Landscape Development
General
The transportation system is a network of highways, trails, railroads, airports, transmission lines, pipelines, canals and waterways set in the landscape. The goal of the transportation designer is to fit the highway or other facility into the adjacent landscape in a way that is complementary to, and enhances, the existing landscape. Achieving this goal requires consideration of natural, ecological, aesthetic, economic and social influences related to the landscape.
Federal Requirements
- – Requires landscape development to be in general conformity with accepted concepts and principles of highway landscaping and environmental design. In urban areas, new and major reconstructed highways and completed interstate and expressway sections are to be landscaped as appropriate for the adjacent existing or planned environment. In rural areas, new and major reconstructed highways should be landscaped as appropriate for the adjacent environment. Landscaping projects shall include, but not be limited to, the planting of native wildflower seeds, seedlings or both, unless a waiver is granted.
State Requirements
- – Prohibits the practice of landscape architecture by someone who does not hold a certificate of registration issued by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.
- – Requires TxDOT to develop a Green Ribbon Master Plan (landscaping and aesthetics) for cities with a population greater than 100,000. A LG may provide resources for the program.
- – Requires the use of xeriscape practices on state-owned facilities.
Required Practices
The
provides the required practices for both the LG and TxDOT for design of landscape aspects of the project. In general, the LG must develop a landscape plan under the supervision of a registered landscape architect, is required to use TxDOT guidance documents for projects on the state highway system (SHS) and is encouraged to use TxDOT guidance documents for projects off the SHS.