At what height must cable drops clear above a public highway or interstate?

Cable drops must clear above a public highway or interstate at a height of 18 feet. This requirement is established to ensure that there is ample clearance for large vehicles, including trucks and buses, which may be using the roadway. The 18-foot height provides a safety margin to prevent accidents and damage to both the cable infrastructure and the vehicles traveling underneath.

This specification is essential not only for compliance with regulations and safety standards but also for preventing disruptions to service and infrastructure. The standards are often outlined by federal and state DOT regulations, which underscore the importance of maintaining safe passageways for motorists.

Other possible heights listed do not meet the regulation requirements, either being too low to ensure adequate clearance or unnecessarily high, which may not align with the established standards for maintaining cable drops.