Design ExceptionsDesign Exceptions

Presented by David Joe Polly PE, PLS, WRESenior Standards EngineerRoadway Engineering Unit

503-986-3738

Project GoalsProject Goals

• As Safe As Practical• On Time• On Budget• Correct the Problem

Items to Keep in Mind for Design Items to Keep in Mind for Design ExceptionsExceptions

• Justification Process for a Good Decision• Start Discussion ASAP with ODOT

– Difficult Design Exceptions• Design Speed/ADA Requirements/Bridge Rail

• Allow Sufficient Time for Review• NHS Design Exceptions Must also be Approved by

FHWA• Design Exception Process is Outlined in Chapter 13

of the HDM

Know the StandardsKnow the Standards

• Type of Project• We have different standards based on type of

project

• Location of Project• STA, UBA, Urban, and Rural effect the standards

• Functional Classification• Interstate Freeway and Rural Collector are

different

Difficult ExceptionsDifficult Exceptions

• Design Speed

Difficult ExceptionsDifficult Exceptions

• ADA Requirements

Difficult ExceptionsDifficult Exceptions

• Bridge Rail

Difficult ExceptionsDifficult Exceptions

• Vertical Clearance

Construction staging can be an issueConstruction staging can be an issue

Real Life Examples: Case 1Real Life Examples: Case 1

Specifically it is requested that the following design features not be further evaluated: horizontal alignment, vertical alignment, grades, lane width, shoulder width, bridge width and the correction of deficient bridge rails and missing ADA sidewalk features, roadway cross slopes, cut/fill/ditch slopes, access, and clear zone.

The Request: Case 2The Request: Case 2

Reviewer’s Comments: Case 2Reviewer’s Comments: Case 2

Reviewer’s Comments: Case 2Reviewer’s Comments: Case 2

The Request: Case 3The Request: Case 3

Reviewer’s Comments: Case 3Reviewer’s Comments: Case 3

The Request: Case 4The Request: Case 4

Items to RememberItems to Remember

• Look at accident data• Number and type of exceptions• Cost by itself is not a good justification• Look for ways to Mitigate

– Striping– Signing– Illumination

Items to RememberItems to Remember

• Identify Design Exceptions ASAP• Work with design exception review team in

Salem– Christopher Henson Rural Roadway Engineer– Rich Crossler-Laird Urban Roadway Engineer– Kent Belleque Interchange Engineer– Dan MacDonald Roadside Safety Engineer– Dave Polly Standards Engineer

• Allow Proper Time for Processing