Fig. 4. Typical installation olcasing pipe under road

The following guidelines shall be followed for reinstating the trenches

cut across the mad ‘for accommodating utility service lines.

(i) As a meastire of abundant precaution against future settlement and

other allied problems, use of only selected granular material in filling
for reinstatement of trenches is recommended,

Where the depth of fill is more than 450 mm below the crust ( e.g. depth
“1” in Fig.4.) the entire depth and cutting below the level of 450mm may be filled
either with coarse sand (with fineness modulus not less than 2) or the excavated
trench material ofit is also of similar quality and compacted in layers not exceeding
75 mm when compacted by ordinary power roller/plate compactor.

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12
 IRC:98-1997

For the depth upto 450mm (e.g. depth “C in Fig.4), the construction of
the entire formation width along the trench may be done with granular material.

Depending upon its location and level, each layer shall be compacted as
per the requirement of compaction of embankment and subgrade (IRC-36) and
that of the relevant material constituting the road crust laid down in the appropriate
code of practice of the IRC.

Since most utility services may need to he laid in deep and narrow
trenches use of special compaction equipment like plate compactor, frog-ham mer
etc. may be essential.

(ii) After filling the trench upto the subgrade level, road crust in the
trenches should be provided as per the road crust in the adjoining
reaches.
(iii) With continuous traffic/rains, it is possible that certain amount of
settlements may occur in the reinstated area. Necessary
corrections/replenishment shall be carried out on such areas
preferably after a wet season, using compatible material after
dressing up the edge of the trench to vertical, for proper “Keying in”
of the material. In the case of bituminous surfaces, a tack coat shall
be applied to ensure proper cohesion and bond,
(iv) In all cases, safety fencing with coloured indicators, retro reflective
sign boards/lighting arrangements etc. shall be erected along the line
of trenching before start of work in order to caution the road users
and the same maintained althrough the duration of the work,
(v) It is important to keep the duration between trenching and its
reinslatement to the barest minimum as trenching leaves the road
structure in its weakest condition especially when the road is left
open to traffic simultaneously. For effective implementation, the
road authority may stipulate a specific duration for reinstatement as
a special condition while permitting the concerned agencies for
installation of utility services.
(vi) All works of reinstatement shall be the responsibility of the road
authority for which the cost of such work shall be met by the agency
owning the utility services.

3.6.5. Crossing through subways: Major crossing of roads by service lines

takes place at road intersections where the lines alongone road have to cross those
along the intersecting road. Further, intersections are crucial areas of traffic
movement,where any obstruction to the road for trenehing, etc. will lead to chaotic

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IRC:98-1997
conditons. For avoiding such situations both during the initial laying of the
services and their subsequent maintenance, it will be advantageous to construct
subway across each intersecting arm exclusively for accommodating the service
lines. The scheme is depicted in Fig. 5. Levels of subways for the intersecting
roads should be adjusted in such a way that there is no conflict between the
intersecting service lines,

SUBWAY-

FIg. 5. Subways at road intersections for accommodating service lines

For long road stretches without intersections in-between, conduit

pipes/subways might be constructed at periodic intervals for facilitating crossing
of the road by the service lines. This scheme is shown in Fig. 6.
The conduit pipes/subways should be of sufficient size to accommodate
the service lines expected to be laid and facilitate their easy maintenance. These
should be designed as a normal highway culvert. Cross-section of a subway
showing typical arrangement of service lines is shown in Fig. 7.

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 IRC~98-1997

FIg. 6. Subways and conduit pipes for accommodating service lines across long road stretches

.~. . ......

Notes:

I. For legend, s~Fig. I.

2. The minimum height clearance of subway should be 1.2 m for facilitating inspection and
maintenance.
3. Suitable arrangements for drainage should be made.
4. The locations of the services are suggestive only and will depend on number, si~cand
type of services to be accommodated, space available for services, etc.

Fl.g. 7. Cross-section of a typical subway accommodating utility services

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IRC:98- 1997

There are several advantages of accommodating the service lines in

subways shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7. One is, frequent cutting of the roads for
maintenance/replacement of the service lines is obviated and consequently the
traffic is not disturbed, Second is that since the positions are eamiarked for each
service line, maintenance of any line can be carried out independently without
affecting other lines. This system, no doubt, will be expensive in initial cost, but
will prove to be economically viable in the long run if maintenance cost is also
taken into account. As such, this system is recommended for major roads and
major road intersections.

3.7. Accommodation of Utility Lines Across Bridge Structure

3.7.1. Provision of utility services such as water mains, gas pipes and sewage
pipes on the main bridge structures of imporlant bridges should be avoided as far
as possible.

3.7.2. In cases where the carrying of watermains or sewage pipes on any

important bridge becomes inescapable, the following precautions may be taken so
as to avoid possibility of any damage to the bridge and its approaches.

3.7.2,1. The pipelines may be supported on the substructure of the bridge. In no

ease it should be laid on the superstructure.

3,7.2.2. Only seamless pipes with welded joints should be permitted. C.I. pipes
with S&B joints should not be allowed.

3.7.2.3. Location of pipeline on the substructure should be so fixed that it is easily

accessible for carrying out its inspection,maintenance and repairs and it may not
in any way hinder the inspection, maintenance and repairs of the super-structure
bearings and sub-structure of the Bridge.

3.7.2.4. The pipeline should be so aligned that it is taken out of the approach
embankment as quickly as possible with minimum embedment into it. The thrust
block at the bends in the pipeline required for taking it out of the embankment
must he placed inside a culvert so as to facilitate easy maintenaee and ensure its
functioning independent of that of the embankment.

3.7.2.5. Where there is any change in the elevation of thepipeline while traversing
the bridge length, air valves may he provided.

3.7.2.6. In order to take care of the effect of surge force pressure relief valves on
the pipelines may be provided near the two ends of the bridge, as a measure of
abundant caution, even though a surge arrester may have been provided at the
pumping station.

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 IRC:98- 1997

3,7.3. Gas mains and lines carrying combustible material should be carried on
independent supports on the river bed from considerations of safety/pollution
(Fig. 8). Electricity cables and telecom lines carried on the bridge should be
suitably insulated, grounded and carried in protective conduit.s or pipes.

CL RAISING
S(WER MAiN
(ALTERNATM)

CRUDE ac/GAS
MAiNS ON INDEPENDENCE
SUPPORTS

SEWER LINE BURRIED

IN RIVER BED
(PREFERRED
aLTERNATIVE)

Note:
The locations ofservices arc suggcslivc only and will depend on numhcr, cite and i.ypc of
services to hc acccenmodated, space available for services, etc.

Fig. S. Accoinrntslalion or utility services on bridges

3.7.4. Service lines carried on a bridge cause additional load to the structure and
the road authority should be satisfied about the structural adequacy of the structure
before giving permission for laying the lines. In case of service pipelines running
under pressure, consideration should be given U) forces generated on the bridge
structure due to bends and surge effects on account of bursting of pipelines or
sudden closure of the valves.
3.7.5, Adequate care should be taken to ensure that the service lines are as far
as possible hidden or camouflaged from the view of the motoring public to avoid
distraction and that the environment is not degraded.

3.7.6. Forall new bridge structures, the mad authority should consult all public
utility authorities to ascertain their needs so that appropriate ~ in the

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IRC:98-1997
design could be made for the services that can be permitted to be carried on the
bridge.
3.8. Drawings of Utility Line
3.8.1. Underground utility lines once laid a1or~/t~cross a road may require to be
relocated at a future date when the road is taken up for widening or other
improvements. To assess the need for such relocation or for laying new service
lines, it will be advantageous to create a bank ofreferenceplans, road or areawise,
showing all the existing utility lines with their location and depth. Such drawings
should be maintained by the road authority who should update these as and when
a new line is laid.
3.9. Co-ordination
The utility services are under the jurisdiction of different authorities.
Cutting of the road is resorted to when a utility authority wants to lay, repair or
replace its service line. Not infrequently, this is followed by similar action by other
utility authorities. All this results in disturbance to the pavement, inconvenience
to traffic and infructuous expenditure not to mention the complete lack of
consideration to travelling public. The number of road cuttings can be minimised
by preparing a list of works to be carried out by each service authority once in six
months through co-ordination meetings and then executing these simultaneously
at particular locations. For this purpose, a permanent Co-ordination Committee
should be set up, chaired by the road authority.

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