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:

All projects funded through IDOT must meet applicable federal and state laws and regulations requiring identification and evaluation of the project’s environmental impacts.

The following chapters of the Bureau of Local Roads and Streets Manual include environmental documentation, coordination, and general NEPA compliance procedures.

• Chapter 18: General Environmental Procedures
• Chapter 19: Categorical Exclusions
• Chapter 20: Special Environmental Studies

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

Per the requirement stated in the manuals, these forms may be required:

• Initial Coordination Meeting Data: BLR 22410
• Local Project Development Report for Group II Categorical Exclusions and Design Approval : BLR 22210
• Maintenance Engineering to be Performed by a Consulting Engineer: BLR 05520
• Request for Engineering Services to be Performed by Local Public Agency Employees: BLR 05540