Building a Road Takes Time

2. PRIORIORITIZATION and PROGRAMMING is a collaborative effort involving the state, local jurisdictions, and implementing agencies. It is the process by which near-term transportation needs are identified and prioritized, and funding is allocated.  At the statewide level, the NMDOT’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) provides a listing of prioritized and funded projects over a four-year period (as well as two additional years of unfunded projects).  Although by federal law, transportation programs must be updated at least every four years, the NMDOT practice is to update the STIP every two years.

3. STUDY SCOPING and CONCEPTUAL DESIGN is the process whereby the improvement needs identified in the transportation improvement program are defined, the level of effort is determined, and improvement alternatives are developed and evaluated. This process establishes the “design concept and scope” for the proposed action and obtains authorization for federal funding.  Project scoping and conceptual design are accomplished by performing a location study.  While the type of study may vary, the general approach is the same such as development of a project purpose and need; development of alternatives; assessing environmental, social, and cultural effects; coordinating with stakeholder agencies; and conducting public outreach. A study is part of Phase I of the NMDOT project development process in three distinct phases commonly referred to as Phase IA, IB, and IC.  Phase IA and IB serve to develop, evaluate, and refine the range of possible alternatives to achieve the need for an action.  Phase IC involves preparation of an environmental document and subsequent processing in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.

4. PRELIMINARY and FINAL DESIGN involves the preparation of detailed plans, specifications, and estimates that will be used for project construction. Preliminary design is considered Phase ID in the project development process.  Final design is Phase II.  The last stage of final design is called Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E), which are the plans used by construction contractors to bid on and construct projects.

5. PROJECT CONSTRUCTION is considered Phase III of the project development process. It involves construction of the authorized improvements and final inspection of the completed project before it is opened for public use.

6. MAINTENANCE and PERFORMANCE MONITORING – the project development process continues even after a completed project is opened for public use. Periodic maintenance of the facility is necessary to maintain the roadway and right-of-way and to keep the facility in safe operating condition.  Monitoring of the facility is important to track changes in traffic volume, vehicle classification, travel speeds, accident rates, and other factors.  Monitoring data serves to identify emerging needs and is used as input to long-range planning and prioritization programming.