The use of transportation rights-of-way (ROW) for the co-location of utility infrastructure has become increasingly common as the demand grows for expanded energy, telecommunications, water, broadband, and other essential services. As both urban and rural regions experience rising infrastructure demands, transportation corridors offer a practical location for utility installations due to existing land use and established access. Because the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has long recognized the public interest in accommodating utilities within highway ROW, no uniform national framework guiding how these installations are planned, permitted, and managed across jurisdictions remains. Additionally, regulatory requirements and processes vary widely at the state and local levels, often creating inefficiencies and coordination challenges between transportation agencies and utility providers. From a technical operations perspective, co-location introduces considerations related to the structural integrity of roadway assets, access for maintenance, and preservation of safety during construction and ongoing operations. Conversely, transportation maintenance activities can pose risks to utility systems, particularly where coordination is limited or asset data are incomplete. While co-location may reduce the need for new corridor development, associated costs can have economic and environmental implications, which require compliance with federal and state regulations. Research is needed to address evolving business practices for utility infrastructure in transportation ROW with regard to regulatory requirements, ensuring public safety, promoting sustainable infrastructure development, and clarifying the associated costs and benefits.
