Projects may be suggested by maintenance supervisors, area office staff, district staff, local transportation partners, developers, or the society served.

For urban projects, particularly capacity improvements, the need for a project may be determined from traffic modeling of future growth and travel demands. This data may be requested from the TPP Traffic Analysis office or, in some cases, from local government transportation planners. The project should be evaluated for consistency with the approved MPO planning documents.

For some urban projects, the development process may encompass a need for a sustainable street and transit network associated with the potential project in the context of desired land uses and urban design established in regional plans, comprehensive plans, neighborhood plans, other local plans, special district plans, relevant public-private partnerships or economic development plans.

Rural multimodal mobility, safety, and added capacity projects may be identified through local decision makers and stakeholders. Trend analysis and forecasted growth data may be obtained from TPP Traffic Analysis office.

Area Engineers generally determine rehabilitation needs for their areas in consultation with maintenance supervisors and local officials.

Off system projects are generally identified through statewide ranking formulas and through consultation with local officials.

Public meetings may generate comments on area wide transportation needs.

A review of traffic crash information may alert the department to needed improvements.

Needs may be identified through the Pavement Management Information System (PMIS) or the Wet Weather Accident Reduction Program (WWARP).

Studies from adjacent projects may indicate needs in other areas.