County reviews notice for fiber installation across Dead End Lane; staff seek confirmation on conduit capacity

Washington County staff on July 22 presented a formal notice from a telecommunications company proposing a fiber‑optic service installation across Dead End Lane in Precinct 4. Commissioners discussed long‑term maintenance and rehabilitation risks for roadways that carry buried utilities.

Mr. Stokes (county staff) described the planned crossing as roughly three‑quarters of a mile north of the Wildwood Road intersection on Dead End Lane; the company will bore beneath the roadway at a depth below 24 inches to meet county requirements and tie into an existing handhole on the far side of the road. "They're gonna bore across, they're gonna be below 24 inches whenever they do so to meet all of our requirements," Mr. Stokes said.

Commissioners expressed concern about placing utilities under county roads because future road repair or rehabilitation can be complicated and costly if buried utilities are damaged. One commissioner asked whether the conduit or pipe would be large enough to accommodate an additional pull or a secondary line in the future; Mr. Stokes said he would confirm with the company whether the conduit allows an upsize or secondary pull.

The court heard no motion on the notice; staff said they will contact the telecommunications company to confirm conduit capacity and to emphasize county concerns about long‑term maintenance and potential costs to the county if buried utilities are damaged during future road work.

Ending: Staff will follow up with the telecommunications provider to confirm conduit capacity and report back to the court; commissioners did not block the installation but emphasized a preference to minimize utilities within county right‑of‑ways when feasible.