document overview

MassHighwayMassHighway Project Development Project Development and Design Guidebookand Design Guidebook

Document Document OverviewOverview

Why Revise the Highway Design Manual?Why Revise the Highway Design Manual?

Last major revision in 1997Last major revision in 1997Strong desire for more flexible design guidelines that Strong desire for more flexible design guidelines that better respond to community values and constraintsbetter respond to community values and constraintsA lack of guidance and inconsistent application of A lack of guidance and inconsistent application of strategies to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists strategies to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists (often viewed as an (often viewed as an ““afterthoughtafterthought””))Frustration over project development Frustration over project development ““unknownsunknowns”” and and delaysdelaysBack to English units!Back to English units!

Project Development and Design Project Development and Design Guide Guide BackgroundBackground

January 2003, Governor Romney announced his January 2003, Governor Romney announced his Communities First Policy Initiative toCommunities First Policy Initiative to

Give communities more flexibility and input in Give communities more flexibility and input in designing local road and bridge projectsdesigning local road and bridge projectsHelp preserve the character of cities and town, andHelp preserve the character of cities and town, andCut through bureaucratic red tape imposed by the Cut through bureaucratic red tape imposed by the statestate

A priority of this policy was to review and revise A priority of this policy was to review and revise MassHighwayMassHighway’’ss Design ManualDesign Manual

MassHighwayMassHighway Design Manual Design Manual Task ForceTask Force

Beginning in April 2003, the Highway Design Manual Beginning in April 2003, the Highway Design Manual Task Force was formed by Governor RomneyTask Force was formed by Governor Romney

The 28The 28--member Task Force is comprised of member Task Force is comprised of representatives from municipalities, regional planning representatives from municipalities, regional planning agencies, professional organizations, advocacy groups, agencies, professional organizations, advocacy groups, and state agenciesand state agencies

The Task Force developed the Vision and Goals for the The Task Force developed the Vision and Goals for the Guidebook and has been instrumental in guiding the Guidebook and has been instrumental in guiding the rewrite of the documentrewrite of the document

Guiding Principles for GuidebookGuiding Principles for Guidebook

Provide an Provide an integrated multimodal approachintegrated multimodal approachto roadway planning and designto roadway planning and design

Ensure that Ensure that context sensitivitycontext sensitivity is integrated into is integrated into the planning, design, and construction processthe planning, design, and construction process

Provide a Provide a clear project development processclear project development process

Chapter OutlineChapter Outline

1.1. IntroductionIntroduction2.2. Project DevelopmentProject Development3.3. Basic Design ControlsBasic Design Controls4.4. Horizontal and Horizontal and

Vertical AlignmentVertical Alignment5.5. CrossCross--Section and Section and

Roadside ElementsRoadside Elements6.6. IntersectionsIntersections7.7. InterchangesInterchanges8.8. Drainage and Drainage and

Erosion ControlErosion Control9.9. Pavement DesignPavement Design

10.10. BridgesBridges11.11. Shared Use Paths and Shared Use Paths and

GreenwaysGreenways12.12. IntermodalIntermodal Facilities Facilities

and Rest Areasand Rest Areas13.13. Landscape and AestheticsLandscape and Aesthetics14.14. Wildlife AccommodationWildlife Accommodation15.15. Access ManagementAccess Management16.16. Traffic CalmingTraffic Calming17.17. Work Zone ManagementWork Zone Management18.18. Plans, Specifications, Plans, Specifications,

and Estimatesand Estimates

Chapter Outline Chapter Outline –– New ChaptersNew Chapters

1.1. IntroductionIntroduction2.2. Project DevelopmentProject Development3.3. Basic Design ControlsBasic Design Controls4.4. Horizontal and Horizontal and

Vertical AlignmentVertical Alignment5.5. CrossCross--Section and Section and

Roadside ElementsRoadside Elements6.6. IntersectionsIntersections7.7. InterchangesInterchanges8.8. Drainage and Drainage and

Erosion ControlErosion Control9.9. Pavement DesignPavement Design

10.10. BridgesBridges11.11. Shared Use Paths and Shared Use Paths and

GreenwaysGreenways12.12. IntermodalIntermodal Facilities Facilities

and Rest Areasand Rest Areas13.13. Landscape and AestheticsLandscape and Aesthetics14.14. Wildlife AccommodationWildlife Accommodation15.15. Access ManagementAccess Management16.16. Traffic CalmingTraffic Calming17.17. Work Zone ManagementWork Zone Management18.18. Plans, Specifications, Plans, Specifications,

and Estimatesand Estimates

Chapter 1 Chapter 1 IntroductionIntroduction

PurposePurposeGuiding PrinciplesGuiding PrinciplesApplication of the GuidebookApplication of the GuidebookStructure of the GuidebookStructure of the GuidebookAddenda and UpdatesAddenda and Updates

Guidebook ApplicationGuidebook Application

When When MassHighwayMassHighway is the proponentis the proponent

When When MassHighwayMassHighway is responsible for is responsible for project funding (state or federalproject funding (state or federal--aid)aid)

When When MassHighwayMassHighway controls the controls the infrastructure (projects on state highways)infrastructure (projects on state highways)

Chapter 2Chapter 2NewNew Project Project Development Development

ProcessProcess


ProcessProcess

Encourages Early Encourages Early Dialog with Dialog with District to Define District to Define Need (Step I)Need (Step I)


ProcessProcess

Encourages Early Encourages Early Dialog with Dialog with District to Define District to Define Need (Step I)Need (Step I)

Emphasizes Good Emphasizes Good Planning and Planning and Outreach (Step II)Outreach (Step II)

Chapter 2 Project Development:Chapter 2 Project Development:Public OutreachPublic Outreach

Encouraged throughout project development Encouraged throughout project development process and integrated into every taskprocess and integrated into every taskIdentifies common constituents for projectsIdentifies common constituents for projectsOutlines outreach opportunities and toolsOutlines outreach opportunities and tools

Other Project Development Other Project Development EnhancementsEnhancements

Step I: Project Need Form (PNF) / Step I: Project Need Form (PNF) / PNF ReviewPNF Review

Identify problem/need/opportunityIdentify problem/need/opportunityPNF reviewed by District PNF reviewed by District

Using a interdisciplinary team approach Using a interdisciplinary team approach Usually includes a visit to the project site with community Usually includes a visit to the project site with community representativesrepresentativesDistrict to assist community in defining process to move District to assist community in defining process to move project forwardproject forwardDistrict to advise community of need for additional planning District to advise community of need for additional planning and public outreachand public outreach


Step II: PlanningStep II: PlanningKey Planning TasksKey Planning Tasks

Part A: Define Existing Context; Confirm Project Part A: Define Existing Context; Confirm Project Need(sNeed(s); Establish Goals ); Establish Goals and Objectivesand Objectives

Inventory and Site Visit (s) Inventory and Site Visit (s)

Part B: Initial Public OutreachPart B: Initial Public OutreachEarly Local Issues MeetingEarly Local Issues MeetingEarly Environmental CoordinationEarly Environmental Coordination

Part C: Project DefinitionPart C: Project DefinitionDevelopment of AlternativesDevelopment of AlternativesEvaluation and Screening of AlternativesEvaluation and Screening of Alternatives

Part D: Project Review and RefinementPart D: Project Review and RefinementAdditional Public and Agency Coordination/ReviewAdditional Public and Agency Coordination/Review

Part E: Final RecommendationsPart E: Final Recommendations

Project Planning Project Planning --Visual Representation of Alternatives Visual Representation of Alternatives

EncouragedEncouraged

Project Project DevelopmentDevelopment

Step III: Step III: Project Project

InitiationInitiation


Step III: Project Initiation Form (PIF) / Step III: Project Initiation Form (PIF) / PIF ReviewPIF Review

PIF reviewed by the Project Review Committee PIF reviewed by the Project Review Committee PRC description available on PRC description available on MassHighwayMassHighway WebsiteWebsite

Posting of PRC meeting schedule on WebsitePosting of PRC meeting schedule on Website

Posting of PRC meeting agendas on WebsitePosting of PRC meeting agendas on Website

District to notify community of outcome and any need for District to notify community of outcome and any need for additional information.additional information.

Posting of PRC results on Website (approve/not Posting of PRC results on Website (approve/not approve/additional information requested)approve/additional information requested)

Formal correspondence within 30 days of the meetingFormal correspondence within 30 days of the meeting

Project Review Committee (PRC)Project Review Committee (PRC)

More Formalized Process DefinedMore Formalized Process DefinedQuarterly Meetings AnticipatedQuarterly Meetings AnticipatedAgenda to Include:Agenda to Include:

Routine Maintenance ProjectsRoutine Maintenance ProjectsBridge ProjectsBridge ProjectsPIF ProjectsPIF Projects

Envision PRC staff Envision PRC staff

PRC MembershipPRC Membership

Chief EngineerChief EngineerEach District Highway Director (5)Each District Highway Director (5)Representatives from:Representatives from:

Project ManagementProject ManagementEnvironmentalEnvironmentalPlanningPlanningRightRight--ofof--WayWayTrafficTrafficBridge, andBridge, andCapital Expenditure Program Office (CEPO)Capital Expenditure Program Office (CEPO)

Other Project Development Other Project Development EnhancementEnhancement Design Exception ReviewDesign Exception Review

Anticipates Design Exception Early (beginning in Planning)Anticipates Design Exception Early (beginning in Planning)

Design Exception Requests (if necessary) part of the Design Exception Requests (if necessary) part of the 25 percent design review (Functional Design Report)25 percent design review (Functional Design Report)

Incorporates category for Footprint Road projectsIncorporates category for Footprint Road projects

Interdisciplinary design exception review committee:Interdisciplinary design exception review committee:Commissioner, District PDE, ChiefCommissioner, District PDE, Chief’’s Office, Project Management, s Office, Project Management, Environmental, Traffic, Planning, RightEnvironmental, Traffic, Planning, Right--ofof--way, Pedestrian and Bicycle way, Pedestrian and Bicycle Accommodation Engineer, and others as neededAccommodation Engineer, and others as needed

Response to designer/proponent within 30 days of a completed Response to designer/proponent within 30 days of a completed requestrequest

Chapter 2 Project Development:Chapter 2 Project Development: Process Process GoalsGoals

Ensure context sensitivity through an open, consensus Ensure context sensitivity through an open, consensus building dialogbuilding dialog

Foster thinking beyond the pavement to achieve Foster thinking beyond the pavement to achieve optimum accommodation for all modesoptimum accommodation for all modes

Encourage good planning and early public outreachEncourage good planning and early public outreach

Achieve consistent expectations among project Achieve consistent expectations among project participants participants –– minimize surprisesminimize surprises

Ensure allocation of resources to projects that address Ensure allocation of resources to projects that address local, regional, and statewide priorities and needslocal, regional, and statewide priorities and needs

Chapter 3Chapter 3 Basic Design ControlsBasic Design Controls

Roadway Context (Area and Roadway Types)Roadway Context (Area and Roadway Types)User GroupsUser Groups

PedestriansPedestriansPedestrians requiring mobility aidsPedestrians requiring mobility aidsBicyclistsBicyclistsDrivers (transit vehicles, trucks, automobiles)Drivers (transit vehicles, trucks, automobiles)

Transportation DemandsTransportation DemandsMeasures of Effectiveness (Measures of Effectiveness (MOEsMOEs))Design SpeedDesign SpeedSight DistanceSight Distance

Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Enhancement Enhancement ---- Area Area Type Type

as a Basic Design Controlas a Basic Design Control

SuburbanSuburban

UrbanUrban

RuralRural

9 area types defined as a 9 area types defined as a compliment to functional compliment to functional classification to aid with classification to aid with context sensitive designcontext sensitive design

Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Enhanced Discussion of All Enhanced Discussion of All User GroupsUser Groups

PedestriansPedestriansPedestrians requiring mobility aidsPedestrians requiring mobility aidsBicyclistsBicyclistsDrivers Drivers

Transit vehiclesTransit vehiclesTrucks Trucks AutomobilesAutomobiles

Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Enhancement Enhancement ----Level of Service is Level of Service is oneone Measure of Measure of

EffectivenessEffectiveness

Transportation Transportation MOEMOE’’ss(for all users)(for all users)

Condition of facilities Condition of facilities Safety and comfortSafety and comfortMode choiceMode choiceNetwork connectivityNetwork connectivityUser populationUser populationTraditional LOS Traditional LOS

Travel timeTravel timeCongestionCongestionSpecific measures elsewhereSpecific measures elsewhere

““OtherOther”” MOEMOE’’ssEnvironment preservationEnvironment preservationCultural resource preservationCultural resource preservationCommunity enhancementCommunity enhancementEconomic developmentEconomic developmentAestheticsAestheticsEnvironmental justice/equityEnvironmental justice/equityImpact mitigationImpact mitigation

NoiseNoiseAir QualityAir QualityWildlife HabitatWildlife Habitat

Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Revised Design Speed Revised Design Speed ApproachApproach

Design speed is a choiceDesign speed is a choice

Choice of design speed needs to consider:Choice of design speed needs to consider:

Roadway contextRoadway contextImplications for pedestrian and bicycle safety and comfortImplications for pedestrian and bicycle safety and comfortImplications for regional mobilityImplications for regional mobility

To ensure safety, the choice of design speed needs to be To ensure safety, the choice of design speed needs to be informed by existing operating speed and the likelihood of informed by existing operating speed and the likelihood of change associated with the designchange associated with the design

Flexibility is provided to allow design speeds lower, the Flexibility is provided to allow design speeds lower, the same, or higher than existing operating speeds, depending on same, or higher than existing operating speeds, depending on the projectthe project’’s purposes purpose

Roadway TypeRoadway Type

(Based on 1997)(Based on 1997)

1997 1997 ManualManual

2005 2005 GuidebookGuidebook

Rural Arterial (Level Terrain)Rural Arterial (Level Terrain)

Urban ArterialUrban Arterial

Rural Collector (Level Terrain)Rural Collector (Level Terrain)

Urban CollectorUrban Collector

60 to 75 mph60 to 75 mph 40 to 60 mph40 to 60 mph

30 to 60 mph30 to 60 mph 25 to 50 mph25 to 50 mph

60 mph60 mph 30 to 60 mph30 to 60 mph

30 mph (minimum)30 mph (minimum) 25 to 40 mph25 to 40 mph

Comparison of Design SpeedsComparison of Design Speeds

Additional flexibility provided in the Guidebook by further defiAdditional flexibility provided in the Guidebook by further definition of nition of roadway and area types to reduce the ambiguity of roadway and area types to reduce the ambiguity of ““urban vs. ruralurban vs. rural”” and and terrain typeterrain type

Chapter 3Basic Design

Controls

Chapter 4Horizontal and

Vertical Alignment

Chapter 5Cross Section and

Roadside

Chapter 6Intersections

Path through setting influenced by speed

Transportation space versus setting space

Space allocation between users

Transportation space versus setting space

Space allocation between users

Time allocation

Balance Issues

Chapter 4 Horizontal and Vertical Chapter 4 Horizontal and Vertical AlignmentAlignment

Changes:Changes:Adds description of context relationship to alignmentAdds description of context relationship to alignment

Minor adjustments to Minor adjustments to superelevationsuperelevation guidance guidance (banking through turns)(banking through turns)

Chapter 5 CrossChapter 5 Cross--section: section: Design Enhancement Design Enhancement -- Allocation of Allocation of

Space Space Reframes crossReframes cross--section design principles: Pedestriansection design principles: Pedestrian--BicyclistBicyclist--Motor VehicleMotor Vehicle

5 cross5 cross--section design approachessection design approaches

Modal elements described from rightModal elements described from right--ofof--way edge to way edge to centerlinecenterline

Design guidance for the crossDesign guidance for the cross--sectional elements sectional elements retailored to emphasize context and interactions among retailored to emphasize context and interactions among modesmodes

Chapter 5 CrossChapter 5 Cross--Section: Section: Flexible Multimodal Flexible Multimodal

Accommodation Accommodation ApproachesApproaches

Descriptions have been developed Descriptions have been developed for the cases :for the cases :

Case 1: Independent AccommodationCase 1: Independent Accommodation

Case 2: Partial Bicycle/MV SharingCase 2: Partial Bicycle/MV Sharing

Case 3: Bicycle/MV SharingCase 3: Bicycle/MV Sharing

Case 4: Pedestrian/Bicycle SharingCase 4: Pedestrian/Bicycle Sharing

Case 5: Shared by All UsersCase 5: Shared by All Users

CrossCross--Section:Section:Range of Range of

Acceptable Lane Acceptable Lane and Shoulder and Shoulder

WidthWidth

Roadway TypeRoadway Type 1997 1997 ManualManual

2005 2005 GuidebookGuidebook

ArterialArterial

Collector Collector

40 ft40 ft 30 ft30 ft

40 ft40 ft 28 ft28 ft

Comparison of Minimum Width for Two Lane Comparison of Minimum Width for Two Lane RoadwaysRoadways

Addenda provided some flexibility at the low end of the speed anAddenda provided some flexibility at the low end of the speed and volume d volume range range -- minimum width of 30 feet for arterials (<55 mph and <400 minimum width of 30 feet for arterials (<55 mph and <400 vpdvpd), ), and 20 feet for collector roads (<35 mph and <400 and 20 feet for collector roads (<35 mph and <400 vpdvpd), but these ), but these conditions rarely exist. conditions rarely exist.

Chapter 6 Chapter 6 Intersections: Intersections: Design Enhancement Design Enhancement -- Multimodal Multimodal

CapacityCapacity

Achieving a desired flow for one user group Achieving a desired flow for one user group can diminish the capacity for another groupcan diminish the capacity for another group

The designer should carefully consider the The designer should carefully consider the needs of the various user groups needs of the various user groups

The goals of a balanced multimodal capacity The goals of a balanced multimodal capacity should supersede the goal of maximizing motor should supersede the goal of maximizing motor vehicle flowvehicle flow

Chapter 6 Intersections:Chapter 6 Intersections:Multimodal LOS BalanceMultimodal LOS Balance

Level-of-Service Ranges

Pedestrian Bicycle Motor Vehicle

Rural Natural A-B A-C A-C

Rural Village A-C A-D A-E(1)

Rural Developed A-C A-C A-C

Suburban High Density B-E C-E C-E

Suburban Village/Town Center A-D C-E C-F(1)

Suburban Low Density A-C A-C A-D

Urban Park A-C A-D B-E

Urban Residential A-C B-D C-E

Urban Central Business District A-D B-E D-F(1)

Exhibit 6-11Common Intersection Level-of-Service Ranges by User Group and Area Type

1 In these instances, queuing at intersections becomes critical in that there should not be impacts that extend to adjacent intersections.

Source: MassHighway

Chapter 6 Intersections:Chapter 6 Intersections:Additional Traffic Control GuidanceAdditional Traffic Control Guidance

Signal design guidanceSignal design guidance

Cycle lengthCycle length

Set versus actuated pedestrian phasesSet versus actuated pedestrian phases

Leading pedestrian interval (LPI)Leading pedestrian interval (LPI)

Exclusive phasing or concurrent phasingExclusive phasing or concurrent phasing

PushPush--button locationbutton location

Supplemental indicationsSupplemental indications

Audible indicatorsAudible indicators

Countdown indicatorsCountdown indicators

Chapter 7, 8, and 9Chapter 7, 8, and 9

Chapter 7 Chapter 7 -- Interchanges:Interchanges:Guidance for continuity of multimodal accommodation Guidance for continuity of multimodal accommodation Guidance to maintain character of roadways through interchangesGuidance to maintain character of roadways through interchanges

Chapter 8 Chapter 8 –– Drainage and Erosion ControlDrainage and Erosion ControlProvides detailed hydrologic and hydraulic proceduresProvides detailed hydrologic and hydraulic proceduresCompanion to recent Companion to recent MassHighwayMassHighway Storm Water Management Storm Water Management Handbook which presents Handbook which presents BMPsBMPs..

Chapter 9 Chapter 9 –– Pavement DesignPavement DesignDiscussion of alternative pavement typesDiscussion of alternative pavement typesTypical design for low volume roadsTypical design for low volume roads

Chapter 10Chapter 10 BridgesBridges

NEW:NEW:

Coordinated with update of Coordinated with update of MassHighwayMassHighwayBridge Manual and not a detailed Bridge Manual and not a detailed approach to designapproach to design

Contextual influences on bridge designContextual influences on bridge designEnvironmental and community impactsEnvironmental and community impactsAesthetics Aesthetics –– blending or signature elementsblending or signature elementsHistorically significant bridgesHistorically significant bridges

Major design elementsMajor design elementsMulitmodalMulitmodal AccomodationsAccomodations

Inventory and management of bridgesInventory and management of bridges

Chapter 11Chapter 11 and 12and 12

New New -- Chapter 11Chapter 11Shared Use Paths & GreenwaysShared Use Paths & Greenways

Guidelines for the planning & Guidelines for the planning & design of paths and trailsdesign of paths and trails

New New -- Chapter 12Chapter 12IntermodalIntermodal Facilities and Rest Facilities and Rest AreasAreas

Location and Summary Design GuidanceLocation and Summary Design Guidance

Park & Ride, Park & Ride,

Transit Centers, and Transit Centers, and

Rest AreasRest Areas

Chapter 13Chapter 13 Landscape and AestheticsLandscape and Aesthetics

NEW:NEW:

Design ObjectivesDesign Objectives

Corridor Design ConsiderationsCorridor Design Considerations

Roadside Landscape Design GuidanceRoadside Landscape Design Guidance

Design ElementsDesign Elements

Vegetation Protection and PreservationVegetation Protection and Preservation

Project DocumentationProject Documentation

Chapter 14Chapter 14 Wildlife AccommodationWildlife Accommodation

NEW:NEW:

Types of effects Types of effects

Collisions, habitat loss, fragmentation, and altered qualityCollisions, habitat loss, fragmentation, and altered quality

Types of wildlife accommodationTypes of wildlife accommodation

Signage, animal detection technology, public education and awareSignage, animal detection technology, public education and awareness, ness, reduced speed limits, habitat alteration, fencing, wildlife crosreduced speed limits, habitat alteration, fencing, wildlife crossing sing structuresstructures

Wildlife crossing structure guidelinesWildlife crossing structure guidelines

Massachusetts River and Stream Crossing GuidelinesMassachusetts River and Stream Crossing Guidelines

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Programmatic General Permit ConditiU.S. Army Corps of Engineers Programmatic General Permit Conditionsons

Chapter 15 Access ManagementChapter 15 Access Management

NEW:NEW:

Description of applicability of access management strategies to Description of applicability of access management strategies to existing and new roadwaysexisting and new roadways

Describes basic approaches to access managementDescribes basic approaches to access managementDriveway design and spacingDriveway design and spacing

Approaches to managing turning trafficApproaches to managing turning traffic

Traffic signal spacing and timingTraffic signal spacing and timing

Treatment for minor roads at accessTreatment for minor roads at access--controlled routescontrolled routes

Shared driveways and parcel interconnectionShared driveways and parcel interconnection

Land use control suggestions for new development and retrofit ofLand use control suggestions for new development and retrofit ofexisting developmentexisting development

Chapter 16Chapter 16Traffic Calming and Traffic ManagementTraffic Calming and Traffic Management

NEW:NEW:

Description of applicability of traffic calming and traffic Description of applicability of traffic calming and traffic management to new and retrofit projectsmanagement to new and retrofit projects

Describes four basic approachesDescribes four basic approachesNarrowing the real or apparent width of the street.Narrowing the real or apparent width of the street.

Deflecting the vehicle path.Deflecting the vehicle path.

Altering the vertical profile of the vehicle path.Altering the vertical profile of the vehicle path.

Preventing certain vehicle movements through road design, Preventing certain vehicle movements through road design, regulations or combination of both.regulations or combination of both.

Chapter 17 and 18Chapter 17 and 18

NEW: Chapter 17 Work Zone NEW: Chapter 17 Work Zone ManagementManagement

Description of Description of MassHighwayMassHighway’’ss new new Traffic Maintenance Plan (TMP) guidelines Traffic Maintenance Plan (TMP) guidelines

Guidelines for the maintenance of Guidelines for the maintenance of pedestrian and bicycle accommodationpedestrian and bicycle accommodation

Chapter 18 Plans, Specs, and EstimatesChapter 18 Plans, Specs, and Estimates

Updated Practices:Updated Practices:Plan TypesPlan TypesSymbologySymbologyStandard SheetsStandard SheetsSpecial ProvisionsSpecial ProvisionsEstimating ProceduresEstimating Procedures

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