Design Manuals and Supplements
Project Development and Design Manual (PDDM )
This Manual has been developed to provide current policies and guidance for the interdisciplinary project development and design related activities performed by Federal Lands Highway (FLH ) Divisions and their Consultants. It also serves as a guide for administrators, public officials and others, both within and outside FLH , who are responsible for advancing projects through the project development process.
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Cover (Acrobat, 779 KB)
Chapter 1 - INTRODUCTION (Acrobat, 833 KB)
Section 1.1 - General
1.1.1 - Purpose
1.1.2 - Philosophy and Technical Policies
1.1.3 - Risk
1.1.4 - Format
1.1.5 - Revisions and Updates
1.1.6 - Division Supplements
Section 1.2 - Guidance and References
1.2.1 - Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
1.2.2 - Federal-Aid Policy Guide (FAPG)
1.2.3 - National Interagency and Project Agreements
1.2.4 - American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Policy and Guides
1.2.5 - Federal Lands Highway Policy references
Section 1.3 - Land Management Agencies
1.3.1 - National Park Service (NPS)
1.3.2 - Forest Service (FS)
1.3.3 - Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
1.3.4 - US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Refuge Roads
1.3.5 - Other Agencies
Section 1.4 - Glossary
1.4.1 - Abbreviations
1.4.2 - Definitions
Chapter 2 - PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING (Acrobat, 400 KB)
Section 2.1 - General
Section 2.2 - Guidance and References
Section 2.3 - Programs
2.3.1 - Federal Lands Highway Program (FLHP)
2.3.2 - Other Federal Agency Transportation Systems
2.3.3 - Emergency Relief for Federally Owned roads (ERFO) Program
Section 2.4 - Planning and Program Coordination
2.4.1 - Interagency Agreements
2.4.2 - Federal/State Forest Highway Tri-Agency Agreements
2.4.3 - Federal/County Forest Highway Interagency Agreements
2.4.4 - Forest Highway Project Agreements
2.4.5 - Miscellaneous Interagency Agreements
Section 2.5 - Planning Studies and Reports
2.5.1 - Park Roads and Parkways (PRP) Studies
2.5.2 - Forest Highway (FH) Studies
2.5.3 - IRR Studies
2.5.4 - Refuge Road Studies
2.5.5 - Other Studies
Section 2.6 - Project Identification
2.6.1 - Project Numbering System
2.6.2 - Accounting Procedures
Chapter 3 - ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP (Acrobat, 874 KB)
Section 3.1 - Introduction
3.1.1 - Purpose
3.1.2 - Applicability to Federal Lands Highway Projects
3.1.3 - Organization
3.1.4 - Revisions
Section 3.2 - Responsibilities by Program
3.2.1 - General Environmental Compliance Responsibilities
3.2.2 - Program-Specific Environmental Compliance Responsibilities
3.2.3 - Other Agreements and Programs
Section 3.3 - Laws, Regulations, Policies, Guidance and Permits
3.3.1 - National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 USC 4321; PL 91 90)
3.3.2 - Resource-Specific Environmental Considerations
3.3.3 - Commonly Required Permits
Section 3.4 - Environmental Process
3.4.1 - Role of Environmental Streamlining in the Environmental Process
3.4.2 - Federal Lands Highway Environmental Process
Section 3.5 - NEPA Documentation
3.5.1 - NEPA Class of Action
3.5.2 - NEPA Document Contents
3.5.3 - Internal Document Approvals
Section 3.6 - Tracking and Reporting
3.6.1 - Environmental Document Tracking System
3.6.2 - Wetland Impact and Mitigation Reporting
3.6.3 - Endangered Species Act Compliance Costs
3.6.4 - Section 4(f) De Minimis Findings
3.6.5 - Environmental Commitments
3.6.6 - Other Tracking
Appendix 3A.1 - Laws, Regulations, Policies, Guidance and Permits (Acrobat, 237 KB)
3A.1.1 - Resource-Specific Environmental Considerations
Appendix 3A.2 - NEPA Documentation
3A.2.1 - Categorical Exclusion
3A.2.2 - Environmental Assessment
3A.2.3 - Finding of No Significant Impact
3A.2.4 - Draft Environmental Impact Statement
3A.2.5 - Reevaluations
Chapter 4 - CONCEPTUAL STUDIES AND PRELIMINARY DESIGN (Acrobat, 890 KB)
Section 4.1 - General
Section 4.2 - Guidance and References
4.2.1 - Standards of Practice
4.2.2 - Guidance
Section 4.3 - Problem Definition
4.3.1 - Identify Purpose and Need
4.3.2 - Gathering Existing Information
4.3.3 - Site Inspection
Section 4.4 - Design Standards
4.4.1 - Applicable Design Standards
4.4.2 - Resurfacing, Restoration and Rehabilitation (RRR) Projects
4.4.3 - Geometric Design Criteria
4.4.4 - Design Controls
4.4.5 - Flexibility in Highway Design
4.4.6 - Risk Assessment
Section 4.5 - Preliminary Engineering Investigation
4.5.1 - Project Scoping Study
4.5.2 - Project Scoping Report
4.5.3 - Corridor Study
Section 4.6 - Developing the Evaluation Framework
4.6.1 - Context Sensitive Solutions Approach
4.6.2 - Interagency Scoping and Stakeholder/Public Involvement
4.6.3 - Developing a Proposed Course of Action
4.6.4 - Project Agreement
Section 4.7 - Alternatives Development and Evaluation
4.7.1 - Types of Alternatives
4.7.2 - Development of Preliminary Engineering Concepts
4.7.3 - Description of the Alternatives
4.7.4 - Alternative Benefits and Consequences
4.7.5 - Alternative Evaluation and Recommendations
Section 4.8 - Design Features of the Proposed Improvements
4.8.1 - Geometric Design Elements
4.8.2 - Intersections
4.8.3 - Railroad-Highway Crossings
4.8.4 - Geotechnical
4.8.5 - Hydrology and HyDraulics
4.8.6 - Structures
4.8.7 - Pavements
4.8.8 - Right-of-Way
4.8.9 - Access Management
4.8.10 - Utilities
4.8.11 - Permits
4.8.12 - Environmental Features and Concerns
4.8.13 - Construction Considerations
4.8.14 - Design Exceptions
4.8.15 - Cost Estimates
Section 4.9 - Implementation
4.9.1 - Preliminary Design Review
4.9.2 - Program Requirements
4.9.3 - Stage Construction
Section 4.10 - Documentation
4.10.1 - Preliminary Engineering Study Report
4.10.2 - Environmental Document
4.10.3 - Development Required for Final Plans, Specifications, and Estimate (PS&E)
Chapter 5 - SURVEYING AND MAPPING (Acrobat, 833 KB)
Section 5.1 - General
5.1.1 - Surveying and Mapping Functions and Programs
5.1.2 - Authority and Administration
5.1.3 - Safety
Section 5.2 - Guidance and References
Section 5.3 - Survey Planning
5.3.1 - Survey Datum
5.3.2 - Survey Standards
Section 5.4 - Field Data Collection and Processing
5.4.1 - Control Surveys
5.4.2 - Topographic Surveys - Aerial
5.4.3 - Photogrammetry
5.4.4 - Topographic Surveys - Terrestrial
5.4.5 - Right-of-Way and Cadastral Surveys
Section 5.5 - Final Design Surveys
5.5.1 - Reference Hub Staking
5.5.2 - Pavement and Bridge Grid Grades
Section 5.6 - Records and Reports
5.6.1 - Purpose
5.6.2 - Metadata Standards
5.6.3 - Elements of Survey Field Notes
Appendix 5A.1 - Code of Safe Surveying Practice (Acrobat, 1.2 MB) Appendix 5A.2 - Standards For Control Survey Accuracy Classification
Appendix 5A.3 - Specifications For Control Surveys
5A.3.1 - Physical Standards for Control Monuments
5A.3.2 - GPS Control Points Established by any Method (Static or RTK)
5A.3.3 - Terrestrial Traverse for Primary Control (3000 Series)
5A.3.4 - Terrestrial Traverse for Secondary Mapping Control (4000 Series)
5A.3.5 - Terrestrial Traverse for Wing Points
5A.3.6 - Terrestrial Levels
5A.3.7 - Cadastral or Right-of-Way Ties
5A.3.8 - Notes on Specifications
Appendix 5A.4 - Guidelines For Planning Aerial Photogrammetry
5A.4.1 - Relationships
5A.4.2 - Guidelines for Aerial Photographic Products
Appendix 5A.5 - Guidelines For Analytical Aerial Triangulation
5A.5.1 - Second Order Optical Train Stereo Plotter
5A.5.2 - Softcopy Aerotriangulation Considerations
5A.5.3 - Mensuration
Appendix 5A.6 - Guidelines For Ground Topography and Planimetry
Appendix 5A.7 - Sample Metadata For Horizontal and Vertical Control Project
5A.7.1 - Summary of Metadata
5A.7.2 - Identification_Information
5A.7.3 - Data_Quality_Information
5A.7.4 - Spatial_Data_Organization_Information
5A.7.5 - Spatial_Reference_Information
5A.7.6 - Entity_and_Attribute_Information
5A.7.7 - Distribution_Information
5A.7.8 - Metadata_Reference_Information
Chapter 6 - GEOTECHNICAL (Acrobat, 967 KB)
Section 6.1 - General
6.1.1 - Geotechnical Discipline
6.1.2 - Geotechnical Role in Project Development
6.1.3 - Intended Chapter Use
Section 6.2 - Guidance and References
6.2.1 - Policies for FLH Geotechnical Discipline
6.2.2 - Risk Management
6.2.3 - Standards and Standard Practice
6.2.4 - Technical Guidance
6.2.5 - Technical References
6.2.6 - State DOT References
Section 6.3 - Geotechnical Investigations
6.3.1 - Planning and Management
6.3.2 - Methods and Practice
Section 6.4 - Analysis and Design
6.4.1 - Evaluation of Data, Project Requirements, and Design Parameters
6.4.2 - Scope of Analysis
6.4.3 - Structure Foundations
6.4.4 - Earth Retention Systems
6.4.5 - Other Structures
6.4.6 - Earthwork
6.4.7 - Slope Stability
6.4.8 - Rock Engineering
6.4.9 - Drainage, Dewatering, and Erosion Control
6.4.10 - Ground Improvement
6.4.11 - Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering
Section 6.5 - Documentation and Support
6.5.1 - Geotechnical Reports and Documents
6.5.2 - Final Design and Review of Plans and Specifications
6.5.3 - Construction Support
6.5.4 - Post-Construction Monitoring and Emergency Response
Section 6.6 - Primary and Secondary Sources
Chapter 7 - HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS (Acrobat, 1.1 MB)
Section 7.1 - General
7.1.1 - Quick Reference Guide
7.1.2 - Project Management and Coordination
7.1.3 - Reconnaissance and Scoping
7.1.4 - Risk Considerations
7.1.5 - Baseline vs. Proposed Conditions
7.1.6 - Design Standards and Criteria
7.1.7 - Capacity vs. Stability Design
7.1.8 - Design and Check Floods
7.1.9 - Design Exceptions/Variances
7.1.10 - Quality Control and Quality Assurance
7.1.11 - Documentation and Deliverables
7.1.12 - Applicable Laws
Section 7.2 - Hydrology
7.2.1 - References
7.2.2 - Design Standards
7.2.3 - Design Guidance
7.2.4 - Recommended Methods for Estimating Peak Flow
7.2.5 - Recommended Methods for Computing Hydrographs
7.2.6 - Reporting
Section 7.3 - Roadway Hydraulics
7.3.1 - Culverts
7.3.2 - Ditches
7.3.3 - Pavement Drainage
7.3.4 - Storm Drains
7.3.5 - Energy Dissipators
7.3.6 - Alternative Pipe Materials
Section 7.4 - River Hydraulics
7.4.1 - Floodplain Encroachments
7.4.2 - Scour and Stream Stability
7.4.3 - Bridged Waterways
7.4.4 - Longitudinal Embankments
7.4.5 - Retaining Walls
7.4.6 - Low-Water Crossings
7.4.7 - Channel Changes
7.4.8 - Scour and Stream Instability Countermeasures
Section 7.5 - Environmental Hydraulics
7.5.1 - Fish Passage
7.5.2 - Stream Restoration and Rehabilitation
7.5.3 - Wetlands
7.5.4 - Stormwater Management
Section 7.6 - Coastal Hydraulics
7.6.1 - General
7.6.2 - Hydrology
7.6.3 - Floodplain Encroachments
7.6.4 - Scour and Stream Stability
7.6.5 - Bridged Waterways
7.6.6 - Roadway Embankments
7.6.7 - Scour and Stream Instability Countermeasures
Chapter 8 - SAFETY AND TRAFFIC DESIGN (Acrobat, 901 KB)
Section 8.1 - General
8.1.1 - Safety Philosophy
8.1.2 - Safety Design Policy
8.1.3 - Roadway Safety
8.1.4 - Roadside Safety
Section 8.2 - Guidance and References
Section 8.3 - Investigation Process
8.3.1 - Crash Data
8.3.2 - Traffic Safety Studies
Section 8.4 - Safety Analysis
8.4.1 - Crash Analysis
8.4.2 - Existing Site Conditions Analysis
8.4.3 - Existing Geometric Controlling Features Analysis
8.4.4 - Evaluation of Pedestrian/Multi-Modal Facilities
8.4.5 - Safety Evaluation Computer Programs
8.4.6 - Road Safety Audits
8.4.7 - Safety Evaluation Report
Section 8.5 - Safety Design
8.5.1 - Design Exceptions
8.5.2 - Defining the Clear Zone
8.5.3 - Traffic Barriers
8.5.4 - Crash Cushions and End Treatments
8.5.5 - Traffic Calming
8.5.6 - Evaluation of the Design for Weather Conditions
Section 8.6 - Traffic Analysis
8.6.1 - Traffic Demand
8.6.2 - Highway Capacity
Section 8.7 - Traffic Design
8.7.1 - Signing and Delineation
8.7.2 - Traffic Signals
8.7.3 - Illumination
8.7.4 - Highway-Rail Grade Crossings
8.7.5 - Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
Section 8.8 - Temporary Traffic Control (TTC)
8.8.1 - Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) Plan Development
8.8.2 - Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) Pavement Markings
8.8.3 - Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) Channelizing Devices
8.8.4 - Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) Barriers/End Treatments
8.8.5 - Traffic Delays
8.8.6 - Emergency Response Considerations
Chapter 9 - HIGHWAY DESIGN (Acrobat, 1.7 MB)
Section 9.1 - General
9.1.1 - Role of the Designer
9.1.2 - Design Requirements and Standards
9.1.3 - Exceptions to Design Standards
9.1.4 - Design Philosophy and Context Sensitive Solutions
Section 9.2 - Guidance and References
9.2.1 - Standards of Practice
9.2.2 - Guidance
9.2.3 - Internal FLH Guidance
Section 9.3 - Geometric Design
9.3.1 - Geometric Design Controls
9.3.2 - Aesthetic Considerations
9.3.3 - Horizontal and Vertical Alignment Relationships
9.3.4 - Combinations of Design Elements and Features
9.3.5 - Horizontal Alignment
9.3.6 - Vertical Alignment
9.3.7 - Sight Distance
9.3.8 - Geometric Cross Section
9.3.9 - Roadway Widening
9.3.10 - Medians
9.3.11 - Curbs
9.3.12 - Roadside Design Considerations
9.3.13 - Foreslopes
9.3.14 - Design of Intersections
9.3.15 - Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings
9.3.16 - Pedestrian Considerations and Facilities
9.3.17 - Bicycle Considerations and Facilities
9.3.18 - Transit Considerations and Facilities
9.3.19 - Parking Lot Layout Considerations
Section 9.4 - Resurfacing, Restoration and Rehabilitation (RRR) Design
9.4.1 - Application of Design Standards
9.4.2 - Improvement of Safety Performance
9.4.3 - Evaluation of Existing Geometric Design
9.4.4 - Improvement of Roadside Conditions
9.4.5 - Improvement of Traffic Operations
9.4.6 - Evaluation of Pavement and Drainage Structures
9.4.7 - Mitigation of Substandard Design Features
Section 9.5 - Other Highway Design Elements
9.5.1 - Earthwork Design
9.5.2 - Slope Treatments
9.5.3 - Earth Retaining Structures
9.5.4 - Landscaping and Restoration of Vegetation
9.5.5 - Drainage Design
9.5.6 - Soil Erosion and Sediment Control
9.5.7 - Parking and Rest Areas
9.5.8 - Roadway Appurtenances
9.5.9 - Right-of-Way and Utility Considerations
9.5.10 - Environmental Protection and Enhancements
9.5.11 - Construction Considerations
Section 9.6 - Plans Specifications and Estimate (PS&E) Development
9.6.1 - PS&E Package
9.6.2 - Alternative PS&E Development and Contracting Options
9.6.3 - PS&E Development at Various Stages of Design
9.6.4 - Reviews
9.6.5 - Plans
9.6.6 - Supporting Information
9.6.7 - Construction Schedule and Contract Time
9.6.8 - Engineer's Estimate
9.6.9 - Specifications
9.6.10 - Contract Assembly
9.6.11 - Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Chapter 10 - STRUCTURAL DESIGN (Acrobat, 612 KB)
Section 10.1 - General
10.1.1 - Bridges
10.1.2 - Special Designs
Section 10.2 - Guidance and References
10.2.1 - Professional Assistance
10.2.2 - Design Specifications and Guidelines
10.2.3 - Design Examples
10.2.4 - Technical References
Section 10.3 - Investigation
10.3.1 - Bridge Site Plans
10.3.2 - Hydraulic Analysis
10.3.3 - Geotechnical Investigation
10.3.4 - Bridge Inspection Program
10.3.5 - Deck Survey
10.3.6 - Bridges Within Resurfacing, Restoration, or Rehabilitation (RRR) Projects
10.3.7 - Field Reviews
Section 10.4 - Design Process
10.4.1 - General Features
10.4.2 - Loads
10.4.3 - Decks, Rails, Deck Joints and Drains
10.4.4 - Rail Design
10.4.5 - Deck Joint Design
10.4.6 - Reinforced Concrete Design
10.4.7 - Structural Steel Design
10.4.8 - Prestressed Concrete
10.4.9 - Timber
10.4.10 - Bearings
10.4.11 - Foundations and Substructures
10.4.12 - Retaining Wall Design
Section 10.5 - Approvals
10.5.1 - Bridge Type, Size and Location (TS&L)
10.5.2 - Design Standards and Exceptions
10.5.3 - Plans, Specifications and Estimate
Section 10.6 - Standard Format
10.6.1 - Plans
10.6.2 - Specifications
10.6.3 - Estimate
Chapter 11 - PAVEMENTS (Acrobat, 605 KB)
Section 11.1 - General
11.1.1 - References
11.1.2 - Pavement Philosophy - Cradle to Grave
11.1.3 - Design Exceptions and Variances
11.1.4 - Quality Control and Quality Assurance
11.1.5 - Documentation and Deliverables
11.1.6 - Applicable Laws and Regulations
Section 11.2 - Pavement Design Variables
11.2.1 - Required Design Inputs
11.2.2 - Design Reliability and Risk
11.2.3 - Engineering Economic Evaluation
11.2.4 - Preventive Maintenance
11.2.5 - Roadway Surfacing Type Selection
Section 11.3 - Flexible Pavement Design
11.3.1 - Field Reconnaisance and Investigation
11.3.2 - Design Standards and Guidance
Section 11.4 - Structural Design of Aggregate Surfacing
11.4.1 - Field Reconnaisance and Investigation
11.4.2 - Design Standards and Guidance
Section 11.5 - Rigid Pavement Design
11.5.1 - Field Reconnaissance and Investigation
11.5.2 - Design Standards and Guidance
Section 11.6 - Pavement Rehabilitation
11.6.1 - Rehabilitation Methods - Flexible Pavements
11.6.2 - Rehabilitation Methods - Aggregate Surfaced Roads
11.6.3 - Rehabilitation Methods - Rigid Pavements
Section 11.7 - Pavement Preservation
11.7.1 - Preventive Maintenance Treatments
11.7.2 - Field Reconnaissance and Investigation
11.7.3 - Selection of Treatments and Materials
Section 11.8 - Pavement Management and Road Inventory Data
Section 11.9 - Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design
Chapter 12 - RIGHT OF WAY AND UTILITIES (Acrobat, 835 KB)
Section 12.1 - General
12.1.1 - Real Property under Federal, State and Tribal Law
12.1.2 - Right of Way and Utilities Process Overview
Section 12.2 - Guidance and References
12.2.1 - Laws and Regulations
12.2.2 - Guidance
Section 12.3 - Right of Way Coordination
12.3.1 - Internal Coordination
12.3.2 - External Coordination
12.3.3 - Environmental Considerations
12.3.4 - Right-of-way Services
12.3.5 - Establishing Proposed Right-of-Way Limits
12.3.6 - Right-of-Way Plans
12.3.7 - Plans for National Forest Lands & Federal Agencies
Section 12.4 - Utilities
12.4.1 - Regulations and Guidance
12.4.2 - Accommodation of Utilities
12.4.3 - Utility Coordination
12.4.4 - Utility Agreements and Responsibility for Utility Relocation
12.4.5 - Location of Utilities
12.4.6 - Retention of Existing Facilities
12.4.7 - Aesthetic Controls
12.4.8 - Utility Installations on Highway Structures
12.4.9 - Overhead Power and Communication Lines
12.4.10 - Underground Electric Power and Communication Lines
12.4.11 - Irrigation and Drainage Pipes, Ditches and Canals
Section 12.5 - Railroads
12.5.1 - Regulations and Guidance
12.5.2 - Railroad Agreements
Section 12.6 - Federal Lands
12.6.1 - Regulations and Guidance
12.6.2 - Federal Land Transfer Coordination
12.6.3 - Transfer Procedures of Other Agencies
12.6.4 - Forms of Transfer
12.6.5 - Conditions of Transfer
12.6.6 - Special Use Permits
Section 12.7 - Tribal Trust Lands
12.7.1 - Regulations and Guidance
12.7.2 - Tribal Sovereignty and Consultation
12.7.3 - Application Procedures
Section 12.8 - Private Land Acquisition
12.8.1 - Overview Of The Private Land Acquisition Process
12.8.2 - Guidance and Reference Material
12.8.3 - Stewardship and Quality Control
12.8.4 - Acquisition Process
12.8.5 - Relocation Issues
12.8.6 - State Owned Lands
Section 12.9 - Right of Way and Utility Records
12.9.1 - Right of Way Certification
12.9.2 - Right-of-Way Acquisition Records
12.9.3 - Acquisition Statistics
12.9.4 - Recording Right-of-Way Project Records
Chapter 13 - DESIGN FEEDBACK (Acrobat, 226 KB)
Section 13.1 - General
Section 13.2 - Guidance and References
13.2.1 - Federal-Aid Policy Guide (FAPG)
13.2.2 - Federal Lands Highway Manual (FLHM)
13.2.3 - FLH Construction Manual
Section 13.3 - Obtaining and Evaluating Feedback
13.3.1 - PS&E Review and Improvement Processes
13.3.2 - Active Construction Projects
13.3.3 - Post Construction
Section 13.4 - Monitoring