Aside from the necessary differences imposed by State and local laws, regulations, franchises, governmental/industry codes, climate, and geography, reasonable uniformity in the engineering requirements should be employed by highway agencies for regulating the use of highway right-of-way by utilities. In this respect, guidelines outlining safe and rational practices for accommodating utilities within highway right-of-way are of valuable assistance to the highway agencies. The AASHTO guidelines in this publication are provided in the interest of developing and preserving safe highway operations and roadsides. Minimizing possible interference and impairment to the highway and its structures, providing a good appearance, and minimizing maintenance are covered in these guidelines. These guidelines should be interpreted and applied to the extent consistent with State laws which give utilities the right to use or occupy highway right-of-way.