Coordinator Position Keeps Utility Work on Track and Projects Moving Forward

There is a common saying in construction, “The project waits for no one.” This means that once work begins, the job keeps moving forward. Crews stay focused on finishing the project and delivering the final product on time, no matter what obstacles occur along the way. Any problems that occur with a project must be resolved efficiently as not to impact the final product.

To help overcome these challenges, Uniontown-based PennDOT Engineering District 12 added a Construction Utility Coordinator position to its ranks. The primary duties of the position are to remind utility companies of what must be achieved during pre-construction and construction, and to aid in resolving any changes with the least impact to the project. The position assists with utility coordination prior to the project being released by the design team. It manages utility work from advertisement to issuance of a Notice to Proceed to the project contractor. It also coordinates with the utility company to confirm they have correctly completed their work.

“This position provides much needed assistance and coordination to our design and construction teams,” said Assistant District Executive for Construction William Beaumariage, P.E. “Coordinating utility work for a project can be complex, and it takes a lot of oversight. Having a single person managing that for our teams is an immense help.”

While the project is moving from design to construction, the Construction Utility Coordinator helps monitor utility relocations. Prior to the addition of this position, oversight for the utility company and its work was handled by multiple parties. There was no dedicated individual to ensure all the parties were working together and in the same direction. By shifting utility oversight and communication from multiple parties to a single entity, it creates consistent and clear communication for utility coordination, monitoring, and resolving any changes during the project’s life cycle.

“This position will help our teams operate more efficiently,” said District Services Engineer for Construction Adam Smith, P.E., “It frees our teams up to focus on other aspects of the project, while ensuring the utility work does not negatively impact the project.”