DPWH issues guidelines on utility firms' excavations

Citing complaints from motorists, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has issued guidelines on diggings and excavations, including those by utility firms on national roads. “More often than not, the restoration or reconstruction takes place several months later, making the motoring and commuting public suffer inconveniences," DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said in a statement issued over the weekend. “So in order to ensure that future undertakings on road excavations and its restoration and/or reconstruction works are done properly, we have issued guidelines for the guidance of everyone," he added. The guidelines enumerate requirements that companies must submit before they can get an excavation permit on national roads:

• sketch plan or map showing the exact location of the project, including the name of the road section, type of underground or aerial facility or structure to be installed;
• DPWH-approved programs of works with detailed estimates for the cost of excavations and cost of restoration;
• Gantt chart indicating the type and extent of work to be undertaken;
• accomplished terms and conditions;
• posting of performance bond; and
• payment of a non-refundable amount to cover the engineering and administrative overhead of issuing office.

2-shift excavation work Diggings or excavations, including restorations or reconstruction works, should be done in two shifts (day and night), the DPWH said. Excavations for all types of underground utilities along national roads will only be allowed in accordance with the DPWH Typical Roadway Section for 20 meters, 30 meters, 40 meters, and 60 meters road right of way, it added. “In case of reported violation of the conditions of the excavation permit, DPWH shall give the applicant a reasonable period to rectify such violation. Failure to rectify the violation within the period provided shall warrant the revocation or cancellation of the permit," the DPWH said. — JE, GMA News