DEPARTMENTS: Transportation & Capital Improvements Department
DEPARTMENT HEADS: Mike Frisbie, P.E.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Micro Trench Pilot Program Update
SUMMARY:
The Transportation & Capital Improvements Department (TCI) will provide a briefing to the City Council Transportation Committee on the Google Fiber Texas, LLC micro trenching pilot program.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On February 19, 2014, Google Fiber Texas, LLC (Google) announced their proposal to build fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband networks in thirty-four (34) cities within nine (9) metropolitan areas across the country. On August 5, 2015 Google announced that San Antonio would be one of the selected cities for the deployment of a broadband network to consumers delivering one (1) gigabit speed for downloading and uploading data to the Internet. This tier of Internet connectivity will have far reaching positive implications for educational access and research capabilities, as well as for encouraging entrepreneurs to pursue the development of new business models.
In August 2016, Google submitted a formal request to the City which would allow them to implement a 190 mile micro trench pilot program in a defined geographic area within Council District 6. On September 29, 2016 City Council via Ordinance #2016-09-29-0757 approved this pilot program request.
Micro trenches are generally between .75" and 1.25" wide and 2" to 16" deep, and can be cut directly into the road surface, in the joint between asphalt and gutter pans, and/or in the joints between curbs and sidewalks. One major benefit of micro trenching construction method is that it reduces conflicts with existing underground utilities thereby avoiding disruptions to water, gas, and other essential services and preserving the community's quality of life. Micro trenching also enables contractors with the ability to complete large sections of the network in days instead of weeks, reducing the constructio...
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