Listed in Road Maintenance
Utility cuts are an unavoidable part of maintaining the underground infrastructure that keeps our communities running. Water, sewer, gas, electric, and communications systems all occasionally require access beneath our roadways. However, when those cuts are not properly managed, they can severely impact the longevity and performance of a road.
What Are Utility Cuts?
A utility cut is any excavation through a road surface to access buried utilities. These cuts are typically rectangular or square openings made in asphalt or concrete pavement. Once the utility work is completed, the cut is backfilled and patched. While this seems straightforward, the effects on the road’s structural integrity can be long-lasting.
The Impact on Road Longevity
Weakened Pavement Structure
The original pavement is typically constructed in a continuous, compacted layer. When a section is cut out and replaced, the new patch rarely matches the original structure’s strength. The boundaries between the old pavement and the new patch are weak points where cracking and settlement often begin.
Water Infiltration
Poorly sealed utility cuts can allow water to seep into the base layers of the road. This undermines the pavement and accelerates freeze-thaw damage in colder climates, leading to potholes and surface failure.
Differential Settlement
Even with proper compaction, backfilled materials often settle over time. This causes the patch area to sink below the surrounding road surface, creating bumps, dips, and hazards for vehicles.
Accelerated Deterioration
Studies have shown that roads with numerous utility cuts deteriorate significantly faster than undisturbed pavement. A road that could have lasted 15-20 years might only last 8-10 years if repeatedly cut and patched.
Best Practices for Minimizing the Damage
Coordination and Planning
Municipalities should require utility companies to coordinate projects before a roadway is repaved or reconstructed. If utility upgrades are planned, they should be completed first to avoid cutting into a new surface.
Permit and Inspection Requirements
Strong permitting processes and post-repair inspections ensure that utility cuts meet established standards. Specifications should include materials, compaction, patch size, and sealing.
Trenchless Technology
Whenever possible, horizontal directional drilling or other trenchless methods should be used to access utilities without cutting open the road.
Full-Panel or Infrared Repairs
Rather than simple patches, some agencies require full-panel or infrared repairs that blend more seamlessly with the existing road and reduce long-term damage.
Utility Cut Moratoriums
Some towns institute a moratorium on cutting into newly paved roads for a set number of years - typically 3 to 5 - unless it’s an emergency. This policy helps preserve the pavement's integrity and encourages pre-project coordination.
Pavement Degradation Fees
Charging utilities a fee for each cut, based on the size and pavement age, helps recover future maintenance costs and discourages unnecessary excavation.
Utility cuts are sometimes necessary, but their effects on road life are significant. By enforcing thoughtful policies, using better repair techniques, and encouraging inter-agency coordination, municipalities can protect their road investments and extend pavement life, saving taxpayer money and maintaining safer driving conditions in the process.