The Benefits of SUE

Subsurface utility engineering benefits both highway agencies and utilities in the following ways:

• Unexpected conflicts with utilities are eliminated. The exact location of virtually all utilities is known and accurately shown on the construction plans. This significantly:
  • Reduces delays caused by redesign when construction cannot follow the original design due to utility conflicts.
  • Reduces delays to the contractor during highway construction caused by cutting, damaging, or discovering utility lines that were not known to be there.
  • Reduces subsequent contractor claims for delays resulting from unexpected encounters with utilities.
• Unnecessary utility relocations are avoided. Accurate utility information is available to the highway designers early enough in the development of a project to design around many potential conflicts. This significantly:
  • Reduces costly relocations normally necessitated by highway construction projects.
  • Reduces delays to the project caused by waiting for utility work to be completed so highway construction can begin.
• Safety is enhanced. When excavation or grading work can be shifted away from existing utilities, there is less possibility of damage to a utility that might result in personal injury, property damage, and releases of product into the environment.