Chapter 2

BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
PROCESS

SCDOT BRIDGE DESIGN MANUAL

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

Table of Contents
Section Page

2.1 GENERAL.................................................................................................................2-1

Task No. 1: Identify Bridge Projects .....................................................................2-5

Task No. 2: Conduct Scoping Trips.......................................................................2-6
Task No. 3: Prepare Preliminary Cost Estimate for Approach Roadways ............2-7
Task No. 4: Prepare/Submit Program Action Request (PAR) ...............................2-8
Task No. 5: Initiate Request for Survey.................................................................2-9
Task No. 6: Setup Project ......................................................................................2-10
Task No. 7: Submit Notice of Eminent Domain....................................................2-11
Task No. 8: Publish Notice of Eminent Domain ...................................................2-12
Task No. 9: Submit Request for Survey ................................................................2-13
Task No. 10: Conduct Survey..................................................................................2-14
Task No. 11: Plot Survey Data ................................................................................2-15
Task No. 12: Request Environmental Documents/Hydraulic Study/
Geotechnical Surface Investigation ...................................................2-16
Task No. 13: Conduct Hydraulic/Scour Study ........................................................2-17
Task No. 14: Initiate Environmental Process ..........................................................2-18
Task No. 15: Develop Conceptual Bridge Plans .....................................................2-19
Task No. 16: Prepare Preliminary Geotechnical Report..........................................2-20
Task No. 17: Prepare Design Field Review Plans ...................................................2-21
Task No. 18: Prepare Preliminary Bridge Plans ......................................................2-22
Task No. 19: Conduct Design Field Review ...........................................................2-23
Task No. 20: Implement Railroad Coordination......................................................2-24
Task No. 21: Initiate Right-of-Way Plans ...............................................................2-25
Task No. 22: Review 60% Bridge Plans..................................................................2-26
Task No. 23: Prepare Bridge Geotechnical Report..................................................2-27
Task No. 24: Complete Environmental Document..................................................2-28
Task No. 25: Complete Right-of-Way Plans ...........................................................2-29
Task No. 26: Prepare Project Planning Report (PPR) .............................................2-30
Task No. 27: Submit Right-of-Way Plans ...............................................................2-31
Task No. 28: Prepare 95% Bridge Plans..................................................................2-32
Task No. 29: Begin Right-of-Way Process..............................................................2-33
Task No. 30: Conduct Utilities Coordination ..........................................................2-34
Task No. 31: Secure Permits....................................................................................2-35
Task No. 32: Maintain Project Oversight ................................................................2-36
Task No. 33: Acquire Right-of-Way .......................................................................2-37
Task No. 34: Develop Final Roadway Plans ...........................................................2-38
Task No. 35: Obtain Approval of Bridge Plans .......................................................2-39
Task No. 36: Obtain Final Railroad Approval.........................................................2-40
Task No. 37: Process Plans for Letting....................................................................2-41
Task No. 38: Conduct Letting and Award ...............................................................2-42

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Table of Contents
(Continued)
Section Page

Task No. 39: Provide Construction Support ............................................................2-43

Task No. 40: Provide Construction Support ............................................................2-44
Task No. 41: Provide Construction Support ............................................................2-45
Task No. 42: Provide Construction Support ............................................................2-46

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

CHAPTER 2
BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

This Chapter outlines the basic approach used by SCDOT in its project development process for
bridge replacement projects. The Chapter presents the process graphically to illustrate the
development of a typical bridge design project, and it identifies the significant tasks necessary to
develop a set of bridge construction plans.

2.1 GENERAL

Figure 2.1-1 presents a network or flowchart that graphically illustrates the general project
development process. Following the Figure is a brief description of each task within the
network. When using this network, consider the following:

1. Precedence Task Network. The network (or flowchart) is a precedence task network. A
“task” occurs when a significant, discrete event occurs or when the responsibility for the
project (task) is transferred from one Unit to another. The “precedence” nature of the
network implies that a new task cannot occur until all tasks preceding this new task have
been completed. However, the user must be aware that some flexibility is necessary to
apply this network to project development.

2. Project Application. Figure 2.1-1 represents an approximate process for a typical bridge
design project. Not every activity will be applicable to every project (i.e., some activities
will represent “zero” time on relatively minor projects). The network illustrates a project
that is designed in-house. The process for a Consultant-designed project will be similar,
except that communication lines will also exist between SCDOT and the Consultant for
SCDOT review. For additional guidance on Consultant project procedures, see Section
5.3.

3. Lines of Communication. Each project is different, and changes or modifications to the

network can be made to accommodate each project on a case-by-case basis.
Communication between Units must be continuous.

4. Other Manual Chapters. The SCDOT Bridge Design Manual contains several other
Chapters that provide complementary information to Chapter 2. In particular, Chapter 2
should be used in conjunction with Chapter 3 “Procedures for Plan Preparation,” Chapter
4 “Coordination of Bridge Replacement Projects,” and Chapter 5 “Administrative
Policies and Procedures.”

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT NETWORK

Figure 2.1-1

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Identify Bridge Projects

Task No.: 1

Responsible Unit: Bridge Maintenance Office

Task Description:

The Bridge Maintenance Office develops and forwards the Programming List to the Bridge
Design Section, based on a Statewide assessment of highway improvement needs and available
funds. Once the bridge projects are selected, the Project Managers prepare for a Scoping Trip
(see Task 2).

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Conduct Scoping Trips

Task No.: 2

Responsible Unit: Project Manager

Task Description:

After each Project Manager receives the Programming List from the Bridge Maintenance Office
and the proposed bridge projects for the fiscal year are chosen (Task 1), Scoping Trips are
conducted. The Scoping Trips are arranged by the Project Manager and are based on geographic
area. The purpose of the Scoping Trip is to identify site characteristics, design features, project-
related issues, and any potential problems or conflicts.

To prepare for the Scoping Trip, the Project Manager accumulates and reviews all available
information. As appropriate, the information may include, but is not limited to:

• planning reports or studies;

• existing plans;
• history of structure (e.g., maintenance, repair, NBI data, flooding);
• crash data;
• traffic data;
• original surveys;
• aerial photos;
• route management data (condition of other bridges along the route); and
• conditions of roads and bridges for potential detour routes.

Depending on the project, representatives from the following Units may be included in the
Scoping Trip:

• Bridge Design Section;

• Road Design Section;
• Hydraulic Engineering Section;
• Geotechnical Design Section;
• District Construction Engineer;
• District Maintenance Engineer,
• FHWA, where applicable; and
• others, as applicable (e.g., Environmental Management Office, Right of Way Office, Utilities
Office).

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PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Prepare Preliminary Cost Estimate for Approach Roadways

Task No.: 3

Responsible Unit: Road Design Section

Task Description:

At the completion of Task 3, the Bridge Project Facilitator within the Road Design Section is
responsible for providing the Bridge Design Section with the following:

• an approximate length of the approach roadways, and

• a preliminary cost estimate for the approach roadways.

If warranted, any possible alternatives to the proposed project design should be presented at this
stage of project development.

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PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Prepare/Submit Program Action Request (PAR)

Task No.: 4

Responsible Unit: Project Manager

Task Description:

Once the Preliminary Design Group completes the preliminary cost estimate and approximate
length for the approach roadways (Task 3), the Project Manager will prepare and submit a
Program Action Request (PAR). The PAR serves as a request for project approval for the
candidate bridge project. Detailed project information (e.g., date of request, road and route
number, county name, city/town name, project length, project location) should be included in the
PAR. For a detailed description on the PAR and its contents, see Section 5.5.

Once the PAR is completed, the Project Manager forwards it to the Director of Preconstruction
for approval. The Director of Preconstruction reviews and signs (authorizes) the PAR.

If the project involves Federal-aid, the Federal-aid Unit is responsible for forwarding the PAR to
FHWA for approval.

After the approval process is completed, the Federal-aid Unit will setup the project (see Task 6).

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Initiate Request for Survey

Task No.: 5

Responsible Unit: Road Design Section

Task Description:

When the existing alignment is used, the Road Design Bridge Project Facilitator “red-lines” the
existing plans according to the proposed project’s needs. The Bridge Project Facilitator will use
any applicable information obtained from the Scoping Trip (Task 2) in preparing the survey
request.

When the existing alignment is not used, the Preliminary Design Group within the Road Design
Section is responsible for determining the new alignment. If necessary, the Bridge Design
Section will provide a minimum offset dimension. The Preliminary Design Group will provide
the new alignment to the Bridge Project Facilitator. The Facilitator will use the alignment
information to prepare the survey request.

The Project Manager will coordinate with the Road Design Section and determine the type of
necessary survey information (see Task 10). The survey information may include, but is not
limited to:

• a “red-lined” survey;

• existing field conditions (e.g., topography, vegetation, existing structure features, existing
road features, delineated wetlands);

• drainage features (e.g., bodies of water, open channels, channel slopes, channel cross
sections, existing drainage appurtenances);

• for highway bridges over railroads, profile and cross sections through the tracks, appropriate
ties to railroad stationing (nearest railroad mile marker), the number of tracks, and existing
off-track equipment roads;

• existing landmarks;

• existing above and below ground utilities;

• existing right-of-way markers and property lines; and

• alignment and cross section of any existing intersecting roads and driveways near the bridge.

The Road Design Bridge Project Facilitator will provide the survey request to the Project
Manager.

For additional information on survey requests, see Section 5.5.

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PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Setup Project

Task No.: 6

Responsible Unit: Preconstruction Management Section

Task Description:

After receiving approval from the Director of Preconstruction for the PAR (Task 4), the Project
Manager should ensure that the Preconstruction Management Section has the appropriate project
information to setup the project in the Department’s Preconstruction Project Management System
(PPMS). During project setup, the Preconstruction Management Section will verify that the
project is in the Department’s State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and setup the
following project identifiers:

• project identification number (PIN),

• funding program, and
• file number.

Based on a Statewide assessment of highway improvement needs and available funds, the
Preconstruction Management Section will determine the appropriate funding category for the
project. This may be Federal funds and/or State funds. If Federal funds are used, the Federal-aid
Unit will request FHWA approval for the project (Task 4).

Once funding for preliminary engineering has been approved, this establishes the proposed
project as an active project for further development.

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PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Submit Notice of Eminent Domain

Task No.: 7

Responsible Unit: Project Manager

Task Description:

The Project Manager is responsible for preparing a Notice of Eminent Domain, which includes a
description of the project, and forwarding it to the Environmental Management Office. The
Environmental Management Office is responsible for publishing the Notice (see Task 8) in the
appropriate local newspaper for the proposed bridge project. The Notice informs the public of the
proposed project prior to the entry of real property of any affected property owners and/or any
future temporary traffic control (e.g., possible detours, closed roads).

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Publish Notice of Eminent Domain

Task No.: 8

Responsible Unit: Environmental Management Office

Task Description:

The Environmental Management Office is responsible for publishing the Notice of Eminent
Domain by letter and transmitting a copy of the advertisement to the local newspapers or other
public notice media. Once the Notice is published, the Environmental Management Office will
notify the Project Manager. See Section 5.5 for a description of a Notice of Eminent Domain.
See Section 5.2 for information on public notification of bridge replacement projects.

The Notice of Eminent Domain must be published before the Request for Survey’s submittal (see
Task 9).

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PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Submit Request for Survey

Task No.: 9

Responsible Unit: Project Manager

Task Description:

When the Project Manager receives notification from the Environmental Management Office that
the Notice of Eminent Domain has been published (Task 8), the Project Manager will submit the
Request for Survey (Task 5) to the Surveys Office.

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Conduct Survey

Task No.: 10

Responsible Unit: Surveys Office

Task Description:

The work associated with the survey begins when the Surveys Office receives the Request for
Survey (Task 9). The Surveys Office conducts the survey and prepares the survey data for
existing field conditions, drainage systems, utility lines, and right-of-way.

The Surveys Office converts the survey information into CADD format and places it on the
Department’s network for use by the Bridge and Road Design Sections. The following describes
some of the information provided by a field survey:

1. Existing Field Conditions. The Survey Crew records any topographic feature that will
influence or be influenced by the project design. This would include existing structures,
barriers, highway facilities, vegetation, wetlands, and concrete work.

2. Drainage Systems. The drainage considerations include any bodies of water, open channels,
or pipe systems.

3. Utilities. The utility information consists of the location and ownership of all railroads,
power lines, substations, pipelines, etc., above and below ground.

4. Right-of-Way. The Survey Crew researches and documents ownership of property, existing
right-of-way, property boundaries, property ownership, and entrances to property.

As the project design evolves, additional surveys may be required.

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Plot Survey Data

Task No.: 11

Responsible Unit: Road Design Section

Task Description:

The Road Design Section will prepare the plan, profile, and cross-section sheets based on the
survey information (Task 10). As appropriate for the project, the plan sheets include:

• all topographical data from the survey;

• all relevant existing on-the-ground survey information;
• plan views of underground utilities;
• crossing elevations of underground utilities (profile view);
• existing elevations at the centerline of the roadway; and
• new horizontal alignment of roadway.

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PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Request Environmental Documents/Hydraulic Study/Geotechnical

Subsurface Investigation

Task No.: 12

Responsible Unit: Project Manager

Task Description:

Based on the information gathered from the Scoping Trip (Task 2), the Project Manager initiates
the Hydraulic/Scour Study (see Task 13), the Environmental Process (see Task 14), and the
Geotechnical Subsurface Investigation (see Task 16) by submitting a request to the Hydraulic
Engineering Section, the Environmental Management Office, and the Geotechnical Design
Section, respectively.

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PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Conduct Hydraulic/Scour Study

Task No.: 13

Responsible Unit: Hydraulic Engineering Section

Task Description:

This Task is concerned with 1) the disposal of water collecting on the approach roadways or
adjacent areas, and 2) drainage flowing across the right-of-way.

The Hydraulic Engineering Section will research the area’s hydrology, assemble the hydrologic
data, and perform a hydraulic/scour study for the proposed bridge. The study determines the
following information:

• water surface elevations at various flood frequencies;

• the required size of the waterway opening to accommodate the design flood and to satisfy the
backwater allowances;

• debris impacts;

• impacts on floodplains based on FEMA regulations;

• hydraulic scour (e.g., contraction scour, local scour) to assist in determining the proper
foundation design; and

• any permanent erosion protection recommendations for the embankments beneath the bridge.

The hydraulic designer documents the findings in a Hydraulic Report/Scour Report and forwards
the Report to the Bridge and Road Design Sections. For more information on the Report, see
Section 5.5.

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Initiate Environmental Process

Task No.: 14

Responsible Unit: Environmental Management Office

Task Description:

The Project Manager initiates the environmental process by submitting an Initial Studies Request
to the Environmental Management Office (Task 12). The Environmental Management Office
performs the preliminary work to evaluate the environmental impacts of the proposed project.

The following are the three possible types of environmental action:

• Categorical Exclusion (CE),

• Environmental Assessment (EA), and
• Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

The level of action necessary is based on how (and to what extent) a project will impact the
social, economic, and environmental aspects of a region; the location of the proposed project; and
how the proposed project will change the layout or function of connecting roads or streets. For
further information on environmental procedures, see Chapter 27 of the SCDOT Highway Design
Manual.

At this stage, the Environmental Management Office begins the following activities:

• evaluating the data in the Initial Studies Request and determining any project impacts;

• determining the type of environmental action required for the project;

• notifying the appropriate SCDOT Sections/Offices of the type of environmental action for the
project;

• coordinating with appropriate agencies;

• preparing the draft environmental document; and

• in coordination with the Project Manager, arranging and conducting a public information
meeting and/or a public hearing, if necessary.

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Develop Conceptual Bridge Plans

Task No.: 15

Responsible Unit: Bridge Design Section

Task Description:

The basic objective of the Conceptual Bridge Plans is to determine what appears to be the most
appropriate superstructure, substructure, and foundation type and configuration for the given or
anticipated site conditions. See Section 3.2 for more information. The Conceptual Bridge Plans
are based on the evaluation of many factors, including site conditions and bridge geometry,
hydraulic analysis and scour, structural loads, anticipated foundation conditions, seismic loading,
environmental and right-of-way impacts, aesthetics, and construction costs. See Chapter 12 for a
discussion on structure type selection and dimensions.

The Bridge Design Section will prepare the general layout of the bridge, which will present the
following:

• a plan and profile of the bridge showing the proposed type of superstructure, substructure,
and foundation;

• bridge end elevations;

• location of expansion and fixed bearings;

• channel profiles and interior bent locations;

• design loads, specifications, and other structural criteria; and

• minimum horizontal and vertical clearances.

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Prepare Preliminary Geotechnical Report

Task No.: 16

Responsible Unit: Geotechnical Design Section

Task Description:

Based on the Scoping Trip (Task 2) and Survey Information (Task 10), the Geotechnical Design
Section will conduct a preliminary field review of the bridge site to investigate its geotechnical
characteristics. The nature and depth of the investigation will be determined on a project-by-
project basis. A copy of any reports or memoranda summarizing the findings of this investigation
(i.e., Preliminary Geotechnical Report) should be sent to the Bridge Design Section (see Task 23).
The Preliminary Geotechnical Report may include:

• a summary of field reconnaissance of the surface indications of subsurface properties (e.g.,

surface soils, rock exposures, stream-deposited soils, gullies, stream banks, water surface
flows, existing structures in the area, topography, vegetation);

• the initial evaluation of a boring plan and the physical characteristics of the site for the setting
up of its drill rigs for the boring logs;

• a description of the necessary in-situ field testing and the necessary boring samples for
laboratory testing;

• an evaluation of the embankment stability;

• for proposed cuts, a determination of the slope stability characteristics and the need for any
special treatments (e.g., benching);

• an evaluation of any erosion potential within the project limits;

• anticipated foundation types and estimated fixity depths; and

• a geotechnical seismic report.

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Prepare Design Field Review Plans

Task No.: 17

Responsible Unit: Road Design Section

Task Description:

After receiving the survey information (Task 10) and the proposed bridge length and minimum
finished grade elevation (Task 13), the Road Design Section will perform the following:

• plot the existing topography and determine the plan sheet layout;

• prepare the preliminary Typical Section Sheets;

• when applicable, submit the pavement design request to the Pavement Design Engineer in the
Office of Materials and Research;

• provide the Bridge Design Section with the proposed grades; and

• continue to gather and assemble project data.

The Project Manager will review the project for inclusion of bicycle and pedestrian
accommodations.

Note: For grade separation projects, the Bridge Design Section will provide the proposed
bridge length and minimum finished grade elevations.

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Prepare Preliminary Bridge Plans

Task No.: 18

Responsible Unit: Bridge Design Section

Task Description:

Once the Road Design Section determines the roadway alignment (Task 17) and the Conceptual
Bridge Plans are completed (Task 15), the Bridge Design Section can begin preparing the
Preliminary Bridge Plans. When these plans are prepared, the project is considered 20%
completed, and they are used to develop the detailed bridge plans. Preliminary Bridge Plans will
present the following:

• plan and profile of the bridge showing the proposed type of superstructure, substructure,
foundation, bridge end elevations, location of expansion and fixed bearings, and roadway
approaches;
• superstructure cross section showing pertinent structural details (e.g., number of beams, depth
and width of bridge deck);
• bridge barrier or sidewalks and bridge railing;
• design loadings, material strengths, specifications, and other structural criteria;
• minimum horizontal and vertical clearances;
• hydraulic data, high-water and low-water elevations, etc.; and
• Title Sheet.

For additional information on the contents of Preliminary Bridge Plans, see Chapter 3.

The Bridge Design Section forwards this information to the Construction Division for review and
to the Road Design Section for incorporation into the Right-of-Way Plans (see Task 21).

Also, at this stage, the Bridge Design Team will conduct the following:

• for projects over railroads, include railroad cross sections from the Road Design Section;
• begin coordinating any construction staging phases with the Traffic Engineering Division as
the project requires;
• initiate the involvement of the Seismic Design and Bridge Design Support Team; and
• request that borings be obtained from the Geotechnical Design Section (see Task 23).

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Conduct Design Field Review

Task No.: 19

Responsible Unit: Road Design Section

Task Description:

Once the Design Field Review Plans are completed (Task 17), the Road Design Section, with
input from the Project Manager, selects the personnel involved in the field review based on the
characteristics of the project, funding, and location. Participants in the field review include the
Project Manager and may include representatives from:

• Bridge Design Section, • Hydraulic Engineering Section,

• Geotechnical Design Section; • Surveys/Utilities Office,
• Traffic Engineering Division, • District Office,
• Preliminary Design Group, • Construction Division, and/or
• Environmental Management Office, • FHWA.
• Right of Way Office,

The Design Field Review is an evaluation of the design in terms of traffic patterns, drainage
conditions, right-of-way, utilities, and topography. At this point in the project development, the
completeness of the plans is evaluated, and any known design features that must be adjusted are
identified.

In addition, the Road Design Section, with input from the Project Manager, will decide whether
or not to require right-of-way or slope permission from the construction limits. When
establishing these limits, a method of construction access shall be determined and, if applicable,
Special Provisions for the access shall be included in the permit application.

The Road Design Section will incorporate revisions to the Design Field Review Plans based on
the results of the review, and the Bridge Design Section will incorporate revisions to the
Preliminary Bridge Plans.

The Road Design Section will complete and provide copies of the revised Design Field Review
Plans to the Project Manager and to the Hydraulic Engineering Section. The Hydraulic
Engineering Section will use the revised plans to prepare the roadway hydrology and erosion
control design.

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Implement Railroad Coordination

Task No.: 20

Responsible Unit: Utilities Office

Task Description:

Railroad facilities impacted by the project are identified during the early stages of project
development and are shown in the Design Field Review Plans. The Utilities Office will submit a
letter and the plans to the affected railroads. The complexity of work required will depend on the
location of the proposed project on or adjacent to railroad right-of-way.

After receiving the preliminary plans, the Utilities Office coordinates with the railroad companies
to prepare any necessary agreements for the proposed work. For information on Agreements, see
Section 5.1.

The Utilities Office will also work with the railroad companies to resolve any issues during the
railroad approval process.

The Utilities Office assists in the preparation of any Special Provisions that will be included in
the final contract. The Special Provisions should list all of the involved railroad companies,
unusual construction methods, and any critical information or special considerations for the
Contractor. These are forwarded to the Road Design Section for incorporation into the Final
Roadway Plans (see Task 34).

Early coordination with the railroad company is essential to accommodate the railroad approval
process.

For further information on railroad coordination, see Chapter 6 of the SCDOT Highway Design
Manual and Chapter 22 of the SCDOT Bridge Design Manual.

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PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Initiate Right-of-Way Plans

Task No.: 21

Responsible Unit: Road Design Section

Task Description:

Based on the results of the Design Field Review (Task 19) and any revisions to the preliminary
road and bridge design, the Road Design Section will begin the preparation of the Right-of-Way
Plans. The Road Design Section will incorporate the hydrologic and erosion control plans and
address roadside safety issues. See the SCDOT Highway Design Manual for additional
information.

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Review 60% Bridge Plans

Task No.: 22

Responsible Unit: Bridge Design Section

Task Description:

This stage of project development is a review of the bridge plans and other necessary design
documents to:

• verify alignment and grade information from the Road Design Section,
• review the proposed structure,
• discuss the foundation,
• compile a list of information to be provided to or required from other Units, and/or
• address any other special features.

See Section 3.4 for further information.

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Prepare Bridge Geotechnical Report

Task No.: 23

Responsible Unit: Geotechnical Design Section

Task Description:

Based on the final geotechnical field investigation and the analysis of the boring logs, the
Geotechnical Design Section will document its findings and recommendations to the Bridge
Design Section in the Bridge Geotechnical Report. The Report will present:

• the native soil and rock types;

• bearing capacities;

• discussions on the recommended foundation type;

• for the selected foundation type, pertinent loading information, allowable bearing capacity for
spread footings, depth and diameter of piles/drilled shafts, estimated pile/shaft tip elevations,
minimum pile/shaft tip elevations to maintain lateral stability;

• geotechnical-related specifications; and

• construction-related notes.

The Bridge Geotechnical Report will also transmit the necessary boring log information to allow
the bridge designer to directly incorporate the information onto the Boring Log Sheet.

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Complete Environmental Document

Task No.: 24

Responsible Unit: Environmental Management Office

Task Description:

At this stage of project development, the Environmental Management Office should conduct the
following activities:

• submit a copy of the Project Planning Report to the State Energy Office and FHWA, as
appropriate;

• distribute the draft environmental document for review and comment;

• submit the draft environmental document for approval;

• revise the final environmental document, as necessary; and/or

• submit and obtain approval for the final environmental document.

Based on the characteristics of the project and any public input, the Environmental Management
Office will prepare the final environmental document. The possible outcomes of the Task are:

1. Categorical Exclusion (CE). If the project was classified as a CE project, then the
environmental process will have been completed at the end of Task 14.

2. Environmental Assessment (EA). If the EA classification leads to the determination that the
project will have no significant impact on the environment, the EA document will state this
conclusion. As a result, the purpose of this task will be to prepare a Finding of No
Significant Impact (FONSI).

3. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). If a Draft EIS was prepared for the project, then the
purpose of this Task is to prepare the Final EIS to reflect any comments from the review
process and to document the final decision on project alternatives (i.e., the Record of
Decision (ROD)).

The Project Manager is responsible for overseeing the incorporation of the necessary features into
the road and bridge plans to reflect the mitigation measures described in the environmental
document.

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Complete Right-of-Way Plans

Task No.: 25

Responsible Unit: Road Design Section

Task Description:

The purpose of a complete set of Right-of-Way Plans is to clearly reflect adjustments in the
construction limits of the project and to allow the following activities to occur:

• the Traffic Engineering Division will develop traffic control, pavement marking, and signing
plans;

• the Right of Way Office will acquire the necessary properties and easements (Tasks 29 and
33), and

• the Utilities Office will begin finalizing relocation plans and agreements with the affected
utility and railroad companies (Task 30).

See the SCDOT Highway Design Manual for information on the content of the Right-of-Way
Plans.

April 2006 2-29

SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Prepare Project Planning Report (PPR)

Task No.: 26

Responsible Unit: Project Manager

Task Description:

At this stage of project development, the Project Manager will prepare and submit the Project
Planning Report (PPR). The PPR will document all major design features for the proposed bridge
project. Unless opposition is received, the PPR will form the basis for all detailed engineering
work required for the project, including road design, structural design, right-of-way design, and
utility adjustments. The Project Manager will prepare and distribute the PPR as discussed in
Section 5.5. Once the PPR is prepared, the following activities will occur:

• the Utilities Office will begin finalizing relocation plans and agreements with the affected
utility companies (Task 30), and

• the Environmental Management Office will secure the necessary environmental permits
(Task 31).

2-30 April 2006

SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Submit Right-of-Way Plans

Task No.: 27

Responsible Unit: Road Design Section

Task Description:

Once the Right-of-Way Plans have been completed, the Road Design Section will route them to
the Hydraulic Engineer and the Project Manager for approval. Once approval is obtained, the
Road Design Engineer signs and seals the Right-of-Way Plans and forwards them to the
applicable Department Units (e.g., Right of Way Office, Utilities Office, Environmental
Management Office, Traffic Engineering Division).

April 2006 2-31

SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Prepare 95% Bridge Plans

Task No.: 28

Responsible Unit: Bridge Design Section

Task Description:

At this stage of project development, the Bridge Design Section will be able to incorporate the
necessary resources into the detailed bridge design to complete the 95% Bridge Plans.

Part II of the Bridge Design Manual presents SCDOT criteria, policies, and practices for the
detailed structural design. Working from the Preliminary Bridge Plans (Task 18), the bridge
designer can now perform the following work as needed for the specific project:

• any necessary structural analyses as discussed in Chapter 14;

• the design of the superstructure for concrete (Chapter 15) or for steel (Chapter 16);

• the design of the bridge deck and its appurtenances (e.g., bridge rails, utilities, fencing)
(Chapter 17);

• the bridge deck drainage design (Chapter 18);

• the design of the foundation (Chapter 19) and substructure (Chapter 20);

• the selection and design of joints and bearings (Chapter 21);

• the geometric design to accommodate any railroads passing beneath a highway bridge
(Chapter 22); and

• determine bid items and calculate quantities.

In addition, Chapters 3 and 6 provide guidance on the contents of the 95% Bridge Plans and on
the procedures and drafting conventions for plan preparation.

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Begin Right-of-Way Process

Task No.: 29

Responsible Unit: Right of Way Office

Task Description:

After the Right of Way Office receives the sealed Right-of-Way Plans, the Right of Way Office
will initiate the right-of-way process. The Right of Way Office conducts the title search and
prepares the property appraisal.

The objective of this Task is to perform the background work necessary to prepare for the
preparation of acquiring the necessary right-of-way (Task 33).

April 2006 2-33

SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Conduct Utilities Coordination

Task No.: 30

Responsible Unit: Utilities Office

Task Description:

After receiving the Project Planning Report (Task 26), the Utilities Office continues to coordinate
with the utility companies. The Utilities Office requests that the utility company perform the
following:

• review the Right-of-Way Plans,

• prepare a tentative Utility Agreement, and/or
• prepare relocation sketches.

The content of the Utility Agreement should include the following:

• prior rights information,

• description of relocation work,
• a cost estimate,
• relocation sketches (showing existing and proposed facilities), and
• any Special Provisions that must be addressed.

The utility company prepares the Agreement and/or relocation sketches and forwards them to the
Utilities Office, through the Resident Construction Engineer and District Engineering
Administrator, for approval. The Utilities Office reviews the Utility Agreement and/or relocation
sketches and coordinates any necessary revisions. For projects with Interstate funds or Federal-
aid projects over $50 million, Utility Agreements and/or relocation sketches are forwarded to
FHWA for its approval.

If the utility work will be completed by an SCDOT Contractor, the Utilities Office will coordinate
the preparation of the utility relocation plans and any necessary Special Provisions. These items
are forwarded to the Road Design Section for incorporation into the Final Roadway Plans (see
Task 34).

For further information on Utility Agreements, see Section 5.1.

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Secure Permits

Task No.: 31

Responsible Unit: Environmental Management Office

Task Description:

After receiving the Project Planning Report (Task 26), the Environmental Management Office
may complete the process of acquiring the necessary environmental permits. Preliminary work
for obtaining permits should begin as soon as possible in the project development process due to
the long lead times necessary for approval.

Permits are used as a means of controlling activities that impact an area of particular concern.
The areas of interest for the Department include wetlands, coastal zones, navigable waterways,
and power-generating facilities. Consideration is also given to the impact of proposed
improvements on the water quality of streams, rivers, and wetlands. The permit authorizes or
confers the right on the permittee to perform the work required within the requirements
established by the permit. Types of requirements include monitoring programs, special
construction methods, and reclamation standards.

The Environmental Management Office coordinates with the permit-issuing agency to ensure that
any problems can be resolved and that all conditions are satisfactory to the permit-issuing agency.

For more information on permits, see Section 27.5 of the SCDOT Highway Design Manual.

April 2006 2-35

SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Maintain Project Oversight

Task No.: 32

Responsible Unit: Project Manager

Task Description:

The Project Manager must continuously monitor the project to ensure all Department Sections
and Units are proceeding on schedule. This will require the Project Manager to continuously
communicate with the applicable Sections/Units to ensure that the:

• Right of Way Office is purchasing the necessary properties or obtaining the necessary
easements;

• Utilities Office is working to obtain the necessary Agreements with the utility and railroad
companies;

• Environmental Management Office is securing the necessary permits;

• Road Design Section is developing the final roadway plans, specifications, and cost
estimates;

• Bridge Design Section is proceeding in a timely manner to complete the final bridge plans,
specifications, and cost estimates; and

• other Sections/Units are proceeding in a timely manner to maintain the project schedule, as
necessary.

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Acquire Right-of-Way

Task No.: 33

Responsible Unit: Right of Way Office

Task Description:

The Right of Way Office must complete the right-of-way acquisition and have all Participation
Agreements signed and approved before the plans can be processed for letting.

For right-of-way acquisition, the Right of Way Office must have certification formally
acknowledging that the Department holds title or that right-of-entry is available to all properties
within the project right-of-way and that all property has been vacated.

The Participation Agreements must be signed by the local government and accepted by the
Department.

See Section 5.1 for detailed information on Participation Agreements.

April 2006 2-37

SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Develop Final Roadway Plans

Task No.: 34

Responsible Unit: Road Design Section

Task Description:
At this stage in the project development process, the Road Design Section should finalize the
plans for the roadway approaches. As applicable to the bridge project, this includes the
following:
• generating the detailed cross sections, including any utilities potentially in conflict with the
roadway design;
• performing the earthwork calculations to achieve an earthwork balance, where practical;
• presenting the necessary details on the Title Sheet (e.g., project numbers, project length,
traffic data, location);
• presenting the necessary details on the Typical Sections (e.g., guardrail, ditch sections);
• presenting the necessary details on the Plan and Profile Sheets (e.g., grade percents, vertical
and horizontal curvature data, stationing);
• developing details for special design elements (e.g., ADA requirements, fencing);
• determining bid items and calculating quantities;
• preparing Special Provisions for road design items; and
• incorporating traffic control requirements for the roadway portion of the project.
See Section 37.1 of the SCDOT Highway Design Manual for information on the review and
approval process for roadway plans.
The Road Design Group will review the following materials and is responsible for identifying and
incorporating the necessary information directly into the Construction Plans, including all
quantities and plan sheets prepared by others. This Task requires that the plans and specifications
from other SCDOT Units be completed and approved and forwarded to the Road Design Section.
This includes:
• right-of-way plan revisions and commitments from the Right of Way Office;
• traffic engineering plans, quantities, Special Provisions, and cost estimates from the Traffic
Engineering Division;
• where necessary, relocation plans, quantities, Special Provisions, and cost estimates from the
Utilities Office; and
• completed roadway structures plans, quantities, Special Provisions, and cost estimates from
the Roadway Structures Group.

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Obtain Approval of Bridge Plans

Task No.: 35

Responsible Unit: Bridge Design Section

Task Description:

After the Bridge Design Section has completed the 95% Bridge Plans, the following activities
will occur:

1. Quantities. The Project Manager is responsible for ensuring that all of the applicable
quantities are provided to the Cost Estimate Coordinator in the Bridge Design Section. The
Cost Estimate Coordinator is responsible for developing the cost estimate.

2. Constructibility Review. The Project Manager is responsible for forwarding a set of bridge
plans to the Construction Division for a review of constructibility and for a construction time
estimate.

3. Plan Review and Signatures. The following individuals are responsible for reviewing and
signing the plans:

• Bridge Design Team Leader,

• appropriate Assistant State Bridge Design Engineer,
• Project Manager,
• State Geotechnical Design Engineer, and
• State Bridge Design Engineer.

See Section 9.1 for a description of the bridge plan approval process.

April 2006 2-39

SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Obtain Final Railroad Approval

Task No.: 36

Responsible Unit: Utilities Office

Task Description:

Based on the railroad company’s review of the Preliminary Bridge Plans and Right-of-Way Plans,
the Utilities Office must provide the Project Manager an Agreement from the railroad company
before processing the plans for letting. The Utilities Office is responsible for ensuring that all
Railroad Agreements are signed and included in the project file.

2-40 April 2006

SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Process Plans for Letting

Task No.: 37

Responsible Unit: Road Design Section

Task Description:

The Letting Preparation Group in the Road Design Section is responsible for preparing the Bid
Package. For additional information on preparing the Bid Package, see Section 9.1.

After the Package is assembled (i.e., plans and bid proposal documents), the Letting Preparation
Group forwards the Bid Package to the Engineering Reproduction Services for printing. After the
printing has been completed, the bid documents are forwarded to the Engineering Publications
Customer Service Center within the Construction Division.

April 2006 2-41

SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Conduct Letting and Award

Task No.: 38

Responsible Unit: Contracts Administration Office

Task Description:

In conducting the letting and award, the Contracts Administration Office is responsible for the
following activities:

• advertising,
• conducting bid opening,
• reviewing the bids, and
• awarding the project.

A description of the activities is provided in Section 9.1.

Once the contract has been awarded, and the notice-to-proceed has been issued, the Contractor
can begin construction on the project.

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Provide Construction Support

Task No.: 39

Responsible Unit: Road Design Section

Task Description:

At this stage, the Road Design Section may be requested by the Contractor (through the
Construction Division) to clarify the construction plans, offer guidance, etc.

April 2006 2-43

SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Provide Construction Support

Task No.: 40

Responsible Unit: Project Manager

Task Description:

At this stage, the Project Manager may be requested by the Contractor (through the Construction
Division) to clarify the construction plans, offer guidance, etc. See Chapter 24 for a discussion
on the involvement of the Bridge Design Section in the construction of structural elements.

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SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Provide Construction Support

Task No.: 41

Responsible Unit: Bridge Design Section

Task Description:

At this stage, the Bridge Design Section may be requested by the Contractor (through the
Construction Division) to clarify the construction plans, offer guidance, review shop plans, etc.
See Chapter 24 for a discussion on the involvement of the Bridge Design Section in the
construction of structural elements.

April 2006 2-45

SCDOT Bridge Design Manual BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

PROJECT TASK

Task Title: Provide Construction Support

Task No.: 42

Responsible Unit: Geotechnical Design Section

Task Description:

At this stage, the Geotechnical Design Section may be requested by the Contractor (through the
Construction Division) to clarify the construction plans, offer guidance, review foundation
installation plans, etc.

2-46 April 2006