General

Allow precast and prefabricated alternatives to the as designed cast-in-place concrete or precast bridge substructures. If it is desired to allow post-letting precast and prefabricated bridge element alternates, include the “Precast Alternates” working drawing found online at: . This working drawing must be modified on project-by-project basis, then signed and seal.
Develop alternates using the TxDOT Bridge Standards and working drawings for precast elements. For alternates not covered by the standards, develop these alternates based on the relevant concepts demonstrated within the standards and working drawings. Do not develop complex precast alternatives that will require additional research or investigation without prior approval from Bridge Division.
Do not develop entire bridge redesigns, unless specific plan sheets clearly state entire bridge redesign is permitted. In such cases, the contractor has the option to propose a new design, assuming the role as the new Engineer of Record, and the new plans must adhere to the design intent of the original plans. The new Engineer of Record must be precertified by TxDOT and provide signed and sealed plans and calculations for the redesign.