Fiber Conflict Analysis That Reduced Relocation Scope
Article Summary
Approximately 8.3 miles of a client's fiber network was potentially at risk on a major transportation project. Trevor Bennett, Fiber Division Lead Project Engineer, explains how JDH's conflict analysis narrowed the work to less than 1,500 feet of relocation.
Does a potentially affected fiber route require full relocation?
A potentially affected fiber route does not automatically require full relocation. On a major transportation infrastructure project, JDH Infrastructure Group used fiber conflict analysis to determine what actually needed to move.
The overall project covered 15.2 miles, with approximately 8.3 miles of our client's fiber network potentially at risk. Rather than assume the entire affected network required relocation, our team reviewed the plans, verified field conditions, and coordinated with the project teams.
Why investigate before defining the relocation scope?
Relocating all of the potentially affected infrastructure would have created significant cost and disruption. Our task was to distinguish the network that might be affected from the facilities that actually needed to move.
That required more than a plan review alone. We put boots on the ground across every foot of the affected network to build an accurate understanding of the conditions.
What fieldwork supported the fiber conflict analysis?
Our team combined a detailed review of the project plans with field investigation. The work included:
Using handheld locating equipment.
Auditing handholes.
Collecting notes and measurements on aerial facilities.
Coordinating with JDH's fiber construction team to complete potholing and verify underground conditions.
Together, this research and fieldwork provided the information needed to evaluate conflicts. Engineering and construction worked across teams to clarify what the project required.
How did coordination support decisions as plans changed?
JDH worked on the project over three years. During that time, our team developed strong working relationships with the designers, utility coordinators, and contractors involved.
That communication allowed us to respond as plans changed and make decisions using accurate field information. The analysis depended on continued coordination, not just an initial review.
What relocation work did the analysis identify?
Through detailed analysis, research, and coordination, JDH narrowed more than eight miles of potentially affected network to less than 1,500 feet of relocation, a few handhole relocations, and minor duct adjustments.
The distinction matters: approximately 8.3 miles was potentially at risk, not a confirmed relocation requirement. Front-end engineering established the more limited work actually needed.
This project reflects our approach to protecting a customer's network and investment: identify conditions, work across teams, and investigate before defining the relocation scope. If transportation improvements may affect your fiber network, discuss a conflict evaluation with JDH's Fiber Division.
"Identify conditions, work across teams, and investigate before defining the relocation scope."
— Trevor Bennett
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fiber conflict analysis?
Fiber conflict analysis determines which parts of a potentially affected fiber network actually need to move. JDH combines a detailed review of project plans with field verification and coordination with project teams.
How much relocation did JDH's fiber conflict analysis identify on this project?
JDH narrowed approximately 8.3 miles of potentially affected network on a 15.2-mile transportation project to less than 1,500 feet of relocation, a few handhole relocations, and minor duct adjustments.
What fieldwork supported the conflict analysis?
The work included handheld locating equipment, handhole audits, notes and measurements on aerial facilities, and potholing with JDH's fiber construction team to verify underground conditions.
Does fiber that is potentially at risk always need to be relocated?
No. Potentially at-risk fiber is not a confirmed relocation requirement. Front-end engineering and field verification establish the work that is actually needed.
How did coordination help as the project plans changed?
Over three years, JDH developed working relationships with the designers, utility coordinators, and contractors involved, which allowed the team to respond as plans changed and make decisions using accurate field information.
