Design ExceptionsDesign Exceptions
Presented by David Joe Polly PE, PLS, WRESenior Standards EngineerRoadway Engineering Unit
503-986-3738
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
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.
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