University of Virginia Library

THE SEQUENCE OF ROAD CONSTRUCTION

Note: Public hearings are required to be conducted by the States
for funding under Federal Aid for Highways.

PHASE I: PRE-PLANNING

• -Establish need through highway system plan; conduct origin
  and destination studies.

• -Establish purpose - primary, secondary, urban

• -Establish criteria - design speed, gradient, access, capacity, et

• -Establish route - examine land ownerships, costs of R.O.W.,
  aerial surveys

• -Conduct public hearings - submit report of hearings to FHWA

• -Draft EIS or negative declaration - project is or is not
  major action.

PHASE II: PRELIMINARY PLANNING

• -Prepare location studies

• -Flag "P Line" with Team - engineer, biologist, manager

• -Conduct route survey

• -Prepare alignment studies - notify other authorities of proposal
  - submit draft of EIS to other agencies

• -Conduct public hearings - submit report of hearings to FHWA

• - Receive final approval of PS&E and authorization of funds

PHASE III: PROJECT PLANNING OR PS&E (Plans, specs & estimates)

• -Note: FHWA calls phase "Plans, Surveys & Engineering"

• -Prepare construction drawings, specifications and final estimates

• -Conduct field review (plans in hand) with FHWA representative

• -Receive final approval of PS&E and authorization of funds

PHASE IV: BIDS AND PRE-CONTRACT

• -Send notices of intent to advertise to journals, CBD (Commerce
  Business Daily), newspapers, etc. - request wage rates

• -Advertise - mail plans and specs to prospective bidders

• -Open bids - examine prices, bid bond, reputation of bidders, etc.

• -Award contract to successful bidder - Contracting Officer
  signs contract - hold pre-construction conference

• -Issue Notice to Proceed.

PHASE V: CONSTRUCTION

• -Set slope and grade stakes; clear and grub site - grading
  and excavation - demolition of structures

• -Stake-out centerline and subgrade stakes - install drainage
  structures and lighting

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• -Grade ditches and final grading of slopes

• -Lay down subbase material - grade shoulders

• -Install curbs - rake to subgrade, spread topsoil, seed
  and plant

• -Lay down base course - lay down surface course, stall lighting,
  erect roadside signs

• -Hold pre-final inspection - write up punchlist - final finishing

PHASE VI: FINAL INSPECTION

• -Walk job with FHWA representative, the contractor, his superintendent,
  the inspector or project supervisor may be yourself,
  and the maintenance supervisor

• -Inspect job to see that all items on punchlist are corrected
  and the work is completed

• -Check all quantities by measurement and recommend for payment -
  settle all possible disputes or reasons for later claims

• -Notify contractor of acceptance

PHASE VII: FINAL PAYMENT AND COMPLETION REPORT

• -Recommend final payment by agency or owner - submit as-builts
  (drawings) and completion report for record of work

• -Note: Job log is not part of contract documents but may be
  used as evidence in court.