Describes the design elements that require Design Exceptions, Design Waivers, Design Variances, and the Texas Highway Freight Network’s Design Deviations. Also includes references for schematic design, access control, preliminary engineering, and maintenance in design.

Discusses the concepts and application of performance-based practical design.

Describes the five context classifications along with considerations for all modes of users and traffic networks.

Presents basic design criteria. Portions of this section will have application to all projects to varying degrees. The chapter discusses traffic characteristics, sight distance, horizontal and vertical alignment, and cross-sectional elements. The dimensions given in this chapter will be referenced for most of the roadway classifications.

Describes target design criteria for Local Roads.

Describes target design criteria for Collector roads and streets.

Describes target design criteria for Arterial roads and streets

Describes target design criteria for freeways. Freeways include Interstates, Expressways, and Freeways.

Describes and provides design guidance on mobility corridors with design speeds of 85 mph to 100 mph.

Describes rehabilitation (3R) project design criteria. Rehabilitation projects are intended to preserve and extend the service life of the existing roadway and to enhance safety. The chapter presents criteria for improvements and enhancements within the context of acceptable rehabilitation project design.

Describes non-freeway restoration (2R) project design criteria. Restoration projects are intended to restore the pavement structure, riding quality, or other necessary components to their existing cross section configuration. The chapter makes a special note that the addition of through travel lanes is not permitted under a restoration project.

Describes special facility design criteria. Special facilities may include offsystem bridge projects, historical roadways or structures, and park roads. For these projects, the roadway may have preservation or economic considerations which have equal weight with the user access and mobility characteristics of the roadway, bridge, or other facility.

Discusses types of intersections and design criteria and considerations for the design of intersections.

Discuss types of alternative intersections and interchanges and design criteria and considerations for the design of alternative intersections and interchanges.

Discusses grade separations and interchanges. Describes design criteria for ramps.

Discusses design criteria and considerations for the design of driveways.

Discusses the design of roadside safety and roadside safety hardware.

Describes design criteria and considerations for the design of bicycle facilities

Describes design criteria and considerations for the design of pedestrian facilities.

Discusses motorcyclist design considerations.

Describes the policy for highways on the Texas Highway Freight Network.

Discusses the design of transit for buses and trains as it pertains to vehicular roadways.

Discusses design criteria and considerations for the design of temporary traffic control.

Discusses roadway design considerations for fencing, illumination, signing, pavement markings, intelligent transportation systems (ITS),wildlife crossings, and the Texas Aggregate Quarry and Pit Safety Act

Tables of the minimum design values, that if not met, would require a design exception as described in Chapter 1.

Tables of the minimum design values, that if not met, would require a design waiver as described in Chapter 1.

List of references found in the manual with links.