A Framework for Effective Management of Underground Utilities

Space under urban public roads is usually full of disordered pipelines and cables. This disarrangement has engendered frequent excavation and prolonged occupation to public roads and further caused huge expenditure in public finance, i.e., degradation of public roads, traffic delay, damage to trees and other utilities. Information share and informed decision-making have been proved to be effective methods towards managing underground utilities. This paper proposes a framework of enhanced methodology for managing underground utilities with employment of an information system and administrative measures with an example of Hong Kong. Vertical allocation of underground space is proposed with reference to common practices and technical standards. Utility information database, application and approval procedure, inquiry functions, clash analysis and other components are discussed in detail.