Lesson 26 for Grad Course on CSS (from UTCM Report #08-14-03 "Making Mobility Improvements a Community Asset: Transportation Improvements Using Context-Sensitive Solutions")
Presentation on how to chat with PDF using ChatGPT code interpreter
Css class 26 using css in practice 113009
1. Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation
Class 26 Planning, Environmental Analysis and Design
Using CSS in Practice
1
2. Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation
Using CSS Planning, Environmental Analysis and Design
• CSS is still “new”
• CSS is encouraged, not required,
by FHWA
– Proactive approach to meet NEPA
intent
– Thinking beyond “just the pavement”
2
3. Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation
Using CSS Planning, Environmental Analysis and Design
• Most state DOTs have accepted CSS
– Varying use in projects
• Large
• Difficult
• Previously rejected or opposed
• all
– Varying institutionalization
• Policy
• Manuals
• Training
• Practice
• Local agencies highly variable
3
4. Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation
Finding CSS policy Planning, Environmental Analysis and Design
• State DOT manuals
– Project development
– Geometric design
• State DOT policy
– Policy and procedure memoranda
– Minute orders
– Legislation
– Training programs
• Local agencies
– Policy
– Design or public works manuals
4
6. Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation
Using CSS in projects Planning, Environmental Analysis and Design
• Project work program
• Agency decision
– Agency policy
– Responsible administrator
– District engineer
– District or state design engineer
– Project manager
– Public works director
– Capital programs director
– City/county engineer
6
7. Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation
Basis for using CSS Planning, Environmental Analysis and Design
• General policy
• Project
– Issues
– Complexity
– Community sensitivity
• Project manager decision
• Consultant proposal
7
8. Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation
What is needed for true CSS? Planning, Environmental Analysis and Design
• Commitment to open input
– True “continuous” stakeholder involvement
– Use of constructive input
– Consideration of varying alternatives
• Collaborative process
– Stakeholders
– Partner agencies
– Public
8
9. Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation
What is needed for true CSS? Planning, Environmental Analysis and Design
• Design flexibility
– AASHTO green book – full extent
– Other CSS/flexibility guidelines
– Willingness to support design exceptions
– (Preferred) design manual
• Flexible ranges, not just standards
9
10. Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation
What is needed for true CSS? Planning, Environmental Analysis and Design
• Proactive approach to NEPA
– Address issues during development, not just in
impact analysis
1
0
11. Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation
What is needed for true CSS? Planning, Environmental Analysis and Design
• Note and use lessons learned
– Experiences
• Successes
• Shortfalls
• Opportunities for improvement
– Costs
• Project development
• “Rework”
• Project implementation
1
1
12. Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation
What is needed for true CSS? Planning, Environmental Analysis and Design
• Note and use lessons learned(cont.)
– Time
• Project development
• Total
– Community acceptance
• Duration of approval process
• Partner funding shares
• Time lost addressing opposition
• Lawsuits
• EIS and permit approval delays
1
2
13. Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation
What is needed for true CSS? Planning, Environmental Analysis and Design
• Note and use lessons learned(cont.)
– Training
• What is CSS?
• How to use CSS process
• CSS-NEPA relationships
• Public involvement techniques
• Design flexibility and creativity
• Broadening projects to support non-transportation
community objectives
• Evaluation of alternatives
1
3
14. Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation
Discussion Planning, Environmental Analysis and Design
Where can you use CSS?
1
4
15. Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation
Discussion Planning, Environmental Analysis and Design
• Do you need numerous stakeholders to use
CSS?
1
5
16. Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation
Discussion Planning, Environmental Analysis and Design
• Does project size matter when deciding
whether to use CSS?
1
6
17. Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation
Discussion Planning, Environmental Analysis and Design
• Does the size of the sponsoring/owning
agency matter?
1
7
18. Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation
Discussion Planning, Environmental Analysis and Design
• Does the owning agency have to initiate the
project or CSS?
1
8
19. Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation
Discussion Planning, Environmental Analysis and Design
• What are reasons why CSS is not always
used?
1
9
20. Context Sensitive Solutions in Transportation
Summary Planning, Environmental Analysis and Design
• CSS can be used
– For all projects
– By any agency
– With plenty of references and precedents
• Owning agency has final decision authority
– Subject to environmental clearance
• CSS is the correct way to proceed
2
0
Notas del editor
Any projectAny modeAny location (usually urban or sensitive)
No. Use where needs include:Diverse interestsChallenging designEnvironmental sensitivitiesMajor projectNumerous alternativesHistory of unapproved projectsExpected opposition
No. It is applicable to any size project.
No. CSS is just a different way of doing project development and subsequent tasks. If the agency is big enough to do the project it is big enough to use CSS.
CSS starts at or before the beginning of project development. The agency responsible for project development and design may or may not be the owner of the project. For example, the state DOT and local transit agency could and have partnered on projects that improve both express bus and highway facilities. Their interagency agreement could call for one agency to lead the entire project with each paying its own share.
Concern about liability associated with flexibilityUnwillingness to depart from design standardsFear of having to fully collaborate and use public input (permitting others to affect the decision process)Fear of change (from traditional process)