Chapter 1: Organizational Overview

Section 1: This Manual

Overview

This manual was developed to provide bridge project developers and designers with the policies and guidelines set forth by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) regarding the following:
  • bridge programming and funding
  • preliminary planning of bridge structures
  • preparation and review of bridge layouts
  • preparation and review of plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) for bridge projects.
This manual is subject to revision as conditions, experience, or research data warrant.
The manual is not a substitute for engineering experience, knowledge, or judgment. Special situations may call for variation from these policy requirements.

Manual Organization

The manual is organized to reflect the chronology of a bridge project from bridge funding to PS&E:
Chapter 1
 provides an overview of the Bridge Project Development Manual
Chapter 2
 presents bridge programming and funding policies, focusing on the factors involved with the funding and prioritizing, or programming, of bridge projects.
Chapter 3
 identifies basic considerations during advanced planning of bridge projects, including general and location-specific planning considerations.
Chapter 4
 describes bridge plan review processes.
Chapter 5
 provides reference material, timelines, and submittal information for bridge project development.

Feedback

You may direct any questions or comments on the content of this manual to the Director of the Bridge Division, Texas Department of Transportation.