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Asset Management
Brief • 4 min read

Extending Pavement Life by Controlling Utility Cuts

Key Takeaways

  • Utility cuts shorten pavement service life by up to 64%
  • Coordinated cut scheduling, restoration standards, and enforcement preserve lifecycle
  • FHWA recommends embedding utility coordination policies into project governance

Problem


A Federal Highway study found that utility cuts reduce pavement service life substantially. In Santa Monica, CA, pavement life expectancy dropped from 25 years to ~9 years when cuts were not properly restored.


Mitigation


  • Utility Coordination: Require utilities to align cut schedules with paving windows
  • Restoration Standards: Mandate backfill compaction, patch testing, and warranty periods
  • Policy Enforcement: Many cities (e.g., Phoenix, Dallas) impose pavement degradation fees if cuts occur after resurfacing

    • Execution Outcome


    Implementing robust cut policies restores decades of effective service life, saving municipalities millions in premature rehabilitation costs.


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