Plan Delivery
There are numerous activities that must occur to move a project from concept to construction. Transportation project construction demands adherence to a structural process of federal and state requirements. This process incorporates a number of phases that are vital to the development of a project.
Planning Phase
The process for implementing a project begins at the Planning Phase. In order for Preliminary Engineering funds to be authorized, the improvement must be included in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)/State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).
Concept Phase
Once Preliminary Engineering funds are authorized, a concept will be developed for those projects that do not currently have an approved concept. The Concept Phase defines the size and scope of a project by considering such factors as traffic volume, accident history, environmental impacts, the need and purpose and other factors. The Georgia DOT reviews and provides input into the development of a concept.
Concept Team meetings are held to assure that all known factors have been considered and a consensus has been reached. At these meetings representatives from various areas review the proposed design as well as discuss the schedule and funding requirements. These meetings are held for each roadway capacity project to assure the design is appropriate as well as to determine the priority level for the projects.
Preliminary Plan Phase
Once the concept has been approved, Preliminary Plans will be developed. During the Preliminary Plan Phase detailed engineering drawings are prepared that include horizontal and vertical alignments, cross sections, drainage design sheets, staging and traffic control plans.
During this phase, Preliminary Field Plan Review meetings are held to allow project representatives the opportunity to do the following:
- Review the preliminary plans
- Discuss staging and construction options
- Identify the right-of-way requirements
- Review the schedule and budget constraints
- Review the plans for accuracy and constructability
These meetings identify potential problems and offer solutions that could prevent project delays.
Environmental Documentation Phase
Concurrent with the Preliminary Design phase, the Environmental Documentation Phase or compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) takes place. This process actually begins during the concept phase where natural and man-made resources are identified and considered. Once the Preliminary Design is underway, impacts to these environmental resources are identified and either avoided or mitigated. There are numerous environmental resources that must be considered such as wetlands, historic sites, threatened or endangered species, archeological sites, cultural properties and others. Also, an analysis must be completed that documents how the proposed project will affect the noise levels and the air quality with the project area.
Public Hearings
Once the analysis and draft environmental document are complete and approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the public’s input regarding the project is gathered and documented at public hearings. These public Hearings are held to present the preferred alternative to the public and gather and record their comments. A final document containing all study results and public comment will then be presented to FHWA for review, comment and approval. Often several submissions to FHWA can be required to address their comments and concerns prior to approval.
Environmental Documents
Environmental documents fall into one of three levels of analysis:
- Categorical Exclusion (CE)
- Environmental Assessment (EA)
- Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
The level of environmental documentation is determined by the project scope, amount of impacts, public concern and various other factors. The level of analysis and documentation increases from CE to EIS. A CE can be completed in as little as 3 months while an EIS can take as many as 3 years or more.
Final Design Phase
The approval of the Environmental Document signals the beginning of the Final Design Phase.
Right-of-Way (R/W) Acquisition
Any property acquired by the Department using Federal funds must go through a documented process that details how property is appraised, how and when offers are presented, how the condemnation process occurs, if required. Much of the R/W appraisal work will be done by consultants with knowledge in the purchase of R/W using GDOT/Federal processes and guidelines.
Final Plans
As R/W is being acquired, final plans are being completed. This consists of making any plan changes resulting from the environmental process and preliminary field plan review, calculating the final quantities that will be necessary to construct the project, finalizing any utility agreements, finalizing bridge plans where required and generally preparing the plans to be bid and awarded for construction.
Construction Phase
The Construction Phase begins once preliminary engineering and environmental phases are complete and final design and R/W acquisition are either complete or well on their way.