3.4.1 Signing and Sealing Regulations

Signing and sealing requirements in the TEPA and the TBPELS apply in accordance with Section 19 of the TEPA. If the
final
(
emphasis added
) document is directly tied to a project that is a public facility or an engineering decision is made for a public facility,
construction or maintenance
, the engineering
signing and sealing regulations apply
. When TxDOT provides an engineering service for a third party, the regulations apply as well.
Examples include:
  • Before final plans for Letting Memorandum and correspondence (internal documents)
     - Routine communications require SSD only when they are part of the final product for the PS&E. The final product for PS&E includes the proposal and plans. Draft or preliminary documents under the engineer’s control do not require SSD.
    Released preliminary or incomplete documents should not be sealed or signed
    . They should be dated and identify the authoring professional(s) and registration number(s). They should contain statements clearly identifying them as preliminary or incomplete.
  • Changes during construction or maintenance work
     - Changes by memorandum and notes without SSD are permissible as long as a final change is made to the document in accordance with signing and sealing regulations. For example, changes are sometimes made to traffic control requirements on the plans through sketches and markings on sheets. As long as the engineer maintains control or has direct supervision over those changes, and there is a follow-up sheet or document that is properly SSD, it is permissible to withhold the SSD until the final document for the change is complete. Timely completion of the final document is needed in order for the engineer to maintain control over engineering decisions. There are instances where a TxDOT engineer not directly involved in a project provides advice to a TxDOT project or field engineer who is directly involved in making decisions on a project. Advice or opinions do not require SSD 3-35 | PS&E Preparation Manual Table of Contents Instructions Reference Links Table of Contents Instructions Reference Links when the project or field engineer makes the decision for implementing a change. In these cases, the project or field engineer takes direct responsibility for the decision, and SSD requirements apply to the project or field engineer.
When an engineer outside of the project office provides exact details and instructions and those details and instructions are implemented with no further engineering decision, SSD requirements will apply to the engineer responsible for the details and instructions implemented. An SSD record document needs to be kept with the project files.
Email communications may be used to quickly deliver an engineering decision that is directly tied to a project. Later plan sheet changes, change orders and specifications can be finalized to incorporate the change with SSD. Again, timely completion of the final document is needed for the engineer to maintain control over engineering decisions.
The regulations apply to maintenance work as well. Changes to copies of standard sheets, such as traffic control standard sheets used for maintenance work in the field, will require an SSD.
An engineer’s verbal direction in the field does not require any documentation to be in compliance with the TBPER. Department procedures may, however, require documentation of changes and therefore, SSD requirements must be met for the documented change.