HB 1671 - DIGEST

     Provides that, in order to minimize the disruption to traffic and damage to the roadway, the department is encouraged to develop a joint trenching policy with other affected jurisdictions so that all companies wishing to lay cable or who otherwise require access to ground under the roadway may do so at one time.

     Provides that a person constructing or operating such a utility on a state highway is also liable to the state for all necessary expenses incurred in inspecting the construction and the pavement restoration process used in restoring the highway to a permanent suitable condition for travel.  Franchise holders are also financially responsible to the department for trenching work not completed within the contractual period and for compensating for the loss of useful pavement life caused by trenching.