Utilities

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Headquarters - Utilities, Railroads, and Agreements

The HQ Design Office’s Utilities, Railroad, and Agreements Section (URA) provides centralized review, technical, and coordinative services for statewide projects and initiatives involving utilities, railroads, and agreements. Centralization of these services allows for effective coordination and monitoring for statewide URA functional areas, and provides a clearinghouse for relevant information and guidance.

Manuals

HQ Contacts

Ahmer Nizam, Manager (Acting)
360-705-7271
nizama@wsdot.wa.gov

Utilities
Rhonda Wiest
Utilities Specialist
360-705-7318
wiestr@wsdot.wa.gov

Railroads
Ahmer Nizam
Railroad Specialist
360-705-7271
nizama@wsdot.wa.gov

Agreements
Art Veach
Agreements Engineering Review Specialist
360-705-7238
veacha@wsdot.wa.gov

Contracts
Rich Gleckler
Contracts Manager
360-705-7459
glecklr@wsdot.wa.gov

Sharon Morton
360-705-7232
mortons@wsdot.wa.gov

Primary Responsibilities

  • Promoting consistent application of utility accommodation, agreement, and railroad policy;
  • Provide training on agreement development, utility policy, and railroad project coordination;
  • Ensuring compliance with applicable policies, processes, and regulatory requirements.

Technical Assistance

  • Agreements Manual, Utilities Manual, and Utilities Accommodation Policy;
  • Utility Information Management System; Subsurface Utility Engineering agreements and task orders;
  • Railroad grade crossing safety and compliance;
  • Developing, negotiating, and coordinating agreements;
  • Facilitating legal review of agreements by the Office of the Attorney General.