Special Crossings

Planning, Approval, and Implementation

Utility corridors rarely run through open fields. Anyone laying fiber-optic cables, power lines, gas lines, or water mains will sooner or later encounter obstacles that cannot simply be dug up: railroad tracks, highways, rivers, and protected areas. These crossing points are called special crossings, and they are often the most complex, expensive, and time-sensitive sections of a network project. netzkontor nord handles the planning, permitting, and coordination of special crossings nationwide.

What is a special crossing?

A special crossing occurs when a pipeline crosses an obstacle that cannot be easily overcome using conventional open-cut construction methods. Instead of excavating around the obstacle, drilling, jacking, or underpass methods are used, tailored to the specific obstacle and local soil conditions.

Special crossings always require individual planning, separate permitting procedures, and coordination with the relevant infrastructure authorities or government agencies. They can be divided into three categories.

The Three Categories of Special Crossings

Transportation routes:

Rail tracks, highways, and heavily trafficked federal roads. Construction work must not interfere with ongoing operations.

Waterways:

Rivers, streams, canals, and levees. Environmental regulations and water authorities determine the approval framework in these cases.

Other sensitive areas:

Drilling under buildings, walls, or monuments; intersections with third-party main lines; and crossings of nature reserves and biotopes.

The Three Most Common Special Crossings in Detail

Railway Crossings

A railroad crossing involves routing a new pipeline under the tracks of Deutsche Bahn. The standard method is horizontal directional drilling: The pipeline is drilled under the tracks without interrupting rail service.

The key requirement: Train service must not be disrupted at any time, and the rails must not shift even a millimeter as a result of the work. This requires early coordination with Deutsche Bahn, special crossing permits, and, as a rule, long lead times. netzkontor nord carries out around 30 railroad crossings per year and oversees the entire process—from assessing the existing conditions and surveying, through the crossing permit application, to contracting the drilling company and pulling the pipe into place.

Highway Crossings

In the case of highway crossings, a pipeline crosses a highway or a heavily trafficked federal highway. Here, too, drilling beneath the roadway is the standard procedure. The roadway itself is not excavated.

The permitting authority is the federal Autobahn GmbH or the relevant road authority. Special requirements apply to the protective pipes used: they must withstand the static loads imposed by heavy vehicles. In addition, coordination with existing utility lines in the right-of-way is required.

Waterway Crossings

When crossing waterways, a line is routed beneath a river, stream, or canal. The environmental regulations of the water authorities are decisive here: the waterway and its subsoil must not be contaminated by the construction work.

Pipe depth is particularly critical in navigable waterways, as the cables must be laid deep enough to prevent damage from ship anchors. The soft or sandy subsoil beneath waterways makes drilling technically challenging and requires experienced drilling contractors.

Typical Challenges with Special Crossings

Special crossings are not only technically complex. They tie up planning resources, create the need for parallel coordination, and can slow down the entire network project due to delays in the permitting process.

Long lead times:

Every special crossing requires its own approval process. Coordination with Deutsche Bahn, Autobahn GmbH, or water authorities often takes many months. Starting too late jeopardizes the overall schedule.

Crossing Agreements and Responsible Parties:

Binding crossing agreements must be concluded with the owners and entities responsible for the obstacle. Every authority and every company has its own requirements and processes.

Protective pipes and technical requirements:

The actual pipelines are almost always installed inside sturdy protective pipes. The requirements for material, dimensions, and installation depth vary depending on the type of crossing and the responsible authority.

Coordination Efforts for Multiple Special Crossings:

Network projects involving multiple special crossings bring together different service providers, parallel permitting processes, and various entities responsible for the structure. Without centralized management, friction arises that costs time and money.

What netzkontor nord Does for You

As a full-service provider, we handle the complete coordination of your special crossings. We either perform the services ourselves or manage specialized partners. You maintain an overview; we take care of the rest.

Route Clearance and Site Survey:

Before every special crossing, we assess the existing infrastructure: surveying, utility information, inspection of existing crossings, and safety distances.

Permit Planning:

We prepare all necessary documentation, submit crossing applications, and coordinate with Deutsche Bahn, Autobahn GmbH, water authorities, and other responsible agencies.

Technical planning and construction coordination:

We plan the appropriate drilling method, contract experienced drilling companies, and oversee the execution through to the completion of pipe installation.

Central Coordination of All Parties Involved:

For projects involving multiple special crossings, we take on the overall coordination: one point of contact, one schedule, and full transparency regarding all ongoing procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Permit Management

How early should planning for a special crossing begin?

As early as possible. Approval processes with Deutsche Bahn or Autobahn GmbH often take six months or longer. If you wait to plan special crossings until the rest of the route is complete, you risk significant project delays. We recommend identifying special crossings first and including them in the preliminary planning immediately.

What drilling method is used for special crossings?

That depends on the obstacle, the length of the crossing, and the ground conditions. Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is the most common method used for crossing rail lines, highways, and bodies of water. For shorter distances or under certain soil conditions, push drilling or microtunneling may also be used. We select the method based on technical and economic criteria.

Who approves a special crossing?

That depends on the type of obstacle. Deutsche Bahn AG is responsible for railroad crossings; Autobahn GmbH des Bundes for highways; the respective state highway authority for federal highways; and the relevant water authority for bodies of water. We are familiar with the requirements and processes of the various agencies and will handle the entire application process for you.

How much does a special crossing cost?

Costs vary greatly depending on the type of crossing, length, drilling method, and the requirements of the responsible authority. Railroad crossings are among the most complex and expensive special crossings, as they are subject to particularly strict technical specifications and require external expert opinions. We will provide you with a reliable cost estimate based on the specific route conditions.

Can netzkontor nord take on special crossings even while a project is already underway?

Yes. We also step in when a project is already underway and certain special crossings are still pending. We quickly get a sense of the current status, identify the critical issues, and bring the process to a structured conclusion.

Complex Crossings Without Delay

Talk to our team. We’ll review your route and let you know which crossings are critical, how long the permitting process typically takes, and what steps to take to ensure your project isn’t held up by a railroad crossing.