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Utility Relocation Program

The Oregon Department of Transportation coordinates the relocation of utility facilities in conflict with pending highway construction project to comply with federal, state and local laws and rules.

Any element of a construction project can impact existing utility facilities. By law, utility owners are required to relocate, remove, adjust, or protect their facilities when those facilities are in conflict with roadway construction. Identification and resolution of utility conflicts minimizes costs to both the utility owner and construction project.

Utility facility relocations may be reimbursable, based on the property rights associated with the physical location of the utility facility.

Resources and Related Programs

Utility Forms

Subsurface Utility Engineering Program

"Buy America" Program

​Utility Relocation Guide -- Provides an overview of the utility evaluation and relocation process, including roles and responsibilities, and examples of completed forms.  

Utility Relocation Manual -- Primary resource for the Utility Relocation Program. It details the related rules, laws, utility coordination work during project development, invoicing and reimbursement policies and guidance.

Utility permits are required for the installation, maintenance and operation of utility facilities on state highway right of way and properties under the jurisdiction of the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Obtaining a Permit

Utility permits can be obtained online from the Office of Maintenance, or in person from the local district office. ​

Have Questions about Permits?

Contact the local district office for information.

Federal Regulations

​23 CFR -- Federal Utility Relocation and Accommodation Policy

48 CFR -- Contract Cost Principles and Procedures Program Guide

State Regulations

Derivation of ODOT's Utility Relocation and Reimbursement ​Policy -- Additional information about the laws and rules related to utility relocation and reimbursements.

Oregon Revised Statute 035 -- Eminent Domain; public acquisition of property

  • 35.500 Definitions
  • 35.510 Relocation duties of public entities acquiring real property
Oregon Revised Statute 271 -- Use and disposition of public lands
  • 271.430 - Lease of space above or below street or highway; effect on prior dedication or grant for public purpose
  • 271.440 - Agreements for location of transmission lines on property of political subdivision
Oregon Revised Statute 366 -- Highways, Road, Bridges and Ferries --
  • 366.005 Definitions
  • 366.332 Definitions for ORS 366.332 and 366.333
  • 366.321 Expense of relocating municipal facilities payable by department
  • 366.333 Acquisition of utility real property; exchange of land for right of way
  • 366.365 Going upon private property
Oregon Revised Statute 373 -- Roads and Highways through Cities 
  • 373.020 Jurisdiction over streets taken over for state highway routing through cities, effect on public utility duties
Oregon Revised Statute 374 -- Approach roads, private crossings and other facilities upon right of way
  • 373.305 Necessity of permission to build on right of way
  • 373.307 Removal or repair of installation constructed without permission
  • 374.310 Rules and regulations; issuing permits
  • 374.315 Construction under permits; maintenance after construction
  • 374.320 Removal or repair of installation on right of way at expense of applicant
  • 374.325 Effect of ORS 374.305 to 374.325
  • 374.330 Prior status preserved
Oregon Administrative Rule 734 -- Rules for the Highway Division of the Department of Transportation
  • 734-055 Pole lines, buried cables, pipe lines, signs, miscellaneous facilities, and miscellaneous operation.
Oregon Administrative Rule 952 -- Oregon Utility Notification Center
  • 952-001 Requirements related to Oregon utility notification centers
 

Contact the Right of Way Section

4040 Fairview Industrial Drive, MS 2
Salem, Oregon 97302
Fax: 503-986-3625

Program Contact

Statewide Utility and Rail Liaison

ODOT Regions

Oregon state map showing the five transportation regions 

Region 1

​Justin Brandon, Region Utility Specialist
123 NW Flanders Street | Portland, Oregon 97209
Phone: 503-731-3137 | Fax: 503-731-8215​

Tammy Munger, Region Utility Specialist
123 NW Flanders Street | Portland, Oregon 97209
​Phone: 971-413-3245 | Fax: 503-731-8215

Region 2

Felix Martinez, Region Utility Specialist
455 Airport Road SE, Bldg. A | Salem, Oregon 97301
Phone: 503-986-2660 | Fax: 503-986-2840

Brian Thompson, Region Utility Specialist
455 Airport Road SE, Bldg. A | Salem, Oregon 97301
Phone: 503-986-2895 | Fax: 503-986-2840

Region 3

Jacob Pritchard, Region Utility Specialist
Covering Douglas, Coos and Curry counties
3500 NW Stewart Parkway | Roseburg, Oregon 97470
Phone: 541-957-3571 | Fax: 541-957-3615

Kirk Bechtel, Region Utility Specialist
Covering Jackson and Josephine counties
100 Antelope Road | White City, Oregon 97503
Phone: 541-774-6382 | Fax: 541-774-6349

Region 4

Tyler Swanson, Permit Specialist
63055 N Highway 97, Bldg. K | Bend, Oregon 97703
Phone: 541-388-6426

Region 5

Bryan Eddy, Utility Specialist​
3012 Island Avenue | La Grande, Oregon 97850
Phone: 541-414-7826 | Fax: 541-962-9819

Resources and Related Content