Federal Compliance Submission Requirements

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requires TxDOT to submit preliminary structural layouts to FHWA for review and approval as follows.
The Bridge Division submits to the FHWA Texas Division for approval
of
all preliminary structural layouts for all bridges, major geotechnical features
,
 and major hydraulic structures on projects for which FHWA has retained oversight. A list of these projects is available from the Design Division.
For all other projects, the FHWA Texas Division and the FHWA Headquarters Office of Bridge Technology approve preliminary documents for unusual bridges and structures, including the following:
  • Difficult or unique foundations
  • New or complex designs with unique operational or design features
  • Bridges with span lengths greater than 600 ft.
  • Cable-stayed or suspension bridges
  • Bridge types that deviate from AASHTO specifications
  • All vehicular tunnels
  • Bridges with major supporting elements of ultra-high strength materials
  • Geotechnical structures featuring new or complex wall systems or ground improvement systems
  • Hydraulic structures involving complex stream stability measures
  • Designs or design techniques that are atypical or unique
Include the following items in the preliminary documents for unusual bridges and structures submitted by TxDOT to FHWA:
  • Description of structure-related environmental concerns and suggested mitigation
  • Studies of bridge types and span arrangements
  • Approach span-bridge layout plans and profile sheets
  • Controlling vertical and horizontal clearance requirements
  • Roadway geometry
  • Design specifications used
  • Special design criteria
  • Special provisions
  • Cost estimates
  • Hydraulic and scour design studies and reports showing scour prediction and related mitigation
  • Geotechnical studies and reports and information on substructure and foundation types