'Dig Once' Open-Trench Construction Notification Gov. Roy Cooper’s Executive Order 91 implemented actions to promote the equitable expansion of access to high-speed internet and to remove barriers to broadband infrastructure installation. One of these actions includes development and implementation of a “dig-once” policy to reduce repeated broadband installation excavations along roadways. With this directive, the N.C. Department of Transportation, working with the N.C. Department of Information Technology, has developed a policy focused on open-trench excavations along state-maintained, non-National Highway System roads. A copy of the full policy can be found on the NCDOT website. Per the policy, internet service providers utilizing conventional open-trench construction shall provide notice of these joint-trench opportunities through the NCDIT Broadband Infrastructure Office. This policy applies to broadband and/or associated conduit longitudinal installations on state-maintained routes that are not part of the National Highway System and where the proposed installation method is by conventional open-trench installation. This policy applies to installations within the limits of state transportation improvement projects and applies to new installations as well as facilities being relocated to accommodate a state highway project. State transportation improvement projects that have already held a utilities kick-off meeting are not subject to the policy. Those that have not had a utilities kick-off meeting should adhere to the policy. To support this requirement, the Broadband Infrastructure Office has developed a form to allow providers to submit information regarding their upcoming projects as well as receive information submitted from other providers about projects happening across the state. Completed forms and all project documents must be emailed to DigOnce@nc.gov. Broadband providers interested in receiving notice of open-trench relocation projects happening in their area must sign up to receive emails. Registered internet service providers will receive a new notification when a project has been published on the website. Per the policy: “In the event a formal agreement is entered into between the parties, a copy of the executed agreement, or, alternatively, a joint letter stating that agreement has been reached regarding joint access to the open trench, shall be provided to the Department’s utility coordinator prior to beginning installation.” Related Documentation North Carolina ‘Dig Once’ Policy ‘Dig Once’ Project Notice Form
'Dig Once' Open-Trench Construction Notification Gov. Roy Cooper’s Executive Order 91 implemented actions to promote the equitable expansion of access to high-speed internet and to remove barriers to broadband infrastructure installation. One of these actions includes development and implementation of a “dig-once” policy to reduce repeated broadband installation excavations along roadways. With this directive, the N.C. Department of Transportation, working with the N.C. Department of Information Technology, has developed a policy focused on open-trench excavations along state-maintained, non-National Highway System roads. A copy of the full policy can be found on the NCDOT website. Per the policy, internet service providers utilizing conventional open-trench construction shall provide notice of these joint-trench opportunities through the NCDIT Broadband Infrastructure Office. This policy applies to broadband and/or associated conduit longitudinal installations on state-maintained routes that are not part of the National Highway System and where the proposed installation method is by conventional open-trench installation. This policy applies to installations within the limits of state transportation improvement projects and applies to new installations as well as facilities being relocated to accommodate a state highway project. State transportation improvement projects that have already held a utilities kick-off meeting are not subject to the policy. Those that have not had a utilities kick-off meeting should adhere to the policy. To support this requirement, the Broadband Infrastructure Office has developed a form to allow providers to submit information regarding their upcoming projects as well as receive information submitted from other providers about projects happening across the state. Completed forms and all project documents must be emailed to DigOnce@nc.gov. Broadband providers interested in receiving notice of open-trench relocation projects happening in their area must sign up to receive emails. Registered internet service providers will receive a new notification when a project has been published on the website. Per the policy: “In the event a formal agreement is entered into between the parties, a copy of the executed agreement, or, alternatively, a joint letter stating that agreement has been reached regarding joint access to the open trench, shall be provided to the Department’s utility coordinator prior to beginning installation.” Related Documentation North Carolina ‘Dig Once’ Policy ‘Dig Once’ Project Notice Form
