Route Study Contents

A route study may include the preparation of:
  • Maps and graphics, such as study area limits, environmental features, corridors where route options were developed, and route options
  • Typical section(s) (rural and/or urban, with and without frontage roads)
  • Summaries of meetings with stakeholders, TxDOT personnel, citizen committees, etc.
  • Technical Memoranda
    • traffic analysis (methodology, existing and projected conditions; crash frequency)
    • engineering considerations, including design criteria, typical section(s), route option evaluation, preliminary cost estimates (construction, right-of-way acquisition, utility adjustments)
    • other subject matter as warranted
  • Route study report prepared using the information above and including:
    • Background information, including study area description and information from previously conducted feasibility studies
    • Purpose and need
    • Correspondence/Resolutions from cities, counties and planning organizations (Metropolitan Planning Organization, Rural Planning Organization) supporting the conduct of the route study
    • Inventory of existing transportation system features, modes, operating conditions and safety issues
    • Environmental features and land use [including, but not limited to natural resources, water resources, community facilities such as parks, schools, first responder facilities, air quality status (attainment, non-attainment), future land use]
    • Descriptions of the route option and evaluation process
    • Summary of public outreach and engagement (i.e. brief description of tools used such as a project website, newsletters, stakeholder working group, public meeting(s))
    • Findings, which may include recommending a specific route option(s) or course of action by TxDOT