Vantage to Pomona FEIS Index 34 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Vantage to Pomona Heights Chapter 3 230 kV Transmission Line Project FEIS Affected Environment PAGE 3-180 Managed Access Highways are all remaining state highways that are not already limited access highways. Managed Access Highways are highways in which access is regulated by the governmental entity having jurisdiction over the highway. SR-243 is considered a managed access highway in the Project study area. Direct access for short term construction would require a temporary access permit. Long term access would require an access connection permit and the access point would need to be gated (Gould 2013). The WSDOT has access-permitting jurisdiction over all state highways outside incorporated towns and cities, while incorporated towns and cities have access-permitting jurisdiction for those Managed Access State Highways within their boundaries. Access Connection Permits are issued on Managed Access Highways. Washington State law, Revised Code of Washington 47.44 and Washington Administrative Code 468-34, grants WSDOT the authority to issue Permits and Franchises for the occupancy of state-owned highway ROW to the persons, associations, private or municipal corporations, the U.S. Government, or any agency for the purpose of construction and maintenance of lines for water, gas, electricity, telephone, telecommunications, etc. WSDOT uses Utility Permits for the installations of crossings or longitudinal runs no greater than 300 feet and Utility Franchises for the installations of longitudinal runs greater than 300 feet or for several crossings on the same highway. A temporary access break approval will be required by WSDOT for construction activities in the I-82 ROW. This approval is part of the utility crossing permit. A utility crossing permit would cover all temporary (construction) related activities occurring within a WSDOT highway. The Project proponent does not currently have access to the JBLM YTC and private farm land. A permanent access break, authorizing their use, would be required should the NNR Alternative be constructed. A permanent access break permit is also required for ongoing maintenance and operation actives. For any type of need (permanent or temporary) that crosses over, under, or physically through WSDOT limited access, including trails, pedestrian structures, utility installations, etc., an access break request and approval are required. Any permanent access requires WSDOT and FHWA approval. A utility permit is a secondary utility document used to define a utility installation that crosses the operating highway ROW normal to centerline or at a skew angle no greater than 45 degrees offset from normal or is longitudinal to the ROW and is no greater than 300 feet in length as measured along the highway centerline. A utility permit defines utility ownership, type, size, location, construction methods, maintenance frequency and duration, and other information considered necessary by WSDOT. Utility permits have no expiration date. Utilities must obtain written approval from WSDOT prior to occupation by any materials, equipment, or personnel within the operating highway ROW. WSDOT may grant approval only after appropriate review of the proposed work. Review and approval would also be required by the FHWA. Easements must be obtained from adjoining properties prior to obtaining access break authorization from WSDOT for construction, operation, and maintenance. The process may take up to five months. Even if the landowner agrees to permit the proponent the right to access their land, the landowner does not have the right to grant access through a gated approach. Approval must be granted by WSDOT. This is a ministerial permit. All applications must be submitted on forms provided by WSDOT. Construction plans and details must show the location of the proposed utility in relation to highway features in the vicinity of the proposed installation, including the centerline, fog line, top and bottom of ditch or toe of slope, existing structures, and other highway features. Other documents, such as a Traffic Control Plan, will also be required with an approved application package.