Modification of Specifications by General Note is not allowed

. General Notes are to be used to give information when allowed by the specification using terms such as “as shown on the plans,” “as directed by the Engineer,” or others. General Notes may be used to supplement information - noted in the specification (e.g., the closed season for asphaltic materials and curing required for base materials, etc.).

Special Provisions are necessary for revisions to Standard Specifications or Special Specifications. All notes should reference the specification to which they apply. Special Provisions take precedence over the plans and General Notes in accordance with Item 5.4 of the Standard Specifications.

The General Notes should not be used to repeat what is already covered in the Standard Specifications, Special Provisions and/or Special Specifications

. The use of the notes should be minimized.

Each of the Standard Specifications, Special Provisions and Special Specifications used in a project as direct pay items or reference items must be examined carefully. Those specifications that require “as shown on the plans” information

must be completed by plan notes in the General Notes

. There are some instances where such terms are in the specifications to allow flexibility, but there are also those that must be shown in the General Notes to have the complete information. This may consist of material specifications, design criteria, gradation requirements, density requirements and surface treatment data.