EVALUATION PROCEDURE FOR PLACEMENT OF FIBER OPTIC TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS ALONG THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES. FINAL REPORT

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for the use of Interstate right-of-way to place fiber optic cables. The Federal Highway Administration's longstanding policy discourages loongitudinal utility use of the Interstate System's right-of-way, in order to preserve safety and full control of access. However, in light of technological advancements in telecommunications, the Federal Highway Administration issued a new rule permitting the states to establish their own policy to allow use of Interstate right-of-way by certain utilities, if justified. Fiber optic telecommunication systems, unlike other utilities, require very little maintenance, cause minimal disruption to the roadway during and after installation, and thus require minimal direct access. This study done for the Florida Department of Transportation shows that for Florida conditions, fiber optic technology was found to be far more superior to other competing technologies. Fiber optic technology is also described herein along with its major components and economic evaluation. Since cost data was unavailable, a comprehensive cost/benefit evaluation of underground fiber optic systems on various transportation corridors was not possible. However, through the use of the Delphi Technique, utility/cost ratios were computed for each corridor alternative. From this, we conclude that the fence line of the Interstate right-of-way offers the highest utility value per dollar cost, as compared to other corridors.

• Corporate Authors:

  University of Florida, Gainesville

  Department of Civil Engineering, P.O. Box 116580
  Gainesville, FL  United States  32611-6580

  Florida Department of Transportation

  P.O. Box 1029
  Gainesville, FL  United States  32602

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Najafi, F T
  • Nazef, A
• Publication Date: 1988-12

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: v.p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cables; Economic conditions; Economic impacts; Fiber optics; Location; Right of way (Land); Telecommunications
• Identifier Terms: Interstate Highway System
• Old TRIS Terms: Placement
• Subject Areas: Design; Economics; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; I21: Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00482429
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FL/DOT/MO/338/88
• Contract Numbers: 0417
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Apr 30 1989 12:00AM