3.4.8 Major Project Feasibility

A major project is defined by FHWA as having federal funding and a total project cost
greater than $500 million. FHWA may also classify other projects that are not over $500M as major projects.

FHWA has delegated oversight of major projects to TxDOT. Documents and guidance can be found on the DES - Project Delivery Section webpage.

Major projects, operationally independent and non-concurrent construction projects requiring Federal assistance with a minimum estimated cost of $500 million, or projects that have been otherwise identified by FHWA as major projects will have cradle-to-grave oversight by FHWA. Involvement is due to the inherent high risk of these projects.

NEPA responsibilities are assumed by the department and FHWA audits the program to ensure procedures are followed. Department projects considered a major project are automatically an FHWA TxDIP which involves FHWA oversight of the project.

Coordinate with DES – Project Delivery Section on all major projects.

Major projects require tools and programs – mandated by Congress and the FHWA – for the delivery of major projects. These include:

Initial Financial Plan (IFP);

Financial Plan Annual Update (FPUA);

Project Management Plan (PMP); and

Cost and Schedule Risk Assessment (CSRA).

Projects between $100M and $500M, not designated as a major project by FHWA, also must have an IFP and annual updates. TxDOT must make these plans available to FHWA for review upon request.

3.4 Project Planning