Section 5: Preliminary Design
As outlined in Chapters 2 through 5 of the Project Development Process Manual, developing a project for construction letting is a multi-stage process involving many disciplines. The preliminary design process should clearly establish the design criteria, adhering to the Roadway Design Manual and other applicable guidelines and policies. Preliminary design processes that affect and influence decisions include the following:
- Anchor: #QXHCUTIV
- Survey and mapping [Ground model and topographic/orthographic maps] Anchor: #KGGSQYEQ
- Design Concept Conference (DCC) [Design Summary Report (DSR) and Form 1002] Anchor: #NCUFKJGH
- Schematic development [Schematic, Interstate Access Justification Report (IAJR), and Frontage Road Briefing Document (FRBD)] Anchor: #DCLRTRYR
- Traffic operational analyses [Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA), Traffic Analysis Report, etc.] Anchor: #LUFEWUFT
- Safety review assessment or safety analysis [Safety Index or Crash Models] Anchor: #KRLNJJEG
- Design Exception/Waiver/Variation/Deviation review [E/W/V/D Approval Documentation] Anchor: #BTLFNECU
- ROW determination [Schematic] Anchor: #XUNYMXGR
- Existing and anticipated land use and development determination Anchor: #LAGYGTTM
- Constructability review Anchor: #WNKJPEVV
- Third party agreements [Advance Funding Agreement (AFA), Railroad Agreement, ROW easement, etc.] Anchor: #GHNKLLYK
- Freeway signing layouts [Schematic] Anchor: #LPYYEVEV
- Access management / driveway permitting Anchor: #NNLNDAQG
- Bicycle and pedestrian accommodations Anchor: #AYDEXXTU
- External agency requirements such as Coast Guard (USCG), emergency management (FEMA), Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), railroads, aviation (FAA), ADA compliance (TDLR), and historical (THC) Anchor: #YFWQVNOO
- Environmental controls/constraints and clearance [Environmental Document: CE, EA, EIS, etc.] Anchor: #FAMMBDDO
- Utility impacts / accommodation [Subsurface Utility Exploration (SUE) documentation] Anchor: #XYAFTJSO
- Geotechnical investigation [Geotech Report] Anchor: #PQEOMEFB
- Pavement design [Pavement Design Report] Anchor: #LNIMOYEW
- Value Engineering (VE) Study [VE Report and Executive Decision Summary (Form 2502)] Anchor: #JCBTRXLJ
- PS&E development timeline Anchor: #GNVKETXT
- Bridge layouts [Preliminary Bridge Layout Review (PBLR) approval] Anchor: #FJURPCTD
- Retaining wall and sound wall layouts Anchor: #GCQKENRG
- Hydrologic and hydraulic design [Hydraulic Analysis Report] Anchor: #QYTNYKLS
- Bridge scour evaluation [Scour Summary Sheet] Anchor: #EFAYCBQW
- Illumination design Anchor: #BDRYFQAK
- Traffic control devices [Traffic signal authorization] Anchor: #DTGHCNGH
- Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Anchor: #LAXCKARQ
- Landscape and aesthetic design Anchor: #NSSONQDE
- Construction timeline determination [Construction Timeline]
NOTE: Brackets [ ] indicate resultant documentation.
The following manuals should be referenced for required submittals and submittal processes:
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Surveying: |
See TxDOT Survey Manual |
|
Design Exceptions, Waivers, Variances, and Deviations: |
See Roadway Design Manual (RDM) and Project Development Process Manual (PDP) |
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Schematics and IAJRs: |
See RDM and PDP Manuals |
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ROW Establishment: |
See ROW Acquisition Manual |
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Driveways: |
See Access Management Manual and RDM |
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PS&E Documentation: |
See PS&E Preparation Manual and PDP Manual |
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Utility Documentation: |
See ROW Utilities Manual |
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Railroad Coordination (See Note): |
See Rail-Highway Operations Manual |
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Pavement Design: |
See Pavement Manual |
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Bridge & Bridge Class Structures: |
See Bridge Project Development Manual |
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Retaining Wall Layouts: |
See Geotechnical Manual |
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Hydraulic Analysis: |
See Hydraulic Design Manual |
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Traffic Control Devices |
See Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices |
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Traffic Signals: |
See Traffic Signals Manual |
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Speed Zones: |
See Procedures for Establishing Speed Zones Manual |
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Illumination: |
See Highway Illumination Manual |
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Landscape and Aesthetic Design: |
See Landscape and Aesthetics Design Manual |
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Local Government Projects: |
See Local Government Projects Policy Manual |
|
Design Build Projects: |
See Design-Build Contract Administration Manual |
NOTE: Work on or within 500-ft of railroad right-of-way, as measured longitudinally along the project’s roadway or laterally along any adjacent road, should be evaluated for impacts. Railroad coordination and letter of agreement are required for any work on or within 50-ft of railroad right-of-way.