Preliminary Engineering is the phase of project development that includes preliminary design tasks, the examination of environmental and community impacts, and initial ROW and utility investigations. After transportation projects have been planned and programmed, preliminary engineering activities begin.

Some form of preliminary engineering occurs on every transportation project, however, the tasks associated with this phase of project development vary depending on the project rigor. Some projects may go through an extensive preliminary engineering phase that takes years to complete, while others may experience more simple tasks that are accomplished in a few months. For many projects, the preliminary engineering stage also involves a high level of public involvement.

This chapter discusses the tasks associated with the

Preliminary Engineering

phase of TxDOT’s project development process as shown in .

This chapter includes discussion on the following tasks that typically take place in the Preliminary Engineering phase.

4.2 Preliminary Design Concept Conference;

4.3 Geometric Alternatives Analysis;

4.4 Design and Prepare the Geometric Schematic;

4.5 Value Engineering;

4.6 Finalize the Geometric Schematic;

4.7 Right of Way Footprint Determination;

4.8 Review and Approval of Geometric Schematic;

4.9 Identify, Prepare and Execute Additional Agreements; and

4.10 Geometric Layouts.