Broadband Facilities on State Highway Right of Way
The NDDOT is responsible for supporting, facilitating, resource sharing, and permitting broadband installation in State Right-Of-Way. The NDDOT is committed to continuing to provide professional service to telecommunication companies seeking to expand broadband deployment to underserved communities throughout North Dakota in accordance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) final rule §645.307(a)(2) through:
- Electronically notifying and registering Broadband Infrastructure Entities seeking to collaborate on facilitating their infrastructure within State Right-Of-Way.
- Electronically notifying Broadband Infrastructure Entities of the NDDOT’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) and other local transportation and land use plans on an annual basis.
Mission
To support the expansion of broadband infrastructure* in North Dakota by effectively facilitating multiple broadband utility entities within state right-of-way while reducing repeated excavations.
*Broadband - any buried, underground, or aerial facility, and any wireless or wireline connection, that enables users to send and receive voice, video, data, graphics, or any combination thereof,” 47 USCC 1504(a)(2), and “broadband infrastructure entity” as “any entity that installs, owns, or operates broadband infrastructure and provides broadband services in a manner consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity, as determined by the State.” 47 U.S.C. 1504(a)(3)
Electronic Notification
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Are you looking to install broadband?
Permits should be filed through district broadband representatives.
Dig Once
Horizontal Directional Drilling
Joint Trench Agreements
Joint use means requiring that all providers of broadband services (in some cases, all utilities) install their infrastructure at the same time, in the same trench, or in the same conduit, and in most cases, share the cost of installing the infrastructure.
Microtunneling
Micro-trenching involves digging a small trench just inches under the road surface along the curb line to install fiber optic lines.
Street Excavation Moratorium
Limits on street excavation to preserve new roadway construction.
FAQ
What is Dig Once?
Coordinating highway construction projects with the installation of broadband facilities may save on costs incurred by repeated excavation in areas where the entire ROW is paved or developed. Coordination also helps to reduce deployment time by preventing the need to acquire duplicative federal reviews and permits for work done at the same location.
Is there a state or federal Dig Once policy?
No. However, the state encourages coordinating broadband installations with highway construction to reduce impacts to the public.
What are the benefits of Dig Once?
Reduces impacts to the traveling public. Speeds up project implementation. Reduces costs associated with broadband facility installation.
Where can I find more resources on Dig Once?
The Federal Highway Administration Dig Once policy brie is located here: