If the project is in a city with a Green Ribbon Master Plan, coordinate to implement requirements of the project. A Green Ribbon Master Plan provides conceptual guidance to planning and design in cities with populations greater than 100,000. If the project is within a plan, then ensure that the plan policies are incorporated into the design.

A Landscape and Aesthetics Assessment (LAA) is a tool for identifying landscape and aesthetic issues associated with a specific highway corridor segment. A landscape architect must be consulted to prepare an LAA. Procedures involve field observation and participation in or review of public involvement events. The goal is to maximize design flexibility. Refer to TxDOT’s

Landscape and Aesthetics Design Manual

for more information on preparing the LAA.

Designers should consider the safety of motorcyclists in their development of projects. Refer to the RDM, Chapter 20 for specific guidance and motorcyclist design considerations.

Highways and streets must often accommodate transit vehicles as well as passenger cars and trucks. Refer to the RDM, Chapter 22 for specific guidance on the implementation of transit accommodations.

Wildlife crossings are used to mitigate environmental impacts of a project by providing animals a way to safely cross roadways. Refer to the RDM, Chapter 24 for specific guidance on the design of wildlife crossing.

The need for infrastructure improvements for Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) inspection stations should be shown on the geometric schematic. Determination of their location must be coordinated between TxDOT administration and the Department of Public Safety (DPS). DPS provides permanent scales, if needed, and provides operators for inspection stations.

The need for “weigh-in-motion” (WIM) detectors and locations are determined by TPP - Freight and International Trade Office. These detectors are used to gather vehicle information not for law enforcement.

Construction of new inspection stations must be authorized by TTC minute order. The District should clarify funding for the planning and design of such improvements.