Utility Conflict Resolution for Transportation Project Delivery: Current Challenges and Potential Solutions in South Carolina

Transportation agencies are often challenged with delays in the delivery of critical projects due to unreliable utility conflict resolution processes. Utility conflicts may not be avoidable in transportation project design, and subsequently, warrant relocation before the transportation contractor begins their work. Based on many factors such as the type and size of the project, types of utilities in conflict, and prior rights, the process of utility coordination and relocation can become unreliable, potentially leading to significant project delays and opportunity costs. Many utility owners are either resource-constrained or less trusty of transportation agencies’ plan to follow through a conceived project, and therefore may not act in a timely manner to meet the needs of the transportation agencies. Some of the delays are also caused by inappropriate planning and incorrect relocations by the utility owners. This study reviewed the utility conflict management processes currently implemented at the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and subsequently identified the most critical factors leading to transportation project delays. A qualitative analysis of eight focus groups of the SCDOT employees forms the basis for this study. This paper would be beneficial to utility owners in developing better working relationships with their state DOTs.