Good idea: Oxford’s ‘Dig Once’ approach

Oxford Borough in Chester County was awarded state funding to develop rain garden bump-outs to improve stormwater management, calm traffic and beautify the roadway.

The plans call for a "dig once" approach that will also include structural repair and repaving of the street, replacement of a water main and any necessary upgrades to public utilities.

According to the National League of Cities, “dig once policies minimize disruptions due to excavation and construction of existing critical infrastructure like roadways or sewer systems by installing or laying the groundwork for new, much needed digital connectivity or other infrastructure at the same time.”

The Federal Highway Administration has said that dig once policies are best implemented at the local level, given the complexities of implementing a policy that spans jurisdictions. 

Photo by Brandon Mowinkel on Unsplash