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Illinois Department of Transportation

Studies and Plans

Once funding has been secured and the LPA has determined if the engineering activities will be performed with in-house staff or by a consultant, engineering work may begin. 

Preliminary engineering is divided into the following phases:

Phase I

All projects funded through IDOT must meet applicable federal and state laws and regulations requiring identification and evaluation of the project’s environmental impacts. For projects with State or Motor Fuel Tax funding, Chapter 10 of the Bureau of Local Roads and Street(BLRS) Manual identifies these requirements.  Chapters 18 through 20 of the Manual are applicable for projects with federal funding.

Refer to Bureau of Local Roads and Streets Forms that are identified in the BLRS Manual.

Phase II

Projects are designed and plans, specifications, and estimates are developed (this is referred to as the PS&E package). Information on design criteria and PS&E requirements can be found in the following chapters of the Bureau of Local Roads and Streets Manual:

  • Chapter 11 Plan Development
  • Chapter 23 Plan Development
  • Chapter 27 Basic Design Controls
  • Chapter 28 Sight Design
  • Chapter 29 Horizontal Alignment
  • Chapter 30 Vertical Alignment
  • Chapter 31 Cross Section Elements
  • Chapter 32 Geometric Design Tables (New Construction Or Reconstruction)
  • Chapter 33 Geometric Design Of Existing Highways
  • Chapter 34 Intersections
  • Chapter 35 Roadside Safety
  • Chapter 36 Bridge/Structure Design
  • Chapter 37 Reserved
  • Chapter 38 Drainage Design
  • Chapter 39 Traffic Control Devices
  • Chapter 40 Railroad Grade Crossings
  • Chapter 41 Special Design Elements
  • Chapter 42 Bicycle Facilities