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Section 2: Plan Set Preparation

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Overview

The plans are original drawings (or reproductions) approved by the engineer, which are part of the contract and which clearly show the location, character, dimensions, and details of all proposed work. The next paragraphs discuss

  • Purposes of plans
  • Result of unclear/incorrect plans
  • Plan sheet sequence.

Purposes of Plans. The three main purposes of the plans are

  • For prospective bidders to prepare a bid as accurately as possible
  • For state construction inspector-contractor teams to oversee and perform construction efficiently and accurately
  • To provide an accurate record of the construction for future reference.

Result of Unclear/Incorrect Plans. Accurate and clear plans are essential in accomplishing the purpose of accurate bids, efficient construction, and good permanent records. Unclear and/or incorrect plans usually result in increased costs and more work for State personnel for the following reasons:

  • Incomplete or inaccurate plans require additional handling and processing and, therefore, cost the state more time and money to get the contract to letting.
  • Data that is unclear or interpreted in more than one way could result in higher bid prices by contractors. Unclear data also could result in claims for more compensation and/or more working days by the contractor after award of the contract.
  • Incorrect or incomplete plans can precipitate change-orders which require additional processing, usually increase costs, and may cause project delays.

Plan Sheet Sequence. The plan sheet sequence has been recommended by a statewide Total Quality Initiative committee.

  • I. General
    • Title Sheet
    • Project Layout/Index
    • Typical Section
    • General Notes
    • Estimate and Quantity
    • Consolidated Summaries.
  • II. Traffic Control Plan
    • Typical Section
    • Phases Narrative
    • Phase Layouts
    • Detour Layout and Barricade Layout sheets
    • Temporary Traffic Signals, Illumination
    • Standards.
  • III. Roadway Details
    • Survey and Control Index Sheets
    • Horizontal and Vertical Control Sheets
    • Alignment Data Sheets (Optional)
    • Plan and Profile
    • Intersection Details
    • Driveway Details
    • Miscellaneous Details
    • Standards.
  • IV. Retaining Wall Details
    • Wall Layouts
    • Standards.
  • V. Drainage Details
    • Hydraulic/Hydrologic Data
    • Culvert Layouts – All Types – Bridge Classification
    • Plan and Profile
    • Standards.
  • VI. Utilities
    • Existing Utilities (P and P’s) Layout
    • Proposed Utilities (P and P’s) Layout
    • Standards (for each utility type).
  • VII. Bridges
    • Bridge Hydraulic Data Sheets
    • Bridge Layout, Detailed Quantity Summary, and Structural Details grouped together for each bridge
    • Structural Standards.
  • VIII. Traffic Items
    • Traffic Signal Layout
    • Standards
    • Illumination
    • Standards
    • Signing
    • Standards
    • Pavement Markings
    • Standards
    • Traffic Management System (TMS)
    • Standards.
  • IX. Environmental Issues
    • SW3P’s
    • Sensitive Areas
    • Wetland Mitigation Plan
    • Miscellaneous.
  • X. Miscellaneous Items
    • SW3P
    • Landscaping/Irrigation.

This guidance can be applied to both in-house and consultant-produced plans. The rest of this section follows the outline and describes these requirements, which must be addressed during the actual production of the project plan sheets:

  • General types of plan sheets
  • Traffic control plan
  • Roadway details
  • Retaining wall details
  • Drainage details
  • Utilities
  • Bridges
  • Traffic items
  • Environmental issues
  • Miscellaneous items
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General Types of Plan Sheets

These are the plan sheets discussed below:

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Title Sheet

The Title Sheet (for an example of a Title Sheet, see titlesht.) is the first sheet of the plans. It should be neat and contain all of the information as described below. The purpose of the Title Sheet is to:

  • Establish the location of the project(s)
  • Describe the nature of the work proposed by the plans
  • Index the contents of the plans

The following are the contents of the Title Sheet:

  • Title Block
  • Design Speed and Average Daily Traffic (ADT) Volumes
  • Length of Project
  • Highway Name And Number, County And Project Number
  • Limits
  • Project Classification and Type of Work
  • Location Map
  • Index of Sheets (for an example of an Index of Sheets Sheet, see indexsht.)
  • Adoption Date of Governing Specifications
  • Exceptions, Equations, and Railroad Crossings
  • Signature Block(s)
  • Legend of Conventional Symbols

The next paragraphs discuss these contents.

Title block. This is located in the upper right hand corner and identifies the plans by project number, district designation, county, control-section-job number (CSJ), and highway name and number.

Design speed and average daily traffic (ADT) volumes. Show the design speed of the highway in miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h) depending on whether the project is in English or metric units. Design speed and ADT are required to be shown on the Title Sheet of all projects except those where N/A is shown on Form 1002. For detailed explanation of use of design speed and ADT refer to Chapter 5, Section 2: PS&E Submission Data Sheet (Form 1002).

Length of project. For each CSJ, show breakdown of roadway and bridge lengths in feet or meters truncated to two decimal places. The breakdown should also show roadway and bridge lengths in miles or kilometers truncated to three decimal places. The total length shown should match the DCIS P1 screen.

Highway name and number, county and project number. These are shown in large capital letters to facilitate identification and processing.

Limits. Show limits of proposed construction. This should match the limits shown in the project authorization and on the DCIS Project Identification (P1) Screen.

Project classification and type of work. The project classification text should read, “For the construction of XXXX,” where the XXXX corresponds to the project classification shown on the lower right-hand corner of the DCIS P1 screen. The type of work text should read, “Consisting of YYYY,” where the YYYY corresponds to the type of work field shown on the DCIS C1 screen. A listing of the project classification abbreviations shown on the P1 screen is located in DCIS User Manual, Appendix B. As an alternative, the type of work description can be made to match the proposal cover, which is “for work consisting of XXXX,” where XXXX corresponds to the type of work field on the DCIS C1 screen.

Location map. Provide a legible map of suitable size showing the location of the project in relation to physical landmarks, other highways, and/or intersections. In addition, the project limits by CSJ(s), county and city boundaries, reference markers, graphic map scale and north arrow should also be shown. The beginning and end of each project should contain the stations, CSJs, and reference markers for each CSJ.

Index of sheets. Show sheet numbers and title or abbreviations as they appear on the sheet. All sheets are to be listed, including OMITTED sheet numbers. Show (M) after the abbreviation for metric standard detail sheets. All standard sheets listed on the title sheet will bear the asterisk symbol (or other symbol) to identify them as standard sheets. The index of sheets is accompanied by the responsible engineer’s approval note for use of standard sheets included in the plans. (See Section 3, Engineer’s Seal and TxDOT Copyright Requirements, for more information.)

Adoption date of governing specifications. On state projects, indicate “Special Labor Provisions for State Projects.” For Federal-Aid projects, show title and date of appropriate required contract provisions.

Exceptions, equations, and railroad crossings. List by station numbers and lengths. Show as NONE if not applicable.

Exceptions are the station number limits and lengths which are excluded from a project. Equations are used to show the transition of the project from one set of station numbers to a different set.

Signature block(s). Signature blocks are typically required for the Area Engineer in charge of the plans, Director of Transportation, Planning and Development or District Design Engineer, District Engineer, and Director of the Design Division. Projects that require additional signature blocks are as follows:

  • Traffic signals, signing and delineation, pavement marking and traffic management – Director, Traffic Operations Division
  • Projects designed by consultants: consultant engineer
  • Projects involving cities, counties, irrigation or water districts, corps of engineers, etc.: appropriate official
  • Bridge replacement or rehabilitation projects – Director of Bridge Division

Legend of conventional symbols. This legend can be shown on the lower left hand corner. Most Title Sheets already contain these symbols; therefore, verify that the symbols conform to those on the plan sheets and location map.

NOTE: For projects that involve multiple CSJs, individual project lengths, or lengthy indices the above information can be included on supplemental sheets.

For projects which require inspection by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) during the construction phase, include this note:

TDLR INSPECTION REQUIRED

This serves as a reminder to construction personnel to inform the TDLR staff and coordinate an appropriate time for them to visit the project site and inspect pedestrian-related elements.

For PS&E submission requirements and policy on TDLR, go to Chapter 5, Section 6.

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Project Layout

This sheet(s) (For an example of a Project Layout Sheet, see prolay.) is intended as an overview of the project. Other information that may be included is horizontal alignment data, advance project warning signing, or information not shown elsewhere in the plans.

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Roadway Typical Sections

Roadway typical sections (for an example of a Roadway Typical Sections Sheet, see typsect) should be as simple as possible and still provide the necessary construction data. A general representation of the nature of construction in each portion of the project is necessary, but a multitude of details can be confusing. The purpose is to show all the components and dimensions of the roadway within the right-of-way perpendicular to the centerline for each change of existing features or proposed roadway. The following are the contents of the Roadway Typical Section Sheet:

  • Existing Typical Section
  • Proposed Typical Section
  • Profile Grade Line (PGL)
  • Station Limits
  • Depths
  • Roadway Cross Slopes
  • Roadway Side Slopes
  • Dimensions
  • Unique Descriptions
  • Utility Location

A discussion of these contents appears below.

Existing typical section. This section shows approximate depths, widths, and station limits of existing roadway materials.

Proposed typical section. This section shows dimensions, depths, and limits for each type of material in the proposed pavement structure. A typical section is also necessary for such features as ramps, detours, crossroads, etc. Barrier and metal beam guard fence should be shown if applicable. In addition, limits of other applicable items of work such as topsoil and seeding, curb and gutter, etc., may also be shown.

Profile grade line (PGL). The PGL shows the location of roadway that represents the grade line shown on the plan and profile sheets. Also, other needed control points such as project baseline or centerline, roadway centerline, and super-elevation pivot points should be shown.

Station limits. This section shows station limits for each section. Each typical section should be checked to ensure that a section has been shown for all of the project roadway and that the roadway widths correspond with those shown on the plan and profile sheets.

Depths. This section shows thickness in inches or millimeters of each layer in the pavement structure. The approximate quantity per station may be shown for each section. Each type of material should be clearly identified. If stabilization is proposed, indicate the type.

Roadway cross slopes. Show cross slopes for proposed typical sections in percent (%).

Roadway side slopes. Show side slopes as a ratio of vertical to horizontal distances (V:H) (Metric) or (H:V) (English).

Dimensions. Show dimensions for:

  • Subgrade crown width
  • Base crown width
  • Pavement width
  • Stabilized material width
  • Lane widths
  • Shoulder widths
  • Right-of-way widths
  • Side slopes and ditches
  • Berm widths
  • Curb and gutter
  • Prime coat widths.

Unique descriptions. Include any unique descriptions of the pavement structure or explanatory notes such as the following:

  • Disposition of old base material and, if salvaged, limits of salvage and limits of replacement
  • Indicate contrasting color aggregate for shoulders if applicable
  • Dimensions for calculating payment.

Utility location. If a utility line is predominant in a section of roadway, show line identity and approximate depth (if known). A note similar to the following should be used: “Locations of Underground Utilities are Approximate.”

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General Notes

These notes (for an example of General Notes, see general), created as described in Chapter 3, Section 5, General Notes of this manual, are placed on plan sheets by the responsible Austin office, except in the case of district review projects.

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Estimate and Quantity Sheets

The next paragraphs discuss these aspects of the Estimate and Quantity (E&Q) Sheets (For an example of an E&Q Sheet, see eq2):

  • Purpose
  • Use
  • References.

Purpose. The purpose of E&Q Sheet is to provide a list of all the pay items and estimated quantities in the contract. This sheet also provides a space for final quantities once a project has been completed. Item numbers, descriptive codes, Special Provision numbers, item descriptions, units of measurement and bid alternates are also shown.

Use. An E&Q sheet summarizes the work to be done, if there is more than one CSJ or project in the plans or if local participation is involved. They also simplify the plans by showing the total quantities of each item of work involved in the construction of the roadway. If the quantities are accurate, the contractor will be encouraged to submit lower bid prices with minimized contingency costs.

References. The final E&Q Sheet is plotted in the Austin Office except for district review projects. The E&Q Sheet input format and plotting procedures are described in detail in the DCIS User Manual, Chapter 4, Instructions for E&Q Sheets. The District’s Automation Administrator may also be contacted.

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Summary Sheets

The purpose of the Summary Sheet (see tcpsum, sumlrg, and sumsml) is to supplement or replace the summary of work totals on individual plan sheets and to bring together the quantities for all the items of work. The contents of the Summary Sheet are discussed in the paragraphs below:

  • Work type, quantity, and location
  • Separate quantities
  • Contractor’s information quantities
  • Bid items matching estimate.

Work type, quantity, and location. Summary Sheets should indicate type, quantity, and location of work for individual pay items of the proposed project.

Separate quantities. Summary Sheets should show separate quantities for each control or project, city participation, county participation, etc.

“Contractor’s information” quantities. Quantities shown on the Summary Sheet(s) “For Contractor’s Information Only” should be noted as such.

Bid items matching estimate. Description of bid items should conform with the description shown on the estimate. It is recommended that the individual item headings be kept as simple as possible. As a minimum, the item number, general description, and units of measure should be shown.

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Traffic Control Plan

The next subsections discuss

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Traffic Control Plan (TCP) Sheets

The paragraphs below cover these TCP Sheet (see typseq, tcptypxs, and tcpdrvwy) topics:

  • Purpose
  • Standard sheets
  • Sequence of work
  • General notes.

Purpose. Traffic Control Plan (TCP) Sheets, in detail appropriate to the complexity of the project, should provide for moving traffic through or around the construction zone in a safe, expeditious, and clear manner. They are also used to provide for protection of the traveling public, work forces, pedestrians, construction equipment, and the work zone from accidents through the use of traffic control devices.

Standard Sheets. When practical, standard sheets developed by the divisions or districts should be used. Each work zone is different and the standard plan sheets do not cover all situations. In these cases, the standard plan sheets can be used as a starting point from which the traffic control plan can be developed.

Sequence of Work. Sequence of work sheets should be included in the plans if the proposed work causes complicated traffic movements or construction procedures within the project limits. It should be evident from the traffic control sheets what arrangement of construction signs, pavement markings, construction pavement markings, traffic control devices, etc., are needed to control traffic at all locations in every sequence of work. The layouts should show the projects’ construction staging.

The typical cross sections of different construction phases should be included on the sequence of work sheets. These cross sections are very helpful in further clarifying the width of work zones and the method of traffic handling. The more clear and thorough the TCP is, the smoother and safer the construction will be. Explanatory narrative can be included on these sheets, in the General Notes (under Item 502), or in a triple-zero Special Provision.

For an example of a traffic control plan and sequence of work sheet, see typseq and tcptypxs. For an example of a miscellaneous traffic control plan details sheet, see tcpdrvwy.

General notes. On minor projects, the TCP can usually be described by General Notes under Item 502. Most plans should include the Barricade and Construction Standard Sheets.

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Traffic Standards

Work zone traffic control standard plan sheets are available on graphics from the Traffic Operations Division’s Traffic Engineering Section (TRF-TE). These sheets can be downloaded from TxDOT’s Internet site (http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/cmd/cserve/standard/toc.htm).

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Roadway Details

The following roadway detail discussion covers

  • Survey Control Index sheets
  • Horizontal and Vertical Control Sheets
  • Alignment Data Sheets (optional)
  • Plan and Profile (P&P Sheets)
  • Other sheets.

Survey Control Index Sheets

The next paragraphs cover these Survey Control Index Sheet topics:

  • Purpose GuidelinesContents

Purpose. The purpose of the Survey Control Index Sheet is to show an overall view of the project and the relationship of primary monumentation and survey control used in preparation of the project. This sheet should be used in conjunction with the Horizontal and Vertical Control Sheet.

Guidelines. This sheet should be provided for all 4R projects. In addition, this sheet should be provided for 3R projects that involve substantial changes to the vertical grade and/or horizontal alignment of an existing facility and/or right of way acquisition.

The control points shown on the Survey Control Index Sheet should correspond with the information shown on the Horizontal and Vertical Control Sheet. The Survey Control Index Sheet should be signed and sealed by the professional engineer (PE) in direct responsible charge of the surveying. This sheet may also be signed and sealed by the responsible registered professional land surveyor (RPLS) if required by the district.

Contents. The following are the contents of the Survey Control Index Sheet:

  • Overall view of the project and primary control monuments set for control of the projectIdentification of the control pointsBaseline and/or centerline Graphic (Bar) ScaleNorth ArrowPE signature, seal and date.

(For an example of a Survey Control Index Sheet, see Survey Index.)

Horizontal and Vertical Control Sheets

The next paragraphs cover these Horizontal and Vertical Control Sheet topics:

  • Purpose
  • Guidelines
  • Content

Purpose. The purpose of the Horizontal and Vertical Control Sheet is to identify the primary survey control and the survey control monumentation used in preparation of the project. This sheet should be used in conjunction with the Survey Control Index Sheet which contains an overall view of the project and the relationship of primary monumentation and survey control used in preparation of the project.

Guidelines. This sheet should be provided for all 4R projects.