Context Sensitive Solutions And Design Flexibility

Moderator: Joe J. Sanchez, PE. NMDOT Chris Baca, P.E. PB Carlos Padilla, P.E., LBG

NMDOT CSS Status • Context Sensitive Solutions

– Transportation Solutions + Community

• Integrated Transportation Services – Value Engineering

– Professional Services Contracting

– Environmental and Urban Design

What Makes NM a CSS DOT? • FHWA CSS CRITERIA Level 4

– Level 4: Meets CSS/CSD Criteria

– (from the 2/27/2003 CSS/CSD Game Plan)

Criteria A - there is a written commitment or policy.

Criteria B - technical staff is trained in CSS approach, both in field and central offices and across disciplines (planning, environment, design, right-of-way, operations, maintenance).

Criteria C - most projects are being implemented using CSS approach, tools, and methodologies.

Criteria D - there is early, continuing, and iterative public involvement throughout the project development process.

Criteria E - interdisciplinary teams are involved in the process from the beginning to the end.

Measurement Framework for CSS

Multi-disciplinary teams Community engagement Agreement on project problems & needs Alternatives analysis Construction

Training Manuals Policies Motivation

Timeframe and Budget Stakeholder satisfaction

Achievement of Project Vision & Goals Stakeholder satisfaction Quality Assurance Review

Integrating CSS into the Location Study Procedures

Location Study Procedures

Phase One C

Formal NEPA

Document and

Decision Document

Phase One B

Detailed Evalaution

of

Alternatives

Phase One A

Initial Evalaution

of

Alternatives

CSD/CSS Model

Traffic and

Engineering

Issues and

Constraints

Environmental

Issues and

Concerns

Evaluate

Alternatives,

Select and

Document

Develop

Alternatives

We all remember this chart Arterials ( Rural/Urban)

higher mobility

low degree of access

Collectors (Rural/Urban)

balance between mobility and access

Locals (Rural/Urban)

lower mobility

high degree of access

What’s that Chart got to do with Me?

• Characterize the Roadway and Land Use

– Cars

– Cars & Trucks

– Cars/Trucks/People

– Cars/Trucks/People/Farms & Ranches/Industry/Zoning

– Cars/Trucks/People/City Life/Industry/Zoning

Designing for the Facility

• Identify Design Controls – Functional Classification

– Terrain

– Location ( Rural/Urban-mixed)

– Traffic Volume

– LOS

– Design Driver and Vehicle

• Speed

• Project Type – New Construction

– Reconstruction of Existing

– 3R ( Resurfacing, Restoration, & Rehabilitation

Role of the Design Professional

• Develop safe, effective, creative alternatives

• Communicate Stakeholder concerns & issues for Decision Makers

• Participate in the Project Decision Process

• Incorporate Public Input w/Env. Doc’s

• Document Project Decision’s

• Assure Community Issues are addressed through the construction phase

Applying CSS in Terms of Design And Flexibility

• Sustainability

– Adapt to Facility

– Resources ( Public/Agency)

– Community Traditions and Roles

Are we to smart for our own good?

• The Engineers Trap.

– We really want to help!

– We think we can solve everything!

– We think we can design a solution right away!

• Do our stakeholders really what us to help that much?

– Stakeholders want to be heard!

– Stakeholders want to understand why we design the way we do!

– This doesn’t mean giving up responsible engineering charge!

Which brings us to the Question: When is the right time for choosing Higher or Lower Design Standards?

Chris, would you like to fill us in?