Integrated Utility Relocation Scheduling: A National Framework for Reducing Project Delays

Utility relocations are a critical component of highway project delivery, yet they continue to be a leading cause of construction delays and cost overruns. Previous studies have examined how utility conflicts affect highway construction and emphasized the need to better integrate utility relocation activities into project scheduling. Even when utilities are identified early and coordination is established, many projects still experience schedule risks because relocation timelines are not fully aligned with construction sequencing. The research recommended moving beyond conflict identification to develop structured scheduling practices that define activities, durations, and dependencies using common project-management tools and formats compatible with department of transportation (DOT) scheduling systems. Research is therefore needed to document current practices, identify gaps and successful approaches, and develop a national framework and guide for integrated utility relocation scheduling. This framework will define the essential elements of detailed, data-informed relocation schedules; provide methods to align them with project construction timelines; and incorporate utility owners’ operational needs and constraints. The resulting guide would enable agencies and utilities to improve schedule predictability, reduce delays, and achieve more reliable, coordinated project delivery nationwide. The objective of this research is to develop a framework and guide for integrating detailed utility relocation schedules into highway project delivery. The framework will define standardized practices for developing, coordinating, and maintaining structured, data-informed relocation schedules that align with overall project timelines and activities.

• Record URL:
  • http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=6063
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Contract to a Performing Organization has not yet been awarded.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Proposed
• Funding: $600,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  Project 20-146

• Sponsor Organizations:

  National Cooperative Highway Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Jared, David

• Start Date: 20260608
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Construction projects; Coordination; Project delivery; Public utilities; Relocation (Facilities); Scheduling; State departments of transportation
• Subject Areas: Construction; Highways; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01992137
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project 20-146
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: Jun 9 2026 12:44PM