Publication Details

Utility pole safety and hazard evaluation approaches: A synthesis of highway practice

Type: book

Author(s): Zegeer, Charles V.; Scott, Paul; Ivey, Don L.; Zegeer, Kevin

Collection title: NCHRP Synthesis 557

Publisher: Transportation Research Board

Url: https://www.nap.edu/catalog/25923

Publication Date: 2020

Isbn: 978-0-309-48174-8

Doi: 10.17226/25923

Address: Washington, DC

Abstract: The purpose of this synthesis report is to summarize the strategies, policies, and technologies that STAs and UOs use to respond to safety concerns associated with utility poles. Information was gathered from a comprehensive literature review and also from the results of STA and UO surveys and interviews. Specific areas of interest for this synthesis report include methods employed to identify problem poles at high-risk locations, pole-placement policies, strategies and countermeasures applied to reduce the risk of pole-related collisions and resulting injuries and deaths, and funding sources for implementing countermeasures. Case studies were developed for exemplary STAs and UOs, highlighting some of their utility pole safety activities. Of the 50 STAs surveyed for this study, 92% (46 of 50) responded or were able to participate. Valuable information was shared regarding the current state of safety practices for utility poles. Safety programs, guidelines, and countermeasures in use by STAs to improve utility pole safety were identified.