A roadway illumination foundation is necessary for all ground-mounted light poles. They are typically specified by 0416 6029 DRILL SHAFT (RDWY ILL POLE) (30 IN). The foundation's concrete and steel is included in Item 416, and the anchor bolts are included in Item 610. If a riprap pad is used around the foundation, it is typically specified by 0432 6001 RIPRAP (CONC)(4 IN).

Details for TxDOT's standard roadway illumination foundations are on the RID(2) standard sheet. The standard diameter is 30 inches, and the depth is 6 to 10 feet, depending on soil conditions. Roadway illumination foundations are measured by the linear foot of drill shaft depth.

In previous standards, grounding for the foundation consisted of a ground rod in the foundation plus a bonding conductor between the anchor bolts and the steel in the foundation. The bonded steel and anchor bolts create a concrete-encased grounding electrode (see NEC 250.52(A)(3)). A concrete encased grounding electrode typically has lower resistance and creates a better connection to ground than a ground rod. Since the concrete-encased electrode creates a good ground, the ground rod in the foundation was removed from the latest version of the standard.