7.12 Miscellaneous Design
7.12.1 Landscape and Aesthetics
Landscaping and aesthetics can enhance public acceptance and appreciation of a project. A project does not necessarily need an area of land for “landscaping” to make the facility more attractive. For example, simple aesthetic treatments such as color and texture of materials used (e.g., retaining walls) can have a positive impact. Consult with a landscape architect, in the District or Division, to obtain ideas and assistance with developing landscape and aesthetic plans.
Federal cooperation with state and local agencies can provide opportunities for display of original works of art in the ROW. Designers must encourage the development of pollinator habitat, forage, and migratory way stations for monarch butterflies, honeybees, and other native pollinators by planting native forbs and grasses. Plant establishment durations must be sufficient for an expected survival in a highway environment.
Considerations in preparing landscape and aesthetics plans include:
- Understand the available funding for landscape and aesthetic improvements;
- Consider the need for future maintenance in the design of these items;
- Develop a Landscape and Aesthetics Assessment (LAA) if needed. An LAA is a tool for identifying landscape and aesthetic Opportunities and Constraints associated with a specific highway corridor segment. The procedure involves field observation and participation in the public engagement process;
- Coordinate with District designers, maintenance staff, and local entities (if applicable);
- A well written “program” can help justify spending funds on aesthetics and can be used when discussing the project with the public regarding decisions on facility appearance;
- Aesthetic improvements must not compromise safety, such as a reduction in sight distance caused by vegetation or a distraction to motorists. For this reason, the roadway design engineer and the landscape architect must work closely with each other; and
- Ensure that environmental justice issues are addressed.
7.12.2 Other Miscellaneous Details
Other miscellaneous detail sheets are typically developed to show design details that are not included on standard detail sheets and areas where more detailed information will benefit the contractor’s understanding of the project. These miscellaneous detail sheets are typically shown in the plans with the other sheets they are detailing (e.g., Miscellaneous Roadway Details are included in the Roadway section of the plans and Miscellaneous Drainage Details are included with the Drainage section of the plans)
Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Asphalt or concrete pavement construction details;
- Curb and gutter transitions;
- Ditch details;
- Drainage structure backfill diagrams;
- Grate and manhole covers;
- Intersection/ramp contour grading;
- Nonstandard inlets;
- Special connections; and
- Unique details and dimensions.
7.12.3 Design Exceptions, Waivers, Variations and Deviations
As the project progresses through final design, the need for a design exception, waiver, variation or deviation may be identified. Form 1002 PS&E Transmittal Data, is the official place where basic design criteria are documented, as well as exceptions, waivers, variations and deviations for design features that did not meet nominal safety design of the controlling criteria minimum values or ranges.
The RDM provides extensive discussion on the application, preparation of and submission for review and approval of design exceptions, waivers, variations and deviations.
Submit design exception, waiver, variation, and deviation requests to District design exception committee soon after identifying the need.
The design will have to be modified if the request is not approved.
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