The City of Flagstaff is inviting public and stakeholder feedback on proposed changes to its Engineering Design Standards and Specifications for New Infrastructure. The updates would permit fiber providers with franchise or license agreements to use micro-trenching as a method for installing fiber facilities within city rights-of-way.
Micro-trenching is a process that cuts a narrow trench along the curb line of streets to lay fiber optic cables. This approach aims to provide commercial and residential customers with improved fiber optic communications. According to the City, micro-trenching could be less costly, quicker, and cause fewer disruptions compared to current installation methods. The change aligns with Flagstaff’s goal of expanding access to high-speed internet and increasing provider options in the area.
“Micro-trenching involves cutting a narrow trench down the edge of the street along the curb line to place fiber optic cables to serve commercial and residential customers with fiber optic communications. This method is anticipated to be less expensive, faster and less disruptive than existing methods. It also supports the City’s goal of encouraging the expansion of high-speed fiber internet and greater provider choice within the City.”
