This section describes the elements required for preliminary design of construction projects, including highways, roads, bridges and alternative transportation-related projects and discusses a delegation of authority by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to TxDOT in administration of projects with FHWA funds. As discussed in TxDOT’s , different design guidelines apply to the design of new construction, rehabilitation and restoration projects. The local government (LG) must work with the TxDOT district to determine which guidelines apply before beginning design.

In general, schematic design will be required for most construction projects. Specialty projects such as building projects may require something other than a schematic.

If the LG does not use TxDOT’s or other approved guidelines, its guidelines must be submitted to TxDOT for review and approval. Ideally, these guidelines and code sources are identified in the advance funding agreement (AFA). In order to avoid delaying project development, the LG must coordinate and submit a written request for a design exception, as early as it is identified, to TxDOT staff for review and approval. The LG is encouraged to coordinate with TxDOT district staff during the Preliminary Design phase to ensure all design considerations are met. A more detailed discussion of this topic is included in the corresponding section of the (LGPM Guide).