Abstract
Early identification of utility conflicts and planning for addressing them is critical for controlling time and cost overruns in highway projects. This study introduces a framework for the evaluation and selection of highway routes based on existing utilities in the vicinity of the proposed routes. As a way for comprehensive consideration of utility conflicts early in the planning stage of highway projects, the framework identifies and classifies conflicts, calculates their estimated direct and indirect resolution costs, and ranks the proposed routes based on their costs related to these conflicts. The study introduces a conflicts classification system that incorporates conflict resolution actions (e.g., utility relocation) and the probabilities of the application of these actions in order to determine conflict cost estimates. The framework was implemented using an ArcGIS Model that examines the GIS data related to existing utilities, and analyzes conflicts with predetermined proposed highway routes. The model also analyzes the impact of conflicts on neighboring facilities. A case study is introduced to demonstrate and validate the proposed framework. Sensitivity and uncertainty analysis showed that the utility line length, utility material, and the average annual daily traffic (AADT) of the proposed route are the most significant variables in the cost estimates.