CHAPTER VII 



OPERATIONS PRELIMINARY TO CONSTRUCTION 

 Section 45 Factors Influencing Location 



The relation of the proposed line to the telephone system, present and proposed, 

 should be kept constantly in mind. This will influence the type and character of 

 construction. If the proposed line is a trunk line the possibility of connecting to it 

 short branch lines from lookout points and ranger and fire stations should be con- 

 sidered. 



The following additional points should be observed when locating telephone 

 lines: 



(1) The location of the most logical switching centres for connection with other 

 lines. 



(2) Topographical location. By avoiding steep slopes, cliffs, high divides, river- 

 beds, coulees, and streams, and canyons more than 500 ft. in width, the danger from 

 snowslides, landslides, floods, and high winds will be lessened. By following roads 

 and main trails frequent inspection will be facilitated and maintenance simplified. 



(3) Location of other electrical circuits. Electric-light, power, and high-tension 

 transmission lines should be avoided whenever possible. A high-tension transmission 

 line carrying over 5000 volts should not be paralleled at a distance of less than -one-half 

 mile, and all crossings and approaches between telephone and power transmission lines 

 should be at right angles. 



(4) The probabilities of future growth and extensions. 



(5) The length of the line. Other costs being equal, the cost of construction 

 and maintenance varies as the length of the line. 



Section 46 Survey of Route 



A preliminary survey or reconnaissance is necessary in order that the length of 

 the line may be ascertained and its cost estimated. The thoroughness of the survey 

 will depend upon local conditions. A transit. line with chained distances may be 

 necessary in some cases, while in others a walking or riding reconnaissance will be 

 sufficient. The location determined by the survey, however, need not be taken as 

 final; deviations from it should be made if it 's found during the course of construc- 

 tion that greater reliability can thus be secured. 



Whenever a pole line is to be constructed, either in whole or in part, marking 

 stakes should be set in line at the proposed locations of the holes. Each stake should 

 be marked to indicate the height of the pole for that particular position, the depth 

 of the hole, the kind of hole to be dug (whether an anchor-hole or a stub-hole), 

 whether the pole is to be guyed or braced, and the amount of the rake (Fig. 11) at 

 curves and corners. 



Each tree that is to be used as a tie tree should be prominently blazed fore and 

 aft, and on the side to which the split insulator is to be attached. A cross made with 

 blue crayon should be placed on the latter blaze. 



Section 47 Securing Right of Way 



If it is proposed to build any part of the line off the reserve, or over alienated 

 land within the reserve boundary, right of way should first be obtained. The proper 

 form, which will be furnished by the district inspector, should be used. Verbal per- 

 mission is not sufficient. 



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