Chapter 2: Pre-Assembly Activities
2.1 Preliminary Engineering Activities
2.1.1 Preliminary Design Concept Conference
The Preliminary Design Concept Conference (PDCC) is a meeting of key individuals used to evaluate and update the project scope and establish additional fundamental aspects of a project. The PDCC facilitates agreement to basic project features by concerned stakeholders and enhances relationships among those parties.
Refer to the
(PDP Manual) for a complete discussion and expected outcomes of the PDCC.
2.1.2 Geometric Schematic
As part of early project development, a geometric schematic may be prepared to describe the existing and proposed features and location requirements for a project.
An approved geometric schematic is required for new location or added capacity projects and for projects requiring control of access or an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Geometric layouts
for other project types may be developed at the District’s discretion. These layouts do not go through the formal geometric schematic approval process, but are to be developed to the same level of detail, and can be submitted as the Initial (30% PS&E design) submission (see
).A schematic preparation checklist can be found in the
. The geometric schematic should include basic design information, which is necessary for proper review and evaluation of the proposed improvements.
Refer to the
for a detailed discussion of the preliminary and final schematic preparation.
2.1.3 Environmental Studies and Clearance
In the early stages of project development of any highway project, consideration must be given to the social, economic, and environmental issues of the project. TxDOT is required to identify any social, economic, or environmental consequences on all projects. This is accomplished in cooperation and coordination with local, state and federal agencies and the public. During this process, decisions relative to public involvement or hearings and environmental requirements are necessary.
The three major categories of environmental study are:
- Categorical Exclusion (CE): For projects with a scope of work that is not anticipated to individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the environment.
- Environmental Assessment (EA): For projects in which the significance of the impact on the environment is not clearly established.
- Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): For projects anticipated to significantly affect the environment.
Refer to the
for more information and guidance on the environmental clearance process.
2.1.4 Right of Way and Utility Status
During the schematic preparation process, proposed right of way (ROW) lines are established. The required ROW width should accommodate the roadway typical sections based on required design criteria and utilities, both existing and proposed. Consideration should also be given to maintenance access.
Effective coordination with the utility companies can avoid construction delays and change orders. The locations indicated by the various utility companies should be as close to exact as possible during this phase of project development. Initially the exact locations of utilities may not be needed, however once the preferred alignment is chosen and the final geometric schematic is developed, higher level utility investigations should be performed to determine exact existing utility locations.
Once the final ROW lines have been established,
including temporary construction or permanent drainage easement(s),
the designer should coordinate with the District’s ROW Section to verify the proper ROW is acquired and that it is free of encroachments.Refer to TxDOT’s
,
, and
for additional guidance on ROW and utility tasks.
2.1.5 Value Engineering
A Value Engineering (VE) analysis is a systematic process to evaluate a project concept and design by a multidisciplinary team of individuals not directly involved in the project. The study provides recommendations which could potentially reduce the time to complete the project, improve the value and quality of the project, and provide a project which functions safely and efficiently and may result in a cost savings to the Department.
A VE analysis should be conducted prior to the approval of the final geometric schematic (considered as the end of the project’s preliminary design)
. Changes resulting from the VE analysis could result in additional environmental work if incorporated recommendations are not included in the NEPA review and approval phase. Coordinate the changes that may result from the VE analysis with the project team including environmental, ROW and utility staff.The following project types require a VE analysis:
- Projects on the National Highway System (NHS) that utilize Federal-Aid Highway Program (FAHP) funding with an estimated total project cost of $50 million or more. Total cost threshold considers all project related costs, not just construction cost;
- All bridge projects on the NHS utilizing FAHP funding with an estimated total project cost of $40 million or more;
- Any major project located on or off of the NHS that utilizes FAHP funding in any contract or phase comprising the major project; or
- Any project FHWA considers appropriate and uses FAHP funding.
Projects within $10 million of the Federal threshold amounts should be considered for VE analysis.
The Value Engineering Regulation defines the "project" limits by the logical termini in the environmental document and may consist of several contracts, or phases of a project or contract, which may be implemented over several years. If any have federal-aid funds all shall undergo a VE analysis before any can let.
A VE analysis is not required on design/build projects. If the Project Manager chooses to conduct an analysis, this must be performed before the Request for Proposal (RFP) release.
No exceptions to the federal VE requirement will be granted by FHWA.
Refer to the
and
for additional discussion on VE analysis.
2.1.6 Required Legal Documents
Prior to beginning final design, the required agreements and permits should be determined and executed.
Refer to the
for a detailed discussion of potential agreements and permits.