The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) champions a Dig Once strategy to maximize public infrastructure investment by coordinating the installation of conduit, fiber, and other telecommunications facilities during transportation projects.
Building Smarter Infrastructure Through Coordinated Construction
Dig Once is a coordination policy that encourages the installation of broadband conduit during roadway construction or reconstruction projects. By proactively including communications infrastructure, future deployments become faster, less expensive, and less disruptive.Dig Once lowers construction costs, expands broadband coverage, and reduces future roadway excavation, benefiting communities, providers, and taxpayers alike.
Why Dig Once Matters
- Reduces cost of future broadband deployment
- Minimizes roadway cuts and construction impact
- Improves coordination between agencies & utilities
- Supports statewide economic development
- Expands high-speed connectivity in underserved areas
Stakeholder Engagement
Who Should Participate?
- Municipal governments
- Broadband service providers
- Engineering firms
- Utility companies\
- Community planners
- Economic development agencies
How to Participate
- Review project planning schedules
- Share existing or planned facility data
- Attend coordination meetings
- Submit interest in conduit placement
- Provide as-built documentation after installation
Benefits
| Stakeholder | Benefits |
|---|---|
| State & Local Government | Lower long-term costs, fewer road impacts |
| Telecom Providers | Faster deployment, lower installation cost |
| Residents | More broadband options, better connectivity |
| Businesses | Increased investment, economic growth |
INDOT Dig Once Policy Overview
Resources & Tools
A curated library of documents, templates, and educational materials.
- INDOT Dig Once Program Overview (PDF)
- Dig Once Planning Toolkit
- Telecommunications Coordination Handbook
- Utility Accommodation Policy
- Right-of-Way (ROW) Manual
- Conduit installation standards
- Depth, materials & vault requirements
- As-built documentation requirements
- Marking & labeling standards
- Utility coordination request
- Data submission form
- Broadband infrastructure assessment form
- Design review checklist
- NTIA Broadband Programs
- FCC Broadband Deployment Resources
- State Broadband Office links
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Dig Once guidance
Project Workflow
- Identify roadway project
- Analyze broadband need & feasibility
- Coordinate with utilities & providers
- Design conduit deployment
- Construct & install facilities
- Record and archive as-built data
Funding Opportunities
- Federal broadband grants
- State matching funds
- Public-private partnerships
- Cost-share models
Frequently Asked Questions
No; feasibility and need are assessed on a per-project basis.
Ownership varies—INDOT, local gov, or shared ownership may apply.
Yes; policies encourage shared access when feasible.
Early coordination ensures projects stay on schedule.
Contact Us
For questions about Dig Once coordination, project data submission, or utilities support:
INDOT Broadband Corridors
Phone: (317)646-3655
Email: abrelage@indot.in.gov
Indiana Department of Transportation