Metric Plans Preparation Manual Update

(on this website only)

Only the As-built section of the Metric Plans Preparation Manual will be
updated. All other changes (text or Plan Sheet Examples) will only be made
to the English Plans Preparation Manual.

In the As-built section, the old Table of Contents entry was lined out and
noted as "Superseded". There is a link to the updated section. The link to
the superseded section was disabled.

A big, red X was placed on the superseded As-built section. Updated pages
have a red "T" before the page number, signifying that it is a temporary
page number.

An Errata was done to reflect a change to the updated As-built section.

Link to Section 2 Table of Contents

Last updated June 14, 2006

STATE OF CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Plans Preparation Manual

Caltrans

etric
Caltrans

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Foreword June 2001

FOREWORD
This manual is not intended for use as a textbook or a substitute for engineering knowledge, experience, or
judgment. It establishes uniform standards and procedures to use when preparing right of way maps, informa-
tional exhibits, application exhibits, and the development of project plans. The uses for and contents of the
various drawings are described and, in most cases, illustrated by examples. This manual also seeks to acquaint
the user with the use of the Metric System in engineering drawing preparation.

PLANS PREPARATION MANUAL

ISSUED BY

STATE OF CALIFORNIA
BUSINESS, TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AGENCY
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF ENGINEERING SERVICES
OFFICE OF OFFICE ENGINEER

Current price for additional copies of this

manual may be obtained by writing

STATE OF CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
GENERAL PUBLICATION DISTRIBUTION UNIT
1900 ROYAL OAKS DRIVE
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95815-3800
Telephone (916) 445-3520
FAX (916) 324-8997
Website Address: http://caltrans-opac.ca.gov/publicat.htm

Information concerning the contents

of this manual may be obtained by writing

STATE OF CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF ENGINEERING SERVICES
OFFICE OF OFFICE ENGINEER
1727 - 30th STREET
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95816
Website Address: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/esc/oe
Editor: John L. Gizinos, DES-OE, June 2001
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Table of Contents June 2001

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 ENGINEERING CADD DRAWING BASICS

SECTION 2 PROJECT PLANS
SECTION 3 PRELIMINARY PROJECT DEVELOPMENT DRAWINGS
SECTION 4 RIGHT OF WAY ENGINEERING MAPPING
SECTION 5 ERGONOMICS

The format of this manual has been revised such that the contents are suitable for insertion in a binder.
The text portion of the manual is mostly in a 216 mm x 279 mm (8 1/2" x 11") size,
while most plan sheet samples are in a 279 mm x 432 mm (11" x 17") foldout size.

ATTENTION IS DIRECTED TO SECTION 2-1.3 OF THIS MANUAL

REGARDING USE OF THE METRIC SYSTEM
IN THE PREPARATION OF PLANS.
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Section 1 - Engineering CADD Drawing Basics June 2001

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE NO.

1-1. GENERAL ....................................................................................................................... 1-1

1-1.1 Purpose ...................................................................................................................... 1-1
1-1.2 Types of Engineering CADD Drawings .................................................................... 1-1

1-2. CADD DRAWING STANDARDS ................................................................................. 1-1

1-2.1 Line Work .................................................................................................................. 1-1
1-2.2 Lettering Standards .................................................................................................... 1-1
1-2.3 Shading and Coloring ................................................................................................ 1-1

1-3. PLANNING THE CADD DRAWING ........................................................................... 1-1

1-3.1 General ....................................................................................................................... 1-1
1-3.2 Scales ......................................................................................................................... 1-2
1-3.3 Arranging the CADD Drawing .................................................................................. 1-2
1-3.4 CADD Drawing Order ............................................................................................... 1-2
1-3.5 CADD Drawing Data ................................................................................................ 1-2

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Plans Preparation Manual
Section 1 - Engineering CADD Drawing Basics June 2001
Engineering CADD
Drawing Basics 1-2.1 Line Work
Line quality is extremely important to the
readability of CADD drawings. Line widths are
varied to distinguish certain classes of features from
others. The more basic outlining features are
emphasized with heavier (wider) lines. Examples
are center lines, base lines, construction layout
lines, and the basic outline of objects. Medium
weight lines are used for proposed construction and
right of way. Light lines are used for existing
1-1 GENERAL t o p o g r a p h y, d i mensioning, and other less
important details. Dashed or dotted lines are used
1-1.1 Purpose to distinguish existing from proposed work. Refer
The purpose of this Section is to acquaint the to the CADD User’s Manual and the EZ Guide.
user with the procedures and standards used for the
preparation of CADD engineering drawings.
1-2.2 Lettering Standards
(1) Size
1-1.2 Types of Engineering CADD Drawings Refer to Section 2.6 of the CADD User’s Manual
Engineering drawings are generally categorized and the EZ Guide for lettering sizes and fonts.
into two types - geographical oriented and
(2) Reading Direction
nongeographical oriented. Geographical oriented
drawings have graphical elements (lines, symbols) (a) Horizontal Line: Read left to right.
located on the drawing by their on-ground horizontal (b) Vertical Lines: Read bottom to top.
(N,E) locations. For example, a layout sheet is (c) Diagonals: Read left to right.
geographically oriented. Nongeographical oriented
drawings generally have graphical elements which 1-2.3 Shading and Coloring
describe the spatial relationship of an object or
planned construction without a direct relationship Shading and coloring of engineering drawings
to specific on-ground locations. An example is a is not recommended and is not acceptable on
detail drawing for a drainage inlet. project plans.

For a description of the information that

determines what is a map, a working drawing and a 1-3 PLANNING THE CADD
plan, see Section 3-1.2 through 3-1.5 of this manual. DRAWING
1-3.1 General
1-2 CADD DRAWING STANDARDS
To be effective, an engineering CADD drawing
The standards given in this manual are primarily must be clear, concise, complete, accurate, easily
intended to improve CADD drawing quality and understood, and functional. It is a graphic set of in-
readability. structions.

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Section 1 - Engineering CADD Drawing Basics June 2001

1-3.2 Scales (2) Existing Topography (line work only)

Recommended scale for project plans and other • Roads and streets
drawings is discussed in Section 2 (Table 2-1.3A) • Driveways, walks and curbs
of this manual. Caltrans base scale is 1:500. Most • Streams, ditches and drains
plan sheets will use the 1:500 scale border sheets. • Bridges and culverts
To show greater detail use 1:200 scale. If less detail • Utilities (railroads, poles, and pipelines)
is needed use 1:000 scale. To measure the actual • Land lines
length of an element in a given plotted scale, it • Fences and gates
must be plotted at the standard sheet size, 559 mm • Buildings
x 864 mm (22” x 34”) trim line dimensions. • Trees and shrubs.
If objects of different sizes are to be shown on Topographic symbols are shown on Standard Plan
the same engineering CADD drawing sheet, the A10B. Existing topography may be provided by aerial
detail for each object may be drawn to a different photography, scanned maps, digitized maps or maps
scale to provide a balanced appearance. from ground surveys.
If an object is cross-sectionally uniform and the (3) Planned Construction Features (line work
full length of the object can not be shown at the only)
scale being used, the lines representing the length • Roadways
of the object may be broken and the dimensions • Drainage
indicated on the drawing. • Substructures
• Miscellaneous items.
1-3.3 Arranging the CADD Drawing
When preparing the engineering CADD draw- Construction and cadastral symbols are shown
ings, it is important that the physical features be on Standard Plan A10B.
drawn in exact position. Labels, dimensions, notes, (4) Lettering, Labels, Data, and Notes
and other data should be positioned to present • Beginning of curves (BC’s) and end of
the most understandable picture. For example, the curve (EC’s)
area within the right of way may be required for
• Curve data
data pertinent to construction. Notes and other data
• Equations
should be placed outside the right of way.
• Tangent bearings and lengths
1-3.4 CADD Drawing Order • Land lines
• General topography
Generally, there is no prescribed order to prepare • Street and road names
a CADD drawing. Each type of drawing involves • Construction line designation
different preparation procedures. • North arrow
For minimum interference, work should generally • Construction notes
follow this procedure: • Sheet references and title.

(1) Basic Control Lines 1-3.5 CADD Drawing Data

• Center lines CADD permits the separation of drawing data
• Radial lines by kind of data. The CADD system defines the
• Station tick marks and figures various layers of similar data, or overlays as
• Other construction lines “levels”. Geographical drawings are created by
• Right of way lines combining levels of data from a master drawing.
Refer to Section 2.4 of the CADD User’s Manual.

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Section 2 - Project Plans June 2001

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE NO.

2-1. GENERAL ........................................................................................................................ 2-1

2-1.1 Purpose ...................................................................................................................... 2-1
2-1.2 General Standards ...................................................................................................... 2-1
2-1.2(A) Project Plan Sheet Formats ................................................................................... 2-1
2-1.2(B) Electronic Plan Signatures and Project Development Names ............................... 2-6
2-1.2(C) Project Identification Blocks and County Abbreviations .................................... 2-12
2-1.2(D) Sheet Identification Codes, Sheet Names, and Plan Order ................................. 2-16
2-1.3 Use of the Metric System ........................................................................................ 2-19
2-1.4 Project Plan Submittals ............................................................................................ 2-24
2-1.5 Project Plan File Formats......................................................................................... 2-27
2-1.6 Use of Standard Plans .............................................................................................. 2-27

2-2. PROJECT PLAN SHEET - SPECIFIC DATA AND EXAMPLES .......................... 2-29
2-2.1 Title Sheets .............................................................................................................. 2-29
2-2.1(A) Title Sheet Header ............................................................................................... 2-31
2-2.1(B) Project Descriptions ............................................................................................ 2-31
2-2.1(C) Project Limits of Construction and Work ............................................................ 2-36
2-2.1(D) Listing of Title Sheet Examples .......................................................................... 2-37
2-2.2 Typical Cross Sections ............................................................................................. 2-59
2-2.3 Key Map and Line Index ......................................................................................... 2-67
2-2.4 Layouts, Profiles, and Superelevation Diagrams ..................................................... 2-71
2-2.5 Construction Details ................................................................................................ 2-91
2-2.6 Temporary Water Pollution Control Plans and Details ............................................ 2-95
2-2.7 Contour Grading Plans ............................................................................................ 2-97
2-2.8 Drainage Plans ....................................................................................................... 2-101
2-2.9 Drainage Profiles ................................................................................................... 2-105
2-2.10 Drainage Details .................................................................................................... 2-109
2-2.11 Drainage Quantities ................................................................................................2-113
2-2.12 Sanitary Sewer Plans, Profiles, Details, and Quantities .........................................2-119
2-2.13 Utility Plans and Details ........................................................................................ 2-125
2-2.14 Transportation Management Plans ........................................................................ 2-129
2-2.15 Stage Construction, Traffic Handling Plans, and Detours ..................................... 2-135
2-2.16 Construction Area Signs ........................................................................................ 2-151
2-2.17 Pavement Delineation Plans, Details and Quantities ............................................. 2-155

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Section 2 - Project Plans June 2001

SECTION PAGE NO.

2-2. PROJECT PLAN SHEET - SPECIFIC DATA AND SAMPLES (cont’d)

2-2.18 Summary of Quantities .......................................................................................... 2-165
2-2.19 Sign Plans, Details, and Quantities ........................................................................ 2-175
2-2.20 Retaining Wall Plans, Details and Quantities ........................................................ 2-181
2-2.21 Sound Wall Plans, Details, and Quantities ............................................................ 2-187
2-2.22 Planting and Irrigation Plans, Details and Quantities ............................................ 2-193
2-2.23 Signal, Lighting, and Electrical System Plans and Details .................................... 2-201
2-2.24 Structures (Bridge Plans and Details) .....................................................................2-211
2-2.25 Cross Sections (Roadway) ..................................................................................... 2-229

2-3. AS BUILT PLANS (Superseded)................................................................................2-231

2-3.1 General. .................................................................................................................. 2-231
2-3.2 Preparation Procedures (Roadway) ....................................................................... 2-231
2-3.3 Preparation Procedures (Bridges and Structures). ................................................. 2-232
2-3.4 Projects Not on State Highways ............................................................................ 2-232

2-3. AFTER PS&E (Updated 12/2/05 - See Errata).........................................................T2-231

2-3.1 Draft Contract Ready............................................................................................ T2-231
2-3.2 As Awarded..........................................................................................................T2-231
2-3.3 Contract Change Order...........................................................................................T2-231
2-3.4 As-Builts (Roadway Plans).....................................................................................T2-232
2-3.5 As-Builts (Structure Plans)......................................................................................T2-233
2-3.6 Projects Not on State Highways.............................................................................T2-233

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Plans Preparation Manual
Section 2 - Project Plans June 2001
Project Plans
Plan sheets in conjunction with other contract
documents must contain all data necessary for
bidding, building, and inspecting the project.
Final project plan sheets used for bidding,
building, and inspecting projects are printed in
the 279 mm x 432 mm (11"x17") size. This printed
size is one-half of the standard sheet size used to
develop the project plans.
Lines and lettering must be of adequate size and
weight to produce legible reproductions (copies).
2-1 GENERAL Line work shall conform to the requirements in
Section 1-2.1 of this manual. Lettering sizes shall
2-1.1 Purpose conform to the requirements in Section 1-2.2 of
Project plans are engineering CADD drawings this manual.
which contain information from which contractors Caltrans symbols and abbreviations shown in the
prepare bids, surveyors stake the contracts, Standard Plans and Caltrans CADD Cell Library
successful bidders construct projects, and engineers shall be used in the preparation of project plans.
inspect the contractors’ work. These plans become
permanent records for future reference. Project plans are to be based on the metric system.
See Section 2-1.3 for use of the metric system in plan
2-1.2 General Standards preparation.
Project plans shall be prepared following the
standards set forth in this section. Additional 2-1.2(A) Project Plan Sheet Formats
standards and procedures for preparing CADD Project plan sheet formats as contained in the
drawings are contained in the CADD Users Manual Caltrans CADD Cell Library are to be used for project
of Instructions. CADD use shall be maximized for plan preparation. See Figures 2-1A and 2-1B for some
project plan preparation. of the sheet formats available. Basic sheet
configurations for full plan, detail, and profile sheets
are shown in Figures 2-1C and 2-1D.

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Section 2 - Project Plans June 2001

FIGURE 2-1A
BASIC PLAN SHEET FORMATS
FOR THE PREPARATION OF PROJECT PLANS

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Section 2 - Project Plans June 2001

FIGURE 2-1B
BASIC PLAN SHEET FORMATS
FOR THE PREPARATION OF PROJECT PLANS

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Section 2 - Project Plans June 2001

FIGURE 2-1C
BASIC SHEET CONFIGURATION
FULL PLAN SHEET OR DETAIL SHEET

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Section 2 - Project Plans June 2001

FIGURE 2-1D
BASIC SHEET CONFIGURATION
COMBINATION OF PLAN AND PROFILE ON SAME SHEET

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Section 2 - Project Plans June 2001

2-1.2(B) Electronic Plan Signatures and (c) Structure General Plan Sheet Signature and
Project Development Names Structure Development Names - The general plan
of a structure shall have the license seal and signature
(a) Title Sheet Signatures - The title sheet of of the lowest classification licensed person in
the project plans shall have the license seal and responsible charge for preparation of the plans for
signature of the lowest classification licensed per- an entire structure. Only one licensed seal and
son in responsible charge for preparation of the number with associated signature shall appear on
entire project. Only one license seal and number the sheet. The printed name, registration number and
with associated signature shall appear on the license expiration date shall appear within the
sheet. The printed name, registration number and generic registration seal. The registrant’s signature
license expiration date shall appear within the and date signed shall be outside the registration seal
generic registration seal on the line adjacent to the and within the signature block on the line provided
seal. The signature shall be electronically affixed in the upper right hand corner of the sheet. The
to the title sheet. In all cases, the words “Regis- signature shall be electronically affixed to the
tered Civil Engineer” or equivalent designation general plan sheet. In all cases, the words
must appear with the registrant’s signature. See “Registered Civil Engineer” or equivalent
Figure 2-3 for title sheet signature and license seal designation must appear with the registrant’s
information. signature. The signature of the Design Engineer and
(b) Title Sheet Project Development Names - the printed names of individuals involved in the
For projects prepared by Caltrans, the printed name development of the general plan sheet are to be
of the individual involved in the development of placed in the spaces provided along the bottom of
the entire project is to be placed in the “Project the sheet.
Engineer” name block space located in the lower (d) Individual Plan Sheet Signature - Individual
left margin of the title sheet. The printed name of project plan sheets, other than title sheets, shall have
the project manager shall also be included as part the license seal and signature of the licensed civil
of the name block information. Printed names in- engineer, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer,
cluded in the name blocks shall not have any des- geologist, architect or landscape architect who is
ignation indicating professional status. See Figure knowledgeable about, and in responsible charge for
2-4 for project development names required on the developing that plan. Only one license seal and
title sheet of Caltrans prepared projects. number with associated signature shall appear on
For projects prepared by consultants or local the sheet. Licensed traffic engineers are not
agencies, the Caltrans engineer or project manager authorized to seal and sign plans. The printed name,
providing design oversight shall have his/her registration number and license expiration date shall
printed name, signature, registration number, and appear within the generic registration seal. The
date of signature included in the name block spaces registrant’s signature and date signed shall be outside
located in the lower left margin of the title sheet. the registration seal and within the signature block
The design oversight approval note shall be affixed on the line provided in the upper right hand corner
in the proximity to the name block. See Figure 2-4 of the sheet. The signature shall be electronically
for project development names required on the title affixed to the plan sheet. In all cases, the words
sheet of consultant or local agency prepared “Registered Civil Engineer” or equivalent
projects. designation must appear with the registrant’s
signature. Do not add job titles such as “Utility
Engineer”, “Traffic Engineer”, “Project Studies
Engineer”, etc. See Figure 2-5 for individual plan
sheet signature and license seal information.

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Section 2 - Project Plans June 2001

(e) Individual Plan Sheet Development Names - (f) Work Financed by Others - Where the work
For projects prepared by Caltrans, individual project shown on an individual plan sheet, other than the
plan sheets, other than title sheets, shall have the title sheet, is to be financed by a firm (permittee) or
printed names of the functional area, project manager, local agency, section (d) above shall apply. The firm
and the individual(s) involved in the development of or local agency may place their name and address
the plan sheet. The names are to be placed in name immediately below the signature block located in
block spaces located in the lower left margin of the the upper right-hand corner of the individual plan
sheet. On Office of Structures Design plans, the sheet. Where a firm or local agency finances and
printed names of individuals involved in the prepares the entire project, their name and address
development of the plan sheet are to be placed in the may be placed in the lower right-hand corner of the
spaces provided along the bottom of the sheet. Printed title sheet. A consultant, that prepares the entire
names included in name blocks of individual plan project, shall place the company name and address
sheet shall not have any designation indicating in the same location. Logos, telephone numbers, or
professional status. Do not place additional signature artwork is not permitted. See Figures 2-3 and 2-5
blocks other than those shown on the approved sheet for placement of the name and address of firms, lo-
formats in the Caltrans CADD Cell Library. See cal agencies, or consultants on plan sheets and title
Figure 2-6 for project development names required sheets.
on individual plan sheets of Caltrans prepared
projects. (g) Caltrans Standard Plans - Standard plan
sheets are to be signed by the lowest classification
On individual project plan sheets developed by licensed person in responsible charge for preparation
consultants or local agencies, the Caltrans person of the individual standard plan sheet.
providing oversight for that plan, shall have his/her
name printed in the name block space identified as (h) Standard Drawings from Other Agencies -
“Project Engineer”. The words “Project Engineer” Standard drawings of other agencies, when
shall be removed and replaced with the words applicable to the project, shall be included as part
“Design Oversight”. On structure plans the name of the project plans. Reference only to the standard
block space is designated as “Design Oversight”. drawing number is not acceptable. Such
See Figure 2-6 for project development names incorporated standard drawings shall be legible
required on individual plan sheets of consultant or when reduced to the 279 mm x 432 mm (11" x 17")
local agency prepared projects. size. They shall have the signature, date signed and
seal of the lowest classification licensed person in
responsible charge for preparation of the plans.
Generally, the Caltrans project engineer will sign
these sheets.

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Section 2 - Project Plans June 2001

FIGURE 2-3
TITLE SHEET SIGNATURE
(Lower Right Corner of Title Sheet)

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Section 2 - Project Plans June 2001

FIGURE 2-4
TITLE SHEET PROJECT DEVELOPMENT NAME BLOCK
(Lower Left Margin of Title Sheet)
Projects Prepared by Caltrans

Projects Prepared by Consultants or Local Agencies

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Section 2 - Project Plans June 2001

FIGURE 2-5
INDIVIDUAL PLAN SHEET SIGNATURE
(Upper Right Corner of Plan Sheet)

3
3
3

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Section 2 - Project Plans June 2001

FIGURE 2-6
INDIVIDUAL PLAN SHEET DEVELOPMENT NAME BLOCK
(Left Side of Plan Sheet)
Projects Prepared by Caltrans

Projects Prepared by Consultants or Local Agencies

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Section 2 - Project Plans June 2001

2-1.2(C) Project Identification Blocks and County Abbreviations

For plans CADD prepared and transmitted electronically, the District, County, Route, Kilometer Post(s),
and individual sheet numbers are to be included in the Project Identification Block. The number of total
sheets shall be left blank. Division of Engineering Services-Office of Office Engineer (DES-OE) will
insert the total sheet number. The county or counties in which the project is located shall be abbreviated
as shown in Table 2-1.2.

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION BLOCK

(Upper Right Corner of Plan Sheet)

KILOMETER POST SHEET TOTAL

DIST. COUNTY ROUTE
TOTAL PROJECT NO. SHEETS

(1) PROJECT CONSTRUCTION IS ON ONE ROUTE

(a) The project consists of one location on one route with a length of construction greater than 0.3
km. The “From...To...” format is used in the project description to describe the location. A
slash is used between the associated KPs for beginning and end of construction.
Example: 07-LA-05-R74.9/R79.3

(b) The project consists of two locations on one route (with individual lengths of construction
0.3 km or greater). The “From...To...” format is used in the project description to describe
each location. A slash is used between the associated KPs for beginning and end of construc-
tion for each location and a comma is used between the two sets of KPs.
Example: 07-LA-5-R74.9/R79.3, R81.2/R83.5

(c) The project consists of two locations on one route with one construction location 0.3 km or
greater in length and one construction location less than 0.3 km (spot location). The “From...
To...” format is used in the project description to describe the location 0.3 km or greater in
length. A slash is used between the associated KPs for beginning and end of construction for
this location followed by a comma then followed by a single KP to describe the spot location.
Example: 07-LA-5-R74.9/R77.6, R78.9

(d) The project consists of two locations on one route with individual lengths of construction less
than 0.3 km (spot locations). A single KP is used to describe each location separated by a
comma.
Example: 06-Fre-99-43.9, 45.7

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Section 2 - Project Plans June 2001

(e) The project consists of one location on one route with an individual length of construction less
than 0.3 km (spot location). A single KP is used to describe the location.
Example: 01-Men-1-80.8

(f) The project consists of one or more locations within 0.6 km of the center of a route separation
(measured radially). A single KP is used for each route to describe the location.
Example: 07-LA-5,118-63.4,18.3

(g) The project consists of three or more locations on the same route at various locations. The
“From...To...” format is used in the project description to describe the beginning of the first
location as the beginning point of construction or highway planting and the end of the last
location as the end point of construction or highway planting. A slash is used between the
associated KPs for beginning and end of construction.
Example: 07-LA-101-0.2/7.2

(h) The project consists of three or more locations on the same route at various locations and the
project locations cover a lengthy section of highway (greater than 10 km). The “From...To...”
format is used in the project description to describe the beginning of the first location as the
beginning point of construction or highway planting and the end of the last location as the end
point of construction or highway planting. A slash is used between the associated KPs for
beginning and end of construction.
Example: 11-Imp-8-R65.8/R155.9

(2) PROJECT CONSTRUCTION IS ON TWO ROUTES

(a) The project consists of two locations which are on two different routes with each length of
construction 0.3 km or greater. The “From...To...” format is used in the project description to
describe each location. Both routes are shown with a comma between them. A slash is used between
the associated KPs for the beginning and end of construction for each location and a comma is used
between the two sets of KPs. The order of listing the routes is to match the order of listing the KPs.
Example: 11-SD-8, 67-26.2/26.5, R0.2/R0.5

(b) The project consists of two locations which are on two different routes where the length of
construction on one route is 0.3 km or greater and the length of construction on the other route
is less than 0.3 km. Both routes are shown with a comma between them. The “From... To...”
format is used in the project description to describe the location 0.3 km or greater. A slash is
used between the associated KPs for the beginning and end of construction for this location
followed by a comma then followed by a single KP to describe the spot location. The order of
listing the routes is to match the order of listing the KPs.
Example: 11-SD-8, 67-26.2/26.5, R0.5

(continued)

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Section 2 - Project Plans June 2001

(c) The project consists of two locations which are on two different routes with individual lengths
of construction less than 0.3 km (spot locations). Both routes are shown with a comma between
them. A single KP is used to describe each location separated by a comma. The order of listing
the routes is to match the order of listing the KPs.
Example: 11-SD-8, 67-26.5, R0.5

(3) PROJECT CONSTRUCTION IS ON THREE OR MORE ROUTES

(a) The project consists of three or more locations spread over two or more routes or two or more
counties at various locations. All counties, in which the project is located, are listed with a
comma between them. All routes, where the project is located, are listed in numerical order.
The order of listing the counties does not generally match the order of listing the routes. No
KPs are listed in the “Kilometer Post Block”. “Var” is to be used in the “Kilometer Post Block”.
“Var” represents the various KPs of the different routes. Whenever “Var” is used in the “Kilometer
Post Block”, a table with a heading of “Locations of Construction” shall be included on
the title sheet. The table shall list all of the project’s location numbers and associated counties,
routes, and KPs.
Example: 08-SBd, Riv, LA-18, 71, 138, 173, 189, 247-Var

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TABLE 2-1.2

COUNTY ABBREVIATIONS

COUNTY COUNTY ABBR. COUNTY COUNTY ABBR.

Alameda Ala Orange Ora
Alpine Alp Placer Pla
Amador Ama Plumas Plu
Butte But Riverside Riv
Calaveras Cal Sacramento Sac
Colusa Col San Benito SBt
Contra Costa CC San Bernardino SBd
Del Norte DN San Diego SD
El Dorado ED San Francisco SF
Fresno Fre San Joaquin SJ
Glenn Gle San Luis Obispo SLO
Humboldt Hum San Mateo SM
Imperial Imp Santa Barbara SB
Inyo Iny Santa Clara SCl
Kern Ker Santa Cruz SCr
Kings Kin Shasta Sha
Lake Lak Sierra Sie
Lassen Las Siskiyou Sis
Los Angeles LA Solano Sol
Madera Mad Sonoma Son
Marin Mrn Stanislaus Sta
Mariposa Mpa Sutter Sut
Mendocino Men Tehama Teh
Merced Mer Trinity Tri
Modoc Mod Tulare Tul
Mono Mno Tuolumne Tuo
Monterey Mon Ventura Ven
Napa Nap Yolo Yol
Nevada Nev Yuba Yub

Use the above list for the correct abbreviations of the counties.
Use upper and lower case lettering as shown.

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2-1.2(D) Sheet Identification Codes, The sheet name such as Layout, Drainage, etc.,
Sheet Names, and Plan Order identifies the plan for indexing. The codes such as
L-1, D-1, etc., identify individual project plan sheets
A coding system maintains sheet order during for cross referencing.
the design and construction of the project. The larger
the project, the more important a coding system Except for projects consisting of work at various
becomes because it facilitates sorting out specific locations, the project plan sheet name and sheet iden-
data and is used extensively for cross referencing. tification code shall be the only Sheet Identification
shown. Where the project consists of work at vari-
Coding shall consist of identifying each sheet of ous locations, the work location number unique to
plans by the appropriate code letter as provided that sheet may also be shown in the lower right-hand
herein and by numbering those sheets consecutively, corner. The project description shall not be repeated
e.g., L-1, L-2, L-3, etc. The title sheet does not re- on individual plan sheets. The project description shall
quire a sheet identification code. appear only on the Title Sheet.
The project plan sheet name and sheet On combination sheets where more than one type
identification code are both required on every sheet, of work is being shown, the sheet identification code
except the title sheet. They should be placed inside shall be the code letter for the first type of work
the sheet border at the lower right-hand corner of shown in the project plan sheet name. (Example:
each sheet. The code letter for a “Pavement Delineation and
When Office of Structures Design prepared Sign Plan” is PD. Generally, combining should be
plans (e.g. Sign Structure, Retaining Wall, etc.) limited to two types of work. When the layout sheet
are included in the roadway portion of the plans, contains a combination of work, do not combine
the sheet name and sheet identification code shall sheet names on the layout sheet. Use the sheet name
be placed on these sheets as provided above. “Layout” only.

ROADWAY AND STRUCTURE PLANS

A set of project plans may contain a few or all of the following sheets. Use the following code letters and
arrange sheets in the order shown.

ID CODE
LETTER SHEET NAME
— Title Sheet
X Typical Cross Sections
K Key Map and Line Index
L Layout (A sheet which contains only plan layout information or a sheet which contains both plan
layout and profile information with or without the superelevation diagram shown)
P Profile (A sheet which contains plan profile information with or without the superelevation
diagram shown)
SE Superelevation Diagram (A sheet which contains only superelevation diagram information)
C Construction Details
WPC Temporary Water Pollution Control Plan, Details, and Quantities
G Contour Grading
D Drainage Plan, Profiles, Details, and Quantities
SS Sanitary Sewer Plan, Profiles, Details, and Quantities
U Utility Plan and Details

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ROADWAY AND STRUCTURE PLANS (cont’d)

ID CODE
LETTER SHEET NAME
TM Transportation Management Plan
SC Stage Construction, Traffic Handling Plan and Detours
TH Traffic Handling Plan (A sheet which contains only traffic handling information and is not
included as a SC sheet)
DE Detour (A sheet which contains only detour information and is not included as a SC sheet)
CS Construction Area Signs
PD Pavement Delineation Plan, Details, and Quantities
Q Summary of Quantities
S Sign Plan, Details, and Quantities
R Retaining Wall Plan, Details, and Quantities
SW Sound Wall Plan, Details, and Quantities
HP Plant List, Planting Plan, Irrigation Plan, etc. (See sheet names and order below. Use HP
ID Code when part of a highway construction or building construction project)
E Signal, Lighting, and Electrical Systems Plans and Details (See Section 2-2.23
for approved plan sheet names for E sheets)
— Revised and/or New Standard Plans (Issued and inserted by DES-OE)
— Structure Plans (Office of Structures Design)
Section 2-2 contains specific data pertaining to the sheets listed above. Examples of most of these sheets
are included in Section 2-2 of this manual.

HIGHWAY PLANTING PLANS

A set of highway planting plans may contain a few or all of the following sheets. Arrange sheets in the
order shown.
Use the following code letters and sheet names for highway planting plan sheets when the project consists
entirely of planting and irrigation work.

ID CODE
LETTER SHEET NAME
— Title Sheet
K Key Map*
WPC Temporary Water Pollution Control Plan and Details
PL Plant List
PR Plant Removal Plan*
RC Roadside Clearing Plan*
MA Maintain Existing Plants Plan*
P Planting Plan
IR Irrigation Removal Plan*
I Irrigation Plan

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HIGHWAY PLANTING PLANS (cont’d)

ID CODE
LETTER SHEET NAME
PI Planting and Irrigation Plan
SD Sprinkler Schedule (Use this title if only a sprinkler schedule is on this sheet)
SD Sprinkler Schedule and Details (Use this title when a sprinkler schedule and details are on
this sheet)
SD Details (Use this title if only details are on this sheet)
IQ Irrigation Quantities
EI Existing Irrigation Plan*
EU Existing Utilities Plan
E Electrical Service (Irrigation) Plan*
CS Construction Area Signs
EE Booster Pump - Electrical*
ME Booster Pump - Mechanical Electrical*
M Booster Pump - Mechanical*
— Revised and/or Standard Plans (etc.)

* Optional plan sheets. Use these sheets where additional space is required to more clearly show the
work to be done.
When highway planting is to be included as part of a highway construction or building construction project,
the sheet identification code letters shown above for projects consisting entirely of planting and irrigation
work shall not be used. “HP” shall be used in place of the above sheet identifications codes. The “HP” sheet
identification code shall be used on every sheet of the highway planting portion of the highway construction
or building construction project, e.g., HP-1, HP-2, etc.

BUILDINGS AND PUMPING PLANT PLANS

A set of building work plans may contain a few or all of the following sheets.
Use the following code letters and sheet names. Arrange sheets in the order shown.

ID CODE
LETTER SHEET NAME
— Title Sheet
— ( Civil and Landscaping Plans [Use the order, identification code letters and sheet names shown
for roadway plans] )
GP** General Plan (General layout and index of Office of Structures Design work)
A Architectural Plans
ST Structural Plans
M Mechanical Plans
EE Electrical Plans

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BUILDINGS AND PUMPING PLANT PLANS (cont’d)

ID CODE
LETTER SHEET NAME
SS Sanitary Plans (Sewers for buildings)
— Revised and/or etc.
** The GP code letter is for the first plan sheet prepared by Office of Structures Design.
Use of the GP code is necessary to maintain the sheet order shown.
Depending on the amount of roadway work involved, building projects may be administered under either the
Standard Specifications or the General Conditions. An early determination should be made for each project as to
whether the Standard Specifications or the General Conditions are to be used.

2-1.3 Use of the Metric System The SI system of measure is a modern form of
Caltrans has formally adopted the International the metric system. In the SI system the comma has
System of Units (SI) as its preferred system of been replaced by a space to separate digits into
weights and measures. groups of three starting from the decimal point and
moving to the left and right. (Exception: no space is
Caltrans, in step with FHWA, has adopted the used when there is four digits to the left or right of
provisions of ASTM E380 “Standard Practice For the decimal point and monetary values will continue
Use of the International System of Units” as the to be expressed in the traditional manner). Numbers
authoritative reference to SI units of measurement. less than one should be written with a zero before
When converting values to the metric system the decimal point.
there are two methods: soft and hard. Soft con- For Example:
version is an exact restating of an English unit of 3.878 632 95 278.6894
measurement in SI terms. Hard conversion is a 2043 0.213 18
statement of a previous dimension in convenient, Monetary value $725,000.00
rounded SI units.
Where metric measurements are expressed
For Example: using digit numbers, the metric unit symbol is to
Soft Conversion - 10 ft. Shoulder = be used with the digit number with a space
3.05 m (10.0 ft.) between the number and the unit symbol.
Hard Conversion - 10 ft. Shoulder = (Exception: no space is used between the digit
3.0 m (9.84 ft.) number and the degree symbol or between the
degree symbol and the symbol for temperature).
Land surveying measurements must be
converted using the special conversion factor for For Example:
the US Survey foot, rather than the standard 3.8 m 0.2 m
conversion factor. The Geometronics Branch is 300 mm 45˚ 45˚C
advising all users of survey data about this special Where no digit number is used with the
conversion factor. This also applies to all other metric unit, such as a reference to the unit of
measurements, such as centerlines, which are based measure in a specification pay clause, the metric
on surveys. The conversion factor is: 1200/3937 unit of measure is spelled out. Also, where the
ft./m. This is the definition of the US Survey foot number is spelled out, the metric unit should
as defined by, Section 8810, State of California
be spelled out.
Public Resources Code.

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Special Rule: When a quantity is expressed as a Subtraction: 113.2 - 1.43 = 111.77, rounded to
number and a unit is used in an adjectival sense, it 111.8
is preferable to use a hyphen instead of a space Multiplication: 113.2 x 1.43 = 161.876,
between the number and the unit name or between rounded to 162
the number and the symbol.
Division: 113.2 / 1.43 = 79.16, rounded to 79.2
For Example:
A three-meter pole. The length is 3 m. The product and quotient are limited to three
A 35-mm film. The width is 35 mm. significant digits since 1.43 contains only three
significant digits.
However, no space is used between the digit
number and the degree symbol or between the When rounding values, the following rules
degree symbol and the symbol for temperature. should be followed:
For Example: 1.If the first digit discarded is less than 5, the
last digit retained should not be changed. For
a 90˚ angle an angle of 90˚ example, 3.463 25, if rounded to four digits,
would be 3.463; if rounded to three digits,
Significant Digits & Rounding Values
3.46.
Significant digits are any digits that are necessary
2.If the first digit to be discarded is greater than
to define the specific value or quantity. When
or equal to 5 followed by at least one digit
converting values of units, consideration must be given
other than 0, the last digit retained should be
to the implied or required precision of the value to be
increased by one unit. For example, 8.376
converted. The converted value must be carried to a
52, if rounded to four digits, would be 8.377;
sufficient number of digits to maintain the accuracy
if rounded to three digits, 8.38.
implied or required in the original quantity.
3.If the first digit discarded is equal to 5, but is
When measuring to the nearest 1 m, a distance may
followed only by zeros, the last digit retained
have been 157 m; this number has three significant
should be rounded upward if it is an odd
digits. If the measurement had been made to the nearest
number. No adjustment should be made if
0.1 m, the measurement may have been 157.4 m; this
the last digit retained is an even number. For
number has four significant digits.
example, 4.365, when rounded to three
The addition, subtraction, multiplication, and digits, becomes 4.36. The number 4.355
division of SI values follow specific rules: would also round to the same value, 4.36, if
The rule for addition and subtraction states that the rounded to three digits.
answer shall contain no significant digits farther to the
right than occurs in the least precise number. Large Numbers
The rule for multiplication and division requires As stated previously, no commas shall be used
that the product or quotient shall contain no more within a number. The preferred method of
significant digits than are contained in the number with representing numbers with five or more digits on
the fewest significant digits used in the multiplication either side of the decimal point is to group the digits
or division. by three from the decimal point and separate the
groups with a space. At the present time, Caltrans
The difference between these two rules should be roadway design and drafting software cannot display
noted; the latter rule merely requires rounding of digits numbers in this format. For CADD drawings with
that lie to the right of the last significant digit in the computer generated numbers, it is acceptable to
least precise number. display the digits without grouping.
For Example:
Preferred 123 456.789 01
Addition: 113.2 + 1.43 = 114.63, rounded to Acceptable 123456.78901
114.6 Not Acceptable 123,456.78901

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The method of representing large numbers must On the plan sheets where the predominant unit
be consistent throughout a product, such as Plan, of measure note is used, the symbol indicating the
Map, Report, etc. predominant unit of measure should be omitted. All
other units shall be so indicated by using the
Metric Plan Dimensioning appropriate symbol.
All dimensions on metric plans shall be shown For Example:
in metric units only, with the following exceptions .
Note: All dimensions are in meters unless
• Pertinent dimensions within railroad right of way otherwise shown
shall be shown in dual units with metric units
being primary (soft conversion) and English 300 millimeters is written as 300 mm
units in parenthesis. All other dimensioning on 2.2 meters is written as 2.2
the plans shall be shown in metric only. Where a descriptor note is used with the digit
Examples of pertinent dimensions would be number for the predominant unit of measure as
right of way widths, horizontal and vertical described in the above example, the unit symbol may
clearances, rail elevations and track layout be used with the digit number if the note could be
dimensioning. See Sections 2-2.24 and 3-2.6 misinterpreted.
of this manual.
For Example:
• Plans utilizing As-Builts as base information
2 m trapezoidal earth ditch
should be rescaled and dropped out. As-Built
dimensions which need to be provided shall If the unit symbol is omitted, the note could be
be soft converted. See Section 2-3.1 of this interpreted as “2 trapezoidal earth ditches”.
manual.
Angular Measurements
• As-Built Log of Test Borings Sheets may be
Angular measurements shall retain Degree-
used in the imperial units provided that the
Minute-Second.
metric layout line be placed on the plan view
and tied to the original boring locations in Cross Slopes
dual dimensions (imperial and metric). See
Section 2-2.24 of this manual. Pavement cross slopes and superelevation shall
be shown as a percent.
• Right of Way Maps shall utilize metric units
for project related changes, however original Side Slopes
recorded units outside the affected area shall Side slopes shall be expressed in nondimensional
remain in the units of record. ratios. The vertical component is shown first and
Survey information on Right of Way maps show- then the horizontal (Y:X). For slopes less than 45
ing property data should be expressed in meters, degrees, the vertical component shall be unitary (for
square meters, or hectares. When recorded data is example, 1:20). For slopes over 45 degrees, the hori-
included on Right of Way maps, it shall be expressed zontal component shall be unitary (for example, 5:1)
in its original units. since the metric system does not use fractions.
With the exception of the following listed project Scales
plan sheets, a note shall be placed on each plan sheet
indicating the predominant length unit of measure: Metric scales are a unitless ratio, such as, 1:500,
1:1000, or 1:2000. This means that 1 of any unit on
• Title Sheet the metric unit map or plan sheet equals to 500, 1000,
• Key map and Line Index Sheet or 2000 of the same unit on the ground. One meter
• Plan sheets consisting entirely of quantity on the map equals 500, 1000, or 2000 m on the
summaries. The unit of measure should be ground. Or, ten millimeters on the map equals 5000,
shown in the respective column headings for 10 000, or 20 000 mm on the ground.
the quantities involved.

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Scales (continued) lighting plans, etc. For projects in rural areas, a ratio
A horizontal scale ratio of 1:500 will typically of 1:1000 should be used to replace a 1" = 100'
replace the 1" = 50' imperial scale used in urban imperial scale.
areas and some rural areas. A ratio of 1:200 is used Earthwork cross section plotting scales, both
in place of the 1" = 20' imperial scale. A ratio of horizontal and vertical, should be 1:100 for rural
1:200 is used where greater detail is required than projects and 1:50 for urban projects. Cross section
can be shown on the plan layouts.These sheets would intervals shall be 20 m or as required.
typically be construction detail sheets, signal and

TABLE 2-1.3A TABLE 2-1.3A (cont’d)

SCALES Profile Sheets:

Select scales appropriate for the project.
Plan Sheets: The following example scales may be
appropriate for the condition shown:
Imperial Metric
Scale Scale 1. Rural Sections in hilly or mountainous
terrain- 1:100 vertical, 1:1000 horizontal
3/4"=1' 1:20
2. Rural or urban with gentle rolling terrain-
1/2"=1' 1:20
1:50 vertical, 1:500 horizontal
3/8"=1' 1:50
3. Rural or urban with level terrain-
3/16"=1' 1:50 1:20 vertical, 1:200 horizontal
1/4"=1' 1:50
Contour
1/8"=1' 1:100 Intervals: Index Intermediate
1"=1' 1:10 Scale Contours Contours
Major Station 1:200 1m 0.25 m
Imperial Metric Tick Mark
1:500 2m 0.5 m
Scale Scale Interval
1:1000 5m 1m
1"=2' 1:20
1:2000 10 m 2m
1"=5' 1:50
1"=10' 1:100 1:5000 25 m 5m
1"=20' 1:200 100 m
1"=50' Base 1:500 Base 100 m Stationing and Kilometer Post System
(Formerly Post Miles)
1"=100' 1:1000 100 m
Instead of the 100 foot stationing, we will be
1"=200' 1:2000* 500 m
using 100 meter (328.08') per station. This means a
1"=400' 1:5000* 1000 m station value will look something like 2+80.374.
*Typically used for title sheets, route adop- Because 100 meters is such a large distance, minor
tion maps, etc. station tick marks will be at 20 meter intervals with
annotation at full 100 meter stations. The first
The typical length of a minor station tick
number in the station is in 100 meter intervals, the
mark is: 0.4 meter for 1:200 scale, 1.0 meter
next two digits are in meters, and the last three digits
for 1:500, and 2.0 meters for 1:1000 scale.
are millimeters. The reason we need to measure
Major Station tick marks are twice the
stationing to the millimeter is to retain the current
length of the minor station tick mark.
degree of accuracy (for example 3 mm = 0.01 foot).

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Station pluses to reference construction features Units & Symbols

should be shown to 0.1 m, except for those situations Metric units (SI) and prefixes used with the metric
where greater accuracy is required. units are included in Metric Standard Plan A10A.
The Post Mile System (PM) will be soft The symbols for metric units shown on Metric
converted to the Kilometer Post System (KP) by Standard Plan A10A are to be used for metric project
applying the 1.6093 factor to the existing reference plan preparation.
system. All equations and prefixes will be retained.
Until the conversion of the existing databases is Substitute Symbols - Certain computer programs or
complete both the PM and KP designations shall be other data processing devices do not allow for the use
used on project plan title sheets, special provisions of superscripts and other Standard nomenclature.
and contracts. However, only the KP designation Caltrans has adopted the following substitutions for these
shall be shown in the Dist.-Co.-Rte.-KP area of the instances. These were taken from the International
project identification block at the top of the project Standard Organization (ISO) publication ISO-2995-
plan sheets. 1974 and are recognized as International standards.
UNIT OF MEASURE
Paper Sizes
ASTM
The Department will adopt the ISO “A” series
E380 Caltrans
of paper sizes, however we will continue to use
Symbol Substitute Unit
English sized paper until the paper manufactur-
ers begin producing the metric paper. m M meter
The ISO “A” series sizes are the preferred inter- m2 M2 square meter
national paper sizes. There are five “A” series sizes: m3 M3 cubic meter
A0 1189 x 841 mm (46.8 x 33.1 inches) km KM kilometer
A1 841 x 594 mm (33.1 x 23.4 inches) kg KG kilogram
A2 594 x 420 mm (23.4 x 16.5 inches) ha HA hectare
A3 420 x 297 mm (16.5 x 11.7 inches) h H hour
A4 297 x 210 mm (11.7 x 8.3 inches)
The Caltrans substitute symbols are only to
A0 is the base drawing size with an area of one square be used where the proper lower case script and
meter. Smaller sizes are obtained by halving the long superscripts are not available.
dimension of the previous size. All “A” sizes have a
Pay Items - The Basic Engineering Estimating
height to width ratio of one to the square root of 2. System (BEES) has field limitations and will not
Caltrans will continue to use the established 559 accept superscripts or subscripts for units of measure.
mm x 864 mm (22" x 34") trim line dimensions Substitute symbols for pay items in the BEES are
printed on 609 mm x 914 mm (24" x 36") paper. included in Table 2-1.3C. However, the standard
The established image areas will remain the same nomenclature should be used in all other applications
until the Department switches to the “A” series including the project plans and specifications.
paper. At that time the image area will be adjusted
to fit the new paper. There will no longer be a need Earthwork - Computation of earthwork quanti-
ties will continue to be based on an average end
to have trim line dimensions to obtain a full 50%
area method. In the metric system, this computa-
reduction.
tion will involve multiplying an average end area in
square meters times the distance in meters between
cross-sections (usually 20 meters). This, of course,
results in cubic meters. The electronic planimeters
currently in use are easily changed from English
units to metric units by the push of a button.

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TABLE 2-1.3C 2-1.4 Project Plan Submittals

The project plans portion of the PS&E Submittal
CALTRANS BEES SUBSTITUTE sent to Division of Engineering Services, Office of
SYMBOLS FOR PAY ITEMS Office Engineer (DES-OE) are to consist of CADD-
generated plan sheets submitted electronically using
INCLUDED IN ENGINEER’S a PS&E CADD Submittal Form (see Figure 2-7)
ESTIMATE and data transferred over the network. Include a
Project Plan Review Checklist (see Figure 2-8). Fill
in all the information on the forms. The forms
Imperial Metric Metric
information must be complete and accurate for the
Symbol Symbol Unit
project to be processed in a timely manner. All
LF M meter electronic files must meet the requirements stated
SQFT M2 square meter in the PS&E Directory Checklist on the PS&E
CADD Submittal Form and the Project Plan Review
EA EA each Checklist.
SQYD M2 square meter
Legacy plan sheets, such as existing Log of Test
CY M3 cubic meter Boring and As-Built data of existing structure/roadway
LNMI LNKM lane kilometer plans, which are not available as electronic files, may
TON TONN tonne (1000 kg) be scanned into raster (Tiff) format and submitted as
(Tiff) files for purposes of establishing a 100%
CF M3 cubic meters electronic PS&E Submittal. See Section 2-1.5 of this
LS LS lump sum manual regarding criteria for submittal of (Tiff) files.
ACRE HA hectare Prints of the electronically transmitted CADD
STA STA station (100 m) files are not required as part of the PS&E submittal
MI KM kilometers sent to DES-OE.
LB(S) KG kilograms Office of Structures Design shall submit their por-
TAB TAB tablet tion of the project plans to DES-OE using the above-
specified procedures. Structure plans prepared by
GAL L liters local agencies or consultants shall be sent to Office
MFBM M3 cubic meters of Structures Design for final processing.
HR H hours

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FIGURE 2-7
PS&E CADD SUBMITTAL FORM

(This Form Should Be Filled Out By The Qualified CADD Contact Person)

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

PS&E CADD
CADD SUBMITTAL
SUBMITTAL Date
DES-OE -0021 (Rev 03/28/01)

This is a - - Original Revise/Replace Additional Addenda Check Two

Dist.SourceEA District/County/Route District Structures

Post Mile or Kilometer. Post Imperial Metric

District Project
Project Engineer
Engineer Phone Number Project Manager Phone

District Structures CADD Contact Person Delineator E-Mail Address Calnet/Fax

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION
Node ID / Address / File Name

Directory Size (Blocks/Bytes) Total No. Files Total CADD Sheets

PS&E DIRECTORY CHECKLIST

Place Proper Signature File Design

Place Registration Seal Information Delete Unused Named Views

Follow Leveling Convention (As Per Manual) Directory / File Protection For DES-OE Access

Follow Electronic File Naming Convention Plot Files Rotated 0 or 90 Degrees

Remove Extraneous Information Plot Files Generated From Fenced Cut - lines

Place All Files In PS&E Directory Display Properly

Display Correct Levels In Design Files Specially Added Files (list)

Check For Current Time/Date Stamp

Final Check Print Created On Current Plotting System

Establish Plot View For All Design Files

DES -OE Engineer’s Revised Submittal Approval

(Initials) For DES-OE Project Plans
DES -OE Use Only
Special Instructions:
To:

Date In Date out

Package Received:

Received by:

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FIGURE 2-8
PROJECT PLAN REVIEW CHECKLIST
(For District or Structures Use)

Project Plan Review Check List

(For District Or Structures Use)
THIS CHECKLIST SHALL BE COMPLETED BY THE DESIGNATED PROJECT REVIEWER ONLY -PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

DIST/STRUCTURES District Structures IMPERIAL/METRIC Imperial Metric

PROJECT I.D. Dist/SourceEA

DIST. / COUNTY (S) / RTE (S) / PM

DATE REVIEWED PROJ ENGR PHONE

DRAFT REVIEWER DIST O.E. PHONE

IS THIS A CONSULTANT JOB Yes No PROJECT REVIEW CHECK RECOMMENDS...

TOTAL SHEETS______________________________
TYPE OF PLANS CADD CONV Other SEND PLANS TO DES-OE WITH PS & E PACKAGE

TOTAL SHEETS RETURN PLANS TO PROJ ENGR FOR ADDITIONAL CHANGES

CADD CONV. OTHER

TITLE SHEETS PLAN SHEETS

Seal / Signatures Seal & Signature
Design Oversight Approval for Consultant Projects-
Lower Left (Printed Name, Signature, Registration No., North Arrow (use appropriate size)
Date of Signature) and PS&E Note
North Arrow / Bar Scale or No Scale Scale (if applicable)

Correct Contractor’s Note (lower left) Proper Sheet Identification in Lower Rt. Comer
Including The Correct Sheet Identification Code /
County(ies) Where Project Located Shown on Location Plan Number
Map (Outlined / Crosshatched)
Use Standard Line Symbology (dropout where
Project Description In Accordance With Section 2-2.1 applicable)
(B) Of The Plans Preparation Manual
Leave Sheet Index Blank Lettering Or Text (dropout where applicable)
Check All Lettering
Drainage / Profile Grids (should be in dropout)
All Features In Project Title Must Be Identified On
Strip Map Check Details For Reduction Suitability
Project E.A. In Lower Rt. Border
Dist. / Co. and Disclaimer Note Other
Show Destinations W / Arrow On Strip Map
Show City or County Limits
Show City Names Of Incorporated / Unincorporated
Areas (caps / upper/lower respectively)
Bridges Shown By Symbol, Also Show Bridge Name,
Type (O.C. or U. C.) and Number if Structure Plans Are
Included
IMPORTANT
Label Waterways/Railroads and All Relevant St Names
Identify All Signed Routes On Strip Map (use no Plot Verification
shields) initial
Show Construction Limits Or Location Of Construction Electronic Date / Time Stamp
Including Stationing and K.P.’s Indicated on plans
COMMENTS:

Revised 03/28/01

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2-1.5 Project Plan File Formats • (Raster Reference) Any raster format file
(jpg, gif, tiff, cgm) that is attached to the
Standard File Format
design plane using MicroStations reference
The standard file format for submission of attachment tools.
PS&E to Division of Engineering Services, Office
of Office Engineer (DES-OE), is a MicroStation • (Cadd Generated Raster) Any file that was
design File… or .dgn created as a dgn file, but converted to raster
for convenience or expediency, will not be
The following variations will also be acceptable accepted for PS&E Submittal. This includes
for PS&E Submittal, under specific circumstances sheet files from projects previously completed
as listed below: in CADD, but have been moved to archival
• (dgn) format files with imbedded or imported tape or disk. Recover and use the original
raster data. Pictures imported into the design CADD files.
plane for the purpose of enhancing or empha-
• (AutoCad Files) Any file started with
sizing a detail. This is static data and cannot
AutoCad (.dwg or .dxf file) must be imported
be altered. Examples are Fire Marshal Seals,
into a MicroStation file.
existing landmarks, etc.
• (Tiff) or Tagged Information Format File. 2-1.6 Use of Standard Plans
Acceptable where legacy plan sheets are being Caltrans Standard Plans are approved
considered for submission as part of a new standardized details that are frequently applicable
CADD Submittal. This is a single, complete to the construction of highway facilities. The
plan sheet with borders intact, submitted as a Standard Plans are divided into five major sections:
tiff raster image. The legacy sheet is to be (1) General Road Work, (2) Bridge Related Work,
scanned, sized (cropped), de-speckled and de- (3) Roadside Signs, (4) Overhead Signs, and (5)
skewed before submittal. The preferred size Signals, Lighting and Electrical Systems. All
of the finished Tiff plot is 559 mm x 864 mm engineers and detailers should have a copy of the
(22” x 34”) and for special circumstances the current Standard Plans book and be familiar with
maximum allowable size is 584 mm x 889 its contents.
mm (23” x 35”). These will be raster edited.
The Standard Plans book is updated and issued
Non-Acceptable Formats at regular intervals, usually at 3-5 year intervals by
The following CADD file formats will not be the Office of Office Engineer. The Office of Office
acceptable for PS&E due to the time and effort Engineer issues new or revised Standard Plan sheets
required to process at DES-OE Project Plans. when the need arises. Revised Standard Plans
(RSPs) replace the comparable sheets in the current
• (Reference Files) MicroStation dgn files edition of the book. New Standard Plans (NSPs)
containing reference file data. That is any supplement the current edition of the book.
sheet file that requires one or more external
files that contain sheet geometry for use as The Standard Plans List plan sheets are no longer
an overlay. included as part of the project plans to identify the
Standard Plans applicable to a project. The Standard
• (Hybrid or Composite Files) MicroStation Plans applicable to a specific project are now
dgn files with attached Descartes HMR (a indicated by the use of the “Standard Plans List”
specific proprietary image format developed Standard Special Provision which is included in the
by HMR corporation) images. These are raster project’s special provisions. The “Standard Plans
images converted to the neutral HMR format List” Standard Special Provision is updated in
and referenced to the design plane. conjunction with the issuance of New or Revised

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Standard Plans. Where Revised or New Standard Caltrans Standard Plans are available via the
Plans are applicable to a project so indicate on the Caltrans DES-OE Internet Web Site. Caltrans
“Standard Plans List” Standard Special Provision. personnel may also access the Standard Plans via the
Office of Office Engineer will insert the indicated Caltrans Internal Network. The Standard Plan detail
applicable Revised or New Standard Plans as project files contain no signature or registration seal
plan sheets into the project plan set. information. These files are provided to assist project
designers where a Standard Plan detail does not fit a
The Design Section responsible for the project given situation and must be modified. The individual
is to verify that the applicable Standard Plans, modified detail or details from the Standard Plan, not
Revised Standard Plans and New Standard Plans the entire Standard Plan detail sheet, are to be included
are identified on the current “Standard Plans List” in the project plans. Such modified details shall be
Standard Special Provision sent to the Office of shown on the applicable detail sheet of the project
Office Engineer as part of the PS&E Submittal. plan (for example: construction details, drainage
details, etc.).

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2-2 PROJECT PLAN SHEET The information on the title sheet shall be limited
to that identified in the previous paragraph. Features
SPECIFIC DATA AND such as typical cross sections, construction details,
EXAMPLES drainage details, construction area signs, and
quantity summaries shall not be shown on the Title
The example plan sheets contained in this Section Sheet. The type of work should not be identified by
2-2 were obtained from several different sources. The either symbol or labeling.
examples were randomly selected from multiple
projects and may not necessarily reflect desirable Layouts as described in Section 2-2.4 (1) shall
designs nor current design standards. The examples not be used as a strip map on the Title Sheet.
are presented in the reduced 279 mm x 432 mm (11" Under no circumstances shall more than one
x 17") format size. Explanatory notes on the sheet be used to present necessary title sheet
preparation of plan sheets are included and in most information for any one project. The project
instances are outlined. The project plans in these location shall be indicated on the location map as
reduced formats are used by prospective bidders to shown on the sheet entitled “Title Sheet Location
prepare bids, by successful bidders to construct Map Examples, Figures 2-9 and 2-10”, in this
projects and by engineers to inspect the work. Section 2-2.1.
2-2.1 Title Sheets The strip map should be to a convenient scale
The first sheet of the project plan set is the Title which best fits the size of the title sheet.
Sheet. A Title Sheet is to be prepared on all projects Route Adoption maps, Freeway Agreement
for which a PS&E Submittal is required. The Title
maps, Title Sheets for prior projects, USGS
sheet format available in the Caltrans CADD Cell
quadrangle maps, and the Department’s Road
Library shall be used.
System (County Road) maps are good sources for
Each Title Sheet for State highway projects shall the information required as the base for the strip
be prepared by the District, except those projects maps. Do not use AAA Maps or Thomas Brothers
consisting entirely of bridge, building, or other Guide Mapping because of copyright laws. District
transportation related structures work (no road kilometer post (post mile) maps are unsuitable and
plans or small number of road plans). These Title shall not be used.
Sheets shall be prepared by the responsible unit in
In those cases where a project may be constructed
the Office of Structures Design. The Title Sheet
in several stages, or where a number of adjacent
should be a neat, clear, and concise presentation
of the project. The appearance and accuracy of the projects will be constructed, consideration should
title sheet serves as an indication of the quality of be given to preparation of an overall strip map. This
work done by the Department. Compared to other strip map, or portions thereof, could be used for all
sheets of the plans, it is distributed widely. It is projects and adjusted to the scale desired for each
sometimes used for press releases, public hearings, project.
by map makers in updating their maps, and by out The strip map should show city limits, county
of state contractors to locate the work. lines, state and international boundaries, existing
The finished Title Sheet includes a strip map of streets, public roads and highways, railroads, canals,
the project, a small-scale State map (location map lakes, dams, bridges, parks, and prominent
on the sheet format), an index of the plan sheets geographic features. In rural areas, township, range
inserted by DES-OE, the signature and registration and section lines may also be shown. In some
seal of the person in responsible charge for instances, it may also be appropriate to show
preparation of the entire project, the project recorded Spanish land grants. Special topographical
description, the limits of construction and work, features such as transmission lines and aqueducts,
mandatory material or disposal sites (if any), graphic should be shown. Major improvements such as
scale (if applicable), contract number, and project courthouses, post offices, hospitals, schools, large
identification block information. industrial sites, and other private facilities should

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be shown only when they have a direct effect on the All bridges shall be shown by symbol and identified
project and will be referred to in the Project’s Special by name and type (overcrossing, undercrossing, etc.).
Provisions. Highways of major importance should The bridge number shall be shown on all structures
show destinations at map edges. All features shall for which bridge plans are to be included and on which
be labeled with their official titles. Office of Structures Design work is to be done. On
complex freeway to freeway interchange projects with
Names of roads or other features referred to in multiple structures, the structures can be denoted on
the project title, the Project’s Special Provisions, and the strip map by a numerical reference. The structures
other contract-related documents shall be shown on are listed on the Title Sheet by the corresponding
the Title Sheet. numerical reference showing structure names and
The proposed construction should be shown in bridge numbers.
heavy solid lines. One solid line for each roadway, Mandatory material sites and mandatory disposal
ramp, crossroad, frontage road, etc. should be used sites shall be shown on the Title Sheet. Optional
and normally should reflect the status of the area material or disposal sites should not be shown on
upon completion of the project. the Title Sheet.
The main line shall be stationed at intervals of For proper orientation, a standard north arrow shall
50, 20, or 10 stations depending upon the scale. All be shown. The District shall not complete the index
numerically different station equations (but not of sheets on the Title Sheet. Following receipt of the
numerically identical line equations) and kilometer Title Sheet in DES-OE and prior to advertisement,
post equations with a numerical difference of 0.1 the index of sheets will be added. Information
km or more within the limits of construction shall pertaining to the applicable standard plans must be
be shown. Kilometer post and station equations at included in the PS&E Submittal as part of the project’s
the intersection of route centerlines shall also be special provisions. (See Section 2- 1.6).
shown. Kilometer post equations, reflecting a
change in prefix only, need not be shown. Before submission, the Title Sheet shall be signed
as provided in Figure 2-3 of Section 2-1.2(B).
Project limits of construction and work to be
shown on the Title Sheet shall conform to the The project description information should be
instructions in Section 2-2.1(C). included on the Title sheet before the sheet is
transmitted electronically to DES-OE. The review
The project description for the Title Sheet shall process by DES-OE will include finalizing the
be prepared as provided in Section 2-2.1(B). project description.
Title Sheets shall be oriented so that stationing Title Sheets for city or county projects involving
progresses from left to right. On projects where federal funding are usually prepared by the
stationing is in the opposite direction from kilometer respective city or county and shall conform to the
post, the project title, beginning and end of requirements outlined in this manual.
construction, and beginning and end of work shall
be in order of kilometer posts; however, the Title
Sheet shall be drawn with stationing increasing from
left to right.

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2-2.1(A) Title Sheet Header

The Title Sheet header precedes the project description on the Title Sheet. The header begins with the
phrase “PROJECT PLANS FOR” and continues with a descriptor indicating the type of facility involved and
whether construction, highway planting, building construction, etc. is to be performed.
The most common descriptors:
• CONSTRUCTION ON STATE HIGHWAY
• HIGHWAY PLANTING ON STATE HIGHWAY
• BUILDING CONSTRUCTION ON STATE HIGHWAY
• BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
• CONSTRUCTION ADJACENT TO STATE HIGHWAY
• CONSTRUCTION ON AND ADJACENT TO STATE HIGHWAY
Additional descriptors are:
• CLEANING AND PAINTING BRIDGE ON STATE HIGHWAY
• CLEANING AND PAINTING SIGN STRUCTURE ON STATE HIGHWAY
• ESTABLISH EXISTING PLANTING ON STATE HIGHWAY
• CONSTRUCTION ON CITY STREET
• CONSTRUCTION ON COUNTY ROAD
• CONSTRUCTION ON COUNTY HIGHWAY
• CONSTRUCTION
DES-OE should be consulted when a project requires a descriptor not shown above.

2-2.1(B) Project Descriptions

The project description on the Title Sheet shall contain:
(1) COUNTY OR COUNTIES THE PROJECT IS LOCATED IN
List the county or counties where the project is located as the first part of the project description
(example: “IN SHASTA COUNTY”). If the project is in two or more counties list all counties
involved (example: “IN SANTA CLARA AND SANTA CRUZ COUNTIES

(2) CITY OR TOWN THE PROJECT IS LOCATED IN

List the city or town where the project is located as the next part of the project description, except
as described in subsection (2)(g) on the following page.
(a) If the project is entirely within the city limits of an incorporated city, use the term “in”
(example: “IN OAKLAND”).
(b) If the project is both inside and outside the city limits of an incorporated city, use the phrase
“in and near” (example: “IN AND NEAR OAKLAND”).
(c) When the project is at an unincorporated town, use the term “at” not “in” (example: “AT
KRAMER”).
(d) If the project is not within a town or city, make reference to the nearest city or town shown on
the current State highway or county road map and which is on the route where construction is
to take place. Use the term “near” (example: “NEAR GILROY”).

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(e) If the project location is more than 8 km from a city or town, the reference for example could
be “ABOUT 12 km WEST OF TURLOCK”.
(f) When referring to a city, do not use the phrase “the city of” except for special circumstances
(example: “IN THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO”).
(g) Omit city or town names from the project title description:
If the project consists of three or more locations on the same route and the construction
locations cover a lengthy section of highway (greater than 10 km), or
If the project consists of three or more locations spread over two or more routes or two
or more counties.

(3) PROJECT CONSTRUCTION IS ON ONE ROUTE

Where the project is only on one route, the route designation is not listed in the project description
and the following applies.
(a) If the project is on one route with a continuous length of construction which is 0.3 km or
greater, describe the beginning and end points of construction or highway planting by using
the “From...To...” format.
Example:
IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY
NEAR NEWHALL FROM 0.1 km SOUTH OF
WELDON CANYON OVERCROSSING TO 0.3 km NORTH
OF CALGROVE BOULEVARD UNDERCROSSING
The beginning and end points of construction or highway planting shall identify the limits of
the majority of work to be performed. Distance references to beginning and end points of
construction or highway planting shall be stated in increments of 0.1 km. The beginning and
end points of construction or highway planting should not include work of an incidental or
minor nature such as advance construction area signing. See Section 2-2.1(C) of this manual.
The beginning point of construction or highway planting and the end point of construction or
highway planting shall be referenced to the nearest existing identifiable point such as, a road,
street, or bridge. State and county lines are also acceptable since they are posted on the
ground. Since city limits may change, a specific tie to a city limit should not be used. “California
State Highway Log” and “California Bridge Log” books should be used in identifying
kilometer post of reference points used in the project description.

(b) If the project consists of two locations on one route (with individual lengths of construction
greater than 0.3 km), describe beginning and end points of construction or highway planting
for each location using the “From... To...” format. The distance between the end point of
construction of the first location and the begin point of construction of the second location is
to be greater than 0.3 km when using this type of project description, otherwise use (a) above.
Example:
IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY
NEAR NEWHALL FROM 0.1 km SOUTH TO 0.3 km NORTH OF
WELDON CANYON OVERCROSSING AND FROM 0.4 km SOUTH
TO 0.3 km NORTH OF CALGROVE BOULEVARD UNDERCROSSING

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(c) If the project consists of two locations on one route with one construction location greater
than 0.3 km and one construction location less than 0.3 km, describe beginning and end
points of construction or highway planting for the location greater than 0.3 km in length by
using the “From... To...” format, describe the location less than 0.3 km in length by using a
spot location description “At…”
Example:
IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY
NEAR NEWHALL FROM 0.1 km SOUTH TO 0.3 km NORTH
OF WELDON CANYON OVERCROSSING AND
AT CALGROVE BOULEVARD UNDERCROSSING

(d) If the project consists of two locations on one route (with individual lengths of construction less
than 0.3 km), describe the locations by using two spot location descriptions “At … and At…”
Example:
IN FRESNO COUNTY
IN FRESNO AT BIOLA JUNCTION OVERHEAD
AND AT HERNDON CANAL BRIDGE

(e) If the project consists of one location on one route (length of construction less than 0.3 km),
a point description is appropriate.
Example:
IN MENDOCINO COUNTY
NEAR MENDOCINO
AT BIG RIVER BRIDGE

(f) If the project consists of one or more locations within 0.6 km of the center of a route separation
(measured radially), use a spot location description.
Example:
IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY
IN LOS ANGELES AT ROUTE 5/118 SEPARATION

(g) If the project consists of three or more locations on the same route, describe the beginning
of the first location as the beginning point of construction or highway planting and the end
of the last location as the end point of construction or highway planting. The phrase “AT
VARIOUS LOCATIONS” shall be used prior to describing the beginning and end points of
construction or highway planting.
Example:
IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY NEAR NEWHALL
AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS FROM 0.1 km SOUTH OF
WELDON CANYON OVERCROSSING TO 0.3 km NORTH
OF CALGROVE CANYON BOULEVARD UNDERCROSSING

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(h) If the project consists of three or more locations on the same route and the project locations
cover a lengthy section of highway (greater than 10 km), describe the beginning of the first
location as the beginning point of construction or highway planting and the end of the last
location as the end point of construction or highway planting. Omit city or town names from
the title description. The phrase “AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS” shall be used prior to describing
the beginning and end point of construction or highway planting.
Example:
IN IMPERIAL COUNTY
AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS FROM ROUTE 8/11 SEPARATION
TO 0.6 km EAST OF 4TH AVENUE OVERCROSSING

(4) PROJECT CONSTRUCTION IS ON TWO ROUTES

Where the project is on two routes, the route designations are listed in the project description
and the following applies.
(a) If the individual length of construction on each of the two routes is 0.3 km or greater, indicate
the corresponding route designation before the beginning and end points of construction or
highway planting for each of the two locations.
Example:
IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY IN EL CAJON
ON ROUTE 8 FROM 0.3 km WEST OF MOLLISON
AVENUE UNDERCROSSING TO MOLLISON AVENUE
UNDERCROSSING AND ON ROUTE 67 FROM 0.2 km
TO 0.5 km NORTH OF ROUTE 67/8 SEPARATION

(b) If the length of construction on one route is 0.3 km or greater and the length of construction
on the other route is less than 0.3 km, indicate the corresponding route designation before
describing the beginning and end points of construction or highway planting for the location
greater than 0.3 km in length by using the “From... To...” format and indicate the corresponding
route designation before describing the location less than 0.3 km in length by using a spot
location description “At…”
Example:
IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY IN EL CAJON
ON ROUTE 8 FROM 0.3 km WEST OF MOLLISON AVENUE
UNDERCROSSING TO MOLLISON AVENUE UNDERCROSSING
AND ON ROUTE 67 AT BROADWAY UNDERCROSSING

(c) If the individual length of construction on each of the two routes is less than 0.3 km, indicate
the corresponding route designation before each of the two spot locations
Example:
IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY IN EL CAJON
ON ROUTE 8 AT MOLLISON AVENUE UNDERCROSSING
AND ON ROUTE 67 AT BROADWAY UNDERCROSSING

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(5) PROJECT CONSTRUCTION IS ON THREE OR MORE ROUTES

Where the project is on three or more routes, the route designations are not listed in the project
description and the following applies.
(a) If the project consists of three or more locations spread over two or more routes or
two or more counties, use the phrase “AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS” for the project
limits description following the reference to the counties. Omit city or town names
from the title description.
Example:
IN SANTA CLARA AND SANTA CRUZ COUNTIES
AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS

(6) PROJECT DESCRIPTION ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS

(a) Except for the use of the “km” symbol for kilometer, do not use abbreviations in the project
description.
(b) When referring to an identifiable point, use the full name descriptions (Santa Ana River
Bridge, Normandie Avenue Overcrossing, etc.).
(c) Punctuation marks are used only when listing 3 or more counties or cities are in the project
description.
(d) Do not use “Interchange” in the project description (example: Use Route 710/405 Separa-
tion, not Route 710/405 Interchange). Do not use “Junction” to describe the intersection of
highways, except in those rare instances where a break in the route creates two separate
intersections of a highway with another highway. In these instances, the intersection points
may be described. (example: North Junction Route 79, etc.).
(e) Use Bridge number only if there may be some confusion as to which structure is referred to
(example: bridges crossing the same waterway with the same name but different numbers).
(f) Names such as, a road, street, or bridge used in the project title should also appear on the title
sheet strip map.
(g) Do not use freeway names, such as, “Golden State Freeway”, in the project description.

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2-2.1(C) Project Limits of The project description on the Title Sheet shall
Construction and Work describe the beginning and end points of
construction. The beginning and end points of
Project limits of construction and work to be construction shall be shown in increments of 0.1
shown on the Title Sheet shall conform to the km. The kilometer post (KP) values shown in the
following: upper right corner of the Title Sheet shall be the
Except for building construction projects, and beginning and end points of construction (see Title
projects on 3 or more routes, or a spot location, the Sheet - Example ‘B’). Only KP values shall be
beginning and end of construction and work shall shown in the upper right corner of the Title Sheet.
be shown on the Title Sheet. Where construction on a route is to be performed
Begin construction and end construction as in adjacent project segments, the limits of
shown on the Title Sheet shall identify the limits of construction and associated project descriptions for
the majority of work to be performed on the route. the adjacent projects should not overlap. To
Except for the types of projects specified herein, minimize description overlaps, work of an incidental
begin and end construction shall be referenced by or very minor nature (in addition to advance
kilometer post, post mile, and station. Where certain construction area signing) (for example: temporary
types of projects (resurfacing, seal coat, etc.) do not route connection) may be included within the
require stationing to be shown to identify the limits identified limits of work instead of the identified
of construction, begin and end of construction are limits of construction.
to be shown by kilometer post and post mile only. Occasionally, the beginning points of work
Begin work and end work as shown on the Title and construction and the end points of work and
Sheet shall encompass all work to be performed on construction may be identical where work of an
the route. Except for the types of projects specified incidental or minor nature is not to be performed
herein, begin and end work shall be referenced by outside the limits of construction. Where the
station limits. Where certain types of projects beginning points of work and construction and
(resurfacing, seal coat, etc.) do not require stationing the end points of work and construction are
to be shown to identify the limits of construction or identical, such beginning and end points shall
work, begin and end of work are to be shown by be shown on the Title Sheet as “BEGIN WORK
kilometer post only. Do not use verbiage such as AND CONSTRUCTION” and as “END WORK
“300 meters beyond End of Construction” to define AND CONSTRUCTION.” On projects with
work limits on the above-referenced project types. identical work and construction limits, the
In most instances, the beginning and end points of beginning and end points shall be referenced by
work will extend beyond the beginning and end points kilometer post, post mile, and stationing.
of construction to show work of an incidental or minor Both beginning and end points of construction
nature such as advance construction area signing (i.e. shall be shown whenever there is a distance of 0.3
the first “ROAD CONSTRUCTION AHEAD” sign). km or more between such points. If the construction
See Title Sheet - Example ‘B’. The work involved in to be performed is at a spot location (less than 0.3
the installation of construction area signs at km), a single kilometer post value shall be used and
intersecting cross roads or on streets adjacent to the such construction shall be shown on the Title Sheet
route on which construction is to be performed shall as “LOCATION OF CONSTRUCTION” (see Title
not be reflected in the described project limits of Sheet - Example ‘G’).
construction or work. Construction area signs shall
not be shown on the Title Sheet. If construction is to
be performed on intersecting or adjacent cross roads
or streets adjacent to the route on which construction
is to be performed, the limits of this work on the cross
roads or streets shall be identified as shown on Title
Sheet - Example ‘B’.

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Title Sheets shall be oriented so that stationing Project limits shown on the Title Sheet for
progresses from left to right. On projects where building construction projects, and projects on 3
stationing is in the opposite direction from kilometer or more routes, or a spot location shall conform to
posts, the project title, beginning and end of the respective Title Sheet Examples included in this
construction, and beginning and end of work shall Section 2-2.1.
be in order of kilometer posts; however the Title
Sheet is to be drawn with stationing increasing from
left to right (see Title Sheet - Example ‘F’).

2-2.1(D) Listing of Title Sheet Examples

Title Sheet - Example ‘A’ - Basic Format and Information.
Title Sheet Location Map Examples (Figures 2-9 and 2-10).
Title Sheet - Example ‘B’ - Construction on one route (continuous construction).
Title Sheet - Example ‘C’ - Construction on two routes (continuous construction on each route).
Title Sheet - Example ‘D’ - Construction at a route separation.
Title Sheet - Example ‘E’ - Construction one route at various locations.
Title Sheet - Example ‘F’ - Construction on one route (stationing in opposite direction of
kilometer posts).
Title Sheet - Example ‘G’ - Construction on one route at spot location.
Title Sheet - Example ‘H’ - Construction on one route at two spot locations.
Title Sheet - Example ‘I’ - Construction on one route (continuous lengthy construction).
Title Sheet - Example ‘J’ - Construction on multiple routes in two counties at various locations.
Title Sheet - Example ‘K’ - Construction on one route at various locations (lengthy construction
more than 50 km).
Title Sheet - Example ‘L’ - Construction on multiple route in multiple counties.
Title Sheet - Example ‘M’ - Construction on one route (Consultant Prepared Project).
Title Sheet - Example ‘N’ - Construction on one route in two counties.
Title Sheet - Example ‘O’- Highway Planting Project.
Title Sheet - Example ‘P’ - Building Work (Rural adjacent to State Highway).
Title Sheet - Example ‘Q’ - Building Work (city or urban location off State Highway).

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TITLE SHEET CHECK LIST Names of Unincorporated Areas (Upper and

Lower Case Lettering) TX=2.5, FT=43, WT=0,
District, County and Route (upper right corner) Check in front of “Current” THOMAS BROS
TX=2.2, FT=2, WT=2, LV=10 (For Building under “CITIES AND COMMUNITIES INDEX”
Work Use Facility Code for Route No.) for correct status.
Kilometer Post and Sheet Number (upper right Bridge Shown by Symbol
corner) TX=2.2, FT=2, WT=2, LV=10
Name and Type of Bridge or other Transportation
Location Arrow on State Map (upper right related structure (e.g., Thomas St OC or UC)
corner) AC=LOCARR, LV=10
Bridge Numbers (if work is to be performed
Standard North Arrow on bridge or other transportation related
AC=NARR, LV=10 structure and plans prepared by Office of
Structure Design are Included)
Contract No. 00-000004 (lower right corner)
TX=3.0, FT=43, WT=0, LV=10 Label Names of Waterways.
Any Water (except Ocean & Bays) - Upper &
CU No. and EA No. (lower right corner) Lower Case, TX =1.8, FT=23, WT=1.
Bays - ALL UPPER CASE, TX =2.2, FT=23, WT=2.
Graphic Scale or “NO SCALE”
Ocean - ALLUPPER CASE, TX =3.0, FT=23, WT=2.
Destination with arrow at Strip Map Edges.
Project Title Description - TX=3.7, FT=43,
Upper and Lower case lettering.
WT=0. NO abbreviations allowed except km
(e.g., To Los Angeles )
which must be in lower case.
To identify Route(s) on Strip Map (do not use
Equation at Intersection of Route Centerlines
route shields). Routes that work is being per-
formed on, the following applies: TX=2.2, FT=2, Railroad (labeled). Spell out all Railways in
WT=2, LV=10 - On Routes that no work is be- Upper and Lower Case. TX=1.8, FT=2, WT=2.
ing performed on, the following applies:
TX=1.8, FT=2, WT=1, LV=10 Mandatory Material and Disposal Sites (use of
mandatory sites to be avoided where possible)
Stationing and Equations (where the construction
and work is identified on the layout sheets by Street Names - TX=1.8, FT=2, WT=1. Make sure
stationing) street names are shown where streets cross the
project or where work is being performed. Iden-
City/County/State/International Boundary Limits tify all geographic features that appear in the
TERO - INDIAN RESERVATION LAND project title such as streets, creeks, bridges, etc.
BOUNDARY, ESA - ENVIRONMENTALLY
SENSITIVE AREA “BEGIN AND END CONSTRUCTION”
(identify by kilometer post, post mile and
Station and Kilometer Post Equation at County station). TX=3.0, FT=43, WT=0, ALL UPPER
Lines where construction extends into another CASE. See Section 2-2.1(C) for exceptions.
county
Begin and End Work (identify by station).
Names of Incorporated Cities (ALL UPPER TX=2.5, FT=2, WT=2, Upper and Lower Case.
CASE) TX=2.5, FT=43, WT=0, Check in
front of “Current” THOMAS BROS under Signature, date of signature and Registration Seal
“CITIES AND COMMUNITIES INDEX” information completed, (lower right corner).
for correct status. Drafting Reviewers will attach SIGNATURES
when project goes to PS&E.

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FIGURE 2-9
TITLE SHEET LOCATION MAP EXAMPLES

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FIGURE 2-10
TITLE SHEET LOCATION MAP EXAMPLES

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2-2.2 Typical Cross Sections The design designation, as defined in the Highway
Design Manual Section 103.1, shall be shown on the
This sheet shows the structural elements of the
typical cross section for all new highway construction
roadway. It should not contain information
projects and rehabilitation projects. See “Typical
concerning geometric elements, which are
Cross Section - Example A” for an example of how
adequately shown on layout sheets. Typical cross
to express the design designation.
sections shall be a graphic representation of the work
to be performed. When the project consists of only Where Pavement Reinforcing Fabric (PRF) is
a few sheets of plans, typical cross sections may be included as part of the structural section, show the
shown on the layout sheet. limits of the PRF.
The statements, “Dimensions of the structural Where curb or dikes are shown, identify
sections are subject to tolerances specified in the types used.
Standard Specifications”, and “Superelevation as
shown or as directed by the Engineer”, must appear When there are multiple typical cross sections
on the first sheet of typical cross sections. Textural to be shown on the typical cross section sheet(s),
symbols shall not be used on the typical cross the section with the lowest stationing is shown
sections. Existing sections shall be shown as on the bottom of the sheet and the sections are to
dashed lines. advance in greater stationing as you go up the
sheet. Stationing is to be shown to the thousandths
In most circumstances, the vertical scale of the of a station. Stationing on multiple typical cross
sections should be exaggerated to clarify thickness sections shall not overlap.
of the various layers of the structural section.
Thickness of the layers, within any one typical Structural section designation numbers, if used,
section, shall be shown proportionally. The vertical are to be consistent with those shown on the layout
dimensions of the typical cross sections shall be sheets of the plans.
expressed in millimeters. Where a new structural Where new surfacing is to be placed on existing
section is to be constructed, the thickness of each pavement, the bottom of the new surfacing which
layer shall be expressed to the nearest 5 mm. is to be in contact with existing pavement shall be
Horizontal roadway dimensions on the typical shown as a solid line.
cross section shall be expressed in meters. Where existing pavement is shown to be
Dimensions should be referenced to centerline or removed, the type of material and thickness of the
layout lines. Show the percent of slope or where existing structural section layers shall be identified.
applicable show as “match existing slope”. If Where the existing structural section was
dimensions vary, give maximum and minimum previously shown in imperial units, the thickness
values. Side slopes are to be identified as vertical to of each layer shall be soft converted and
horizontal. Right-of-way lines are to be shown. expressed to the nearest millimeter.

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TYPICAL CROSS SECTION

CHECK LIST
District, County and Route (upper right corner) Type, Class and Thickness of Pavement, Base
and Subbase
Kilometer Post and Sheet Numbers (upper right
corner) Seal Coats, Except Fog Seals
Design Designation (useful for future reference) AC Dike with Type Identification
- Show on first sheet only
Edge Drains (where applicable) - Add details if
Legend and Abbreviation (do not repeat standard different from standard plans
plans abbreviations and symbols)
Curb and Gutter Types (include dimensions not
Scales (or labeled “NO SCALE”) shown on Standard Plans)
Layout Line (centerline, station line, etc.) Pertinent Existing Features, Including Existing
Structural Section
Profile Grade Point, Widths of Pavement,
Shoulders, Medians, Sidewalk, Gutter, Ditches, Etc. The following notes shall be shown on the first
- Indicates limits of variable dimensions sheet of the typical cross sections:
1.) “Dimensions of the structural sections are
Cross Slope (percent)
subject to tolerances specified in the
Cross Slopes, Median, and Gutter Cross Slopes Standard Specifications”.
2.) “Superelevation as shown or as directed by
Slope Rounding the Engineer”.
Benching and Strutting (where applicable) CU No. and EA No. (lower right corner)
Basic Right of Way Widths Signature, Date of Signature and Registration
Stationing Limits below each section, sections with Seal information completed, (upper right corner)
smallest Stationing Limits at bottom of sheet with
increasing Station Sections stacked above, and
Pavement Width Transitions shown where required

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2-2.3 Key Map and Line Index

A key map and line index sheet may be required
on large and complex projects. This sheet is an aid to
clarify sheet locations and arrangements of centerlines.
It is a small-scale graphic line diagram showing all
construction layout lines, sheet arrangements, and
centerlines. The same strip map used for the title sheet
can be used. The scale can be adjusted to fit the sheet.

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2-2.4 Layouts, Profiles, and Superelevation connections. Equations may cause profile
Diagrams plotting to control sheet arrangement. Where
feasible, ramp and auxiliary road profiles should
(1) General be complete on one sheet. Sheets should not end
A layout sheet is defined as one of the following: within a road intersection. The break should be
(a) Full Plan Sheet such as to show the main features on one sheet.
Diagonal placement is satisfactory to attain better
(b) Combined Plan and Profile Sheet coverage. Mainline stationing shall not overlap
(c) Combined Plan, Profile and from one sheet to the other. Match lines shall be
Superelevation Diagram Sheet shown. References to adjoining sheets at the
match lines, such as “See Sheet L-5”, are
Layouts shall contain general project data such optional, but may be advisable where many
as alignment, profiles, earthwork quantities and match lines are shown on a sheet (such as sheets
right of way lines and easements. Abbreviations showing interchange areas, freeway to freeway
and symbols used within the layouts shall be connectors, etc.).
listed along with their meanings on the first
layout sheet. Do not duplicate abbreviations When alignment on layouts is such that
shown on Standard Plan Sheet A10A. At “stacking” is necessary, the sheet shall be
interchange areas it may be necessary to show arranged so that the stationing shall read from
plan and profile on separate sheets. In the top half of the sheet to the bottom half of the
metropolitan areas and at rural interchanges, sheet using match lines.
separate full layout plan sheets may be necessary Attention is directed to Section 2-1.3 of this
to show all the required data. manual regarding metric plan dimensioning.
Where a full plan sheet is needed for plan layout,
full profile sheets shall be used to show main line (2) Preparation Procedures
profiles and profiles of supplemental lines. CADD permits the separation of drawing data
by kind of data. The CADD system defines the
Where main line profiles appear on combined various layers of similar data, or overlays as
plan and profile sheets (layouts), full profile “levels”. Geographical drawings are created by
sheets shall be used to show profiles of combining levels of data from a master drawing.
supplemental lines, such as frontage roads, Refer to Section 2.4 of the CADD User’s Manual.
crossroads, ramps, ditches, channel changes and
other roads which cannot be added conveniently Existing topography may be provided by aerial
to the profile portion of the combined plan and photography, scanned maps, digitized maps, or
profile sheet (layout). maps from ground surveys. Topographic
symbols are shown on Standard Plan A10B.
Rural highway plans are generally prepared to a Construction and cadastral symbols are shown
scale of 1:1000 and urban areas to 1:500. The latter on Standard Plan A10B.
scale may be necessary in some rural areas. It is
permissible to use both scales within a set of plans Existing facilities shall be shown in dashed
provided each sheet contains only one scale. Layout lines or dropout and proposed construction in
sheets shall be oriented to show mainline stationing solid lines.
progressing left to right. All alignment and profile
Caltrans symbols and abbreviations shown
stationing shall be shown in meters only.
in the Standard Plans and Caltrans CADD Cell
Sheets shall be arranged to contain major Library shall be used.
construction features on one sheet. Wherever
Line work shall conform to the requirements in
possible, the major portion of an interchange
Section 1-2.1 of this manual. Lettering sizes shall
should appear on one sheet. This may necessitate
conform to the requirements in Section 1-2.2 of
breaks and match lines for the ends of minor road
this manual.

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(3) Plan Content number are to be included. The CCS datum year
Only those existing topographic features which is shown as “CCS27” for the North American
affect bidding, construction, and maintenance Datum of 1927 or “CCS83” for the North
and which are essential for field orientation of American Datum of 1983. The applicable Zone
the plans shall be shown. Confine topography to numbers are 1 through 7 for “CCS27” and 1
the portion within the right of way and a narrow through 6 for “CCS83”.
band beyond. Include at least two coordinate grid Show and label right of way lines, easement
ticks for orientation. In urban areas, topography lines, right of entry. Show and label township
generally need not be shown. However, any and section lines and corners, recorded
features pertinent to construction, such as subdivisions, Spanish grants, swamp land and
streams, streets, curbs, gutters, and sidewalks tideland surveys, and state, county, and city lines.
involved in the construction, should be shown.
In rural areas where little topography exists, all The layout plan shall show edge of traveled
topography may be shown. Building and way, edge of pavement, edge of shoulders,
appurtenances within the right of way which will curbs, sidewalks, all drainage structures unless
be removed prior to construction are not to be separate Drainage Plans are to be included as
shown. Utilities which remain in place and part of the plans, survey monuments to be set
utilities which are proposed to be relocated shall (if not shown on the Summary of Quantities
be shown unless separate utility plans are to be Sheets), fences, guard railing, barriers, and all
included as part of the project plans. (See other facilities to be constructed. Solid lines are
Section 2-2.13 of this manual). High risk to be used for proposed construction items.
underground facilities shall be shown as Indicate what work is to be performed on
provided in Section 2-2.13 of this manual. existing facilities, such as “Abandon” or
“Remove”. The words “Construct”, “Place”,
Alignment data for all layout lines (mainlines, etc., for new construction are superfluous.
ramps, crossroads, frontage roads, relocated local Necessary dimensions are to be included. The
streets, etc.) shall be shown. Stationing equations, toe of fill and top of cut slopes are to be shown
distances and bearings of all tangents, stations of except where grading is very light.
all curve points and curve data shall be shown.
See Section 2-2.13 of this manual concerning
Coordinate information for selected points (BC’s, showing utilities on the project plans. Where
EC’s, POC’s) on the construction layout line at the extensive or complex utility systems are to be
beginning and end of project construction and shown, separate sheets of utility plans and details
within the curve data tables may be included on shall be included in the project plans.
the plans. Inclusion of coordinate information on
the plans is optional. (4) Profile Content
If coordinate information is included on the Data shown on the Full Profile Sheet or the
plans, it should generally be limited to no more lower half of the combined Plan and Profile Sheet
than six coordinate values on any plan sheet. The can usually be reproduced directly from the
addition of coordinate information shall not re- preliminary profile. The most common vertical
duce the legibility or clarity of other design in- scales are:
formation on the plan sheet. (a) 1:100 -- Rural sections in hilly and moun-
Where coordinate information is included on tainous terrain with considerable rise and fall.
the plans, the statement, “Coordinate values (b) 1:50 -- Rural or urban areas with gently
shown are CCS _______ Zone _______” shall rolling terrain with less than two percent general
be included on the first layout sheet of the plans. ground slope.
The appropriate datum year of the California
Coordinate System (CCS) and applicable Zone (c) 1:20 -- Rural or urban areas in level terrain
where precise grade and gutter design is required.

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Vertical to horizontal scale ratios producing To provide a complete picture, the original
profile grade line plots steeper than 1:1 groundline is to extend a few stations beyond
should be avoided, Scale ratio of H/V = 10 is the beginning and end of the project if this does
most commonly used. See Table 2-1.3A for not require an additional sheet. Future grade lines
most common H/V scales. are to be labeled and shown as short dashed lines.
Other grade lines, such as ditches, gutters, and
The datum elevations should be placed on top pipes, are to be shown by distinctive symbols
of the horizontal grid line they represent at both and so labeled.
ends of the profile line. Placing datum elevations
from top to bottom of the sheet is not necessary. Elevations are to be shown at BVCs, EVCs,
Only a few elevations are needed in the PRVCs, PCVCs, equations, paving notches,
immediate vicinity of the profile line. broken profiles for datum changes, and at each
edge of the sheet on profile grade. No additional
Bench mark data (bench number, description, elevations need be shown on the vertical curves.
and location in relation to the layout line) is to
be included with the profile information. Vertical curve lengths and tangent gradients
Inclusion of bench mark elevations is optional. are to be shown. Gradients must be shown at
Where bench mark elevations are shown on the points of reverse or compound vertical curvature.
plans, the basis of the vertical datum is to be If the profile grade line is not on the construction
shown on the first sheet of profiles using the layout line, a note is to be added to indicate the
statement, “Elevation is based on _________ position of the profile grade, such as “Profile
Datum”. The current vertical datum used by Grade at Inner ETW” or for example “Profile
Caltrans is the “National Geodetic Vertical Grade is 1.2 m Left or Right of C/L”.
Datum of 1929”. If this is the vertical datum used,
the blank space in the statement would be shown Station pluses are shown for all points where
as “1929 National Geodetic Vertical”. elevations are shown if these points do not fall
on the vertical grid lines.
The original groundline shall be checked for
obvious errors in plotting and missing break The names of all major intersected streets,
points at ditches, levees, etc. railroads, grade separation structures, streams,
and other layout lines are to be labeled vertically
The original groundline and profile grade line along the profile.
should not crowd the top or bottom of the sheet.
Roadway excavation and embankment
On combined Plan and Profile Sheets the quantities should be listed along the bottom of
profile stationing shall match the stationing as the profile (on both Full Profile Sheets and Plan
shown in the plan portion. and Profile Sheets). These quantities may be
listed by station, or individual cuts and fills.
On Full Profile Sheets the horizontal scale Where the roadway crosses a stream or
need not correspond to the plan scale. crossroad, the point of crossing should be a
Where profiles are “stacked” on Full Profile division point for listing cut and fill quantities.
Sheets, they shall be arranged so that stationing Station limits for cut and fill quantities need not
progresses from the top half of the sheet to the be identical. Where quantities for major ramps
bottom half of the sheet. or other roads have been calculated separately,
they are to be listed with their respective profiles
Profile stationing shall not overlap. Equation rather than lumping them with the main line. In
stations may control coverage and arrangement. such a case, a cross reference note is desirable.
Overlapping equations shall be plotted so that a Sheet totals should be shown in the lower right
gap exists between the back and forward stations. corner when quantities are listed by station.
The distance through the equation between ad-
jacent full stations is to be shown.

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(5) Superelevation Transition Diagram (f) Stationing of all superelevation PIs,

Content BVCs, and EVCs where these do not fall on a
A superelevation transition diagram is a vertical grid line.
graphic plot of the crown slopes, superelevations, (g) Each pavement and shoulder plane.
and superelevation transitions of the pavement Label each.
and shoulders.
(h) Bridge locations.
The following should be included:
Vertical curves at the beginning and end of
(a) Stationing. superelevation transitions are no longer required.
(b) Superelevation in percent.
Certain combinations of profile grade line,
(c) PI of the superelevation (optional). vertical curves, superelevation transitions, and
(d) Axis of rotation (0% line). variable pavement widths may produce
(e) Curve points--Vertical lines should indicate undesirable pavement edge profiles. Where these
the location of all horizontal curve BCs and ECs. combinations occur, it is essential to plot edge
Give the stations, radii, and direction of curvature. of pavement and edge of shoulder profiles and
(Radii and direction of curvature need not be graphically adjust bumps and drainage pockets.
shown where the super diagram is shown on the These plots should be drawn to an exaggerated
combination Plan and Profile Sheet.) vertical scale and submitted to the Resident
Engineer for use in staking.

NOTES

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LAYOUT SHEET CHECK LIST

District, County and Route (upper right corner) Mandatory Material and Disposal Sites (use of
mandatory sites is to be avoided where possible)
Sheet Number and Kilometer Post (upper right
corner) Road approaches
Standard North Arrow Detours, if not shown on Detour Plan Sheets
Curve Data (all curve alignment numbers shall Pavement Removal
be consecutive throughout the Layout Sheets)
Existing Pavements
Scale
Curbs and Dikes
Line Designations
Sidewalks, Driveways and Curb Ramps (case
Bearing and Distance on All Stationed Lines type)
(showing coordinate information for selected
points is optional) Direction of Flow (stream, creek, river, etc.)

Station Equations Special Structures

R/W Lines and Access Control Lines (access Survey Monuments (showing coordinate
control tick marks are not required to be shown information is optional)
on project plans)
Signature, Date of Signature and Registration
Fences and Gates Seal information completed, (upper right corner)

Township, Range and Section Lines (not Topography (when pertinent)

necessary to show within city limits)
Cut and Fill Lines
City, County Limits and Names
Easement and Permits
Guard Railing, Barriers and Crash Cushions
CU No. 00000 EA 000000 (lower right margin)
Utilities (unless shown on separate utility plans)
The following note shall be shown on each layout
(label as to type of utility, size and ownership)
sheet: “For complete R/W and Accurate Access
Bridge Names and Numbers (show br no. only Data, see R/W Record Maps at District Office”
when work is to be performed on bridge and (in the case of conventional highway, omit the
bridge plans are included) words “and Accurate Access”)

Waterways Edge Drain Locations, Including Types of

Outlets, Vents and Cleanouts (if not shown on
Channel Changes the drainage plan sheets)
Retaining Walls First sheet of layouts contains notes, legends,
symbols and abbreviations not shown on
Standard Plans.

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PROFILE CHECK LIST

Profile Lines With Designation and Grade Percent Street or Road Centerline and Name where it
crosses Main Profile Line
Original Ground Lines With Label - Ground line
should extend a few stations beyond the beginning Road and Driveway Approach Grade Lines with
and end of profiles on the first and last sheet Line Designation and Grade in Percent
Future Grade Lines should be Dashed and Datum at both edges of sheet (on top of the
Labeled horizontal grid line)
Vertical Curve Lengths Stations Pluses if not on Vertical Grid Lines
Elevations (shown at BVC, EVC, PRVC, and Equations
PCVC, equations, paving notches, broken profiles,
and at each edge of sheet on profile grade) Benchmarks (showing elevations is optional)

Top Rail Elevation (railroad) Superelevation Transition Diagram (shown

directly above the corresponding profile where
Channel, Ditch, and Gutter Grade Lines with sufficient space is available on profile sheet)
Grade in Percent
CU No. and EA No. (lower right corner)
Station and Elevation of Begin and End Bridge
Signature, Date of Signature and Registration
Earthwork Quantities (listed by station, or Seal information completed, (upper right corner).
individual cuts and fills) - sheet total
Label Bridge Name and Number (show Bridge
No. only when work is to be performed on bridge
and bridge plans are included)

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2-2.5 Construction Details

This sheet supplies supplementary information Pavement elevations may be shown on the
that cannot be shown on the layout plan sheets Construction Detail sheets. Pavement elevations
because of complex and extensive details required. generally will be required at large curve returns,
The details shown on the Construction Detail Sheet some speed-change lanes and at transition areas that
are unique to a specific project and those for which cannot be defined with information on the profiles
there are no Standard Plans. and superelevation diagrams.
Normally these sheets are prepared to a larger
scale than the plan sheets, such as 1:200 or larger,
or labeled as no scale. Items need to be fully
dimensioned so that they are buildable and the
quantities are calculable. Examples of construction
items that may require construction details are curb
transitions, guard railing, sidewalks, curbs,
pavement surfacing conforms, and driveways.
Details for other work (for example: drainage,
signing, pavement delineation, etc.) are to be shown
on their own detail sheets.

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2-2.6 Temporary Water Pollution Control

Plans and Details
Detail sheets which show Best Management
Practices (BMP) for Temporary Water Pollution
should be considered for inclusion in the Project
Plans. When details and quantities are included in
the Project Plans, layout information, depicting
location and placement of the BMP’s, is to be shown
on the stormwater information handout. Use of a
1:500 scale will typically be appropriate for these
layouts. These Layout Sheets are not part of the
contract plans, and should be handled similar to
Cross Sections. See Section 2-2.25.
Temporary control features may include, but are
not limited to, silt fences, check dams, drainage inlet
protection, and drainage outlet protection.

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2-2.7 Contour Grading Plans

Contour Grading Plan Sheets indicate the On large complex projects, contour grading shall
configuration of embankments and cuts when the be shown on separate sheets. Contour grading, when
shapes of these items are variable, warped, or minimal, may be shown on layout plan sheets where
complex. the addition of the contour grading to such sheets
will not produce sheets which are cluttered,
Roadways with centerline stationing, contours unreadable, or confusing.
of grading (existing and proposed), slope lines, and
benching are to be shown. Pavement elevations may Each sheet of the Contour Grading Plans shall
be shown. have the following note included on them: “This
plan accurate for Contour Grading work only.”
Existing contours shall appear as dropouts in the
background. New contour grading shall be shown
as solid lines. Index contours are shown as a heavy
line and shall be labeled with their elevations. See
Table 2-1.3A in Section 2-1.3 of this manual.

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2-2.8 Drainage Plans

Drainage plans should show layout and location The drainage system number and unit designation
of drainage facilities. Existing facilities shall appear shall correspond with those shown on the Drainage
as dropouts in the background. The proposed Profiles, Drainage Details and Drainage Quantities.
drainage work shall be shown as solid lines. Indicate
what work is to be performed on existing facilities, Indicate ditches by standard symbols with
such as “Abandon” or “Remove”. The words arrowheads to show direction of flow. Flow arrows
“Construct”, “Place”, etc., for new construction are are often helpful at inlet and outlet structures.
superfluous. Subsurface drainage such as underdrains,
The following data is to be given for each pipe horizontal drains, edge drains, and subgrade drains
culvert, box culvert, etc., for each drainage system: may be shown on the Drainage Plan Sheets. Where
subsurface drainage systems are large and complex,
(a) Size they may require preparation of separate sheets of
(b) Type plans. Edge drain outlets and vents should connect
to drainage facilities, such as drainage inlets,
(c) Location (station pluses) drainage pipes, and overside drains, whenever
The station reference used for a drainage system possible. If such features are not available, the
is the point at which the culvert crosses or intersects Standard Plans show various methods to handle edge
the roadway centerline or profile grade. drain outlets, vents, and cleanouts. The type of edge
drain outlets, vents, and cleanouts shall be shown
Each drainage system shall be identified by on the project plans. Subsurface drainage items
number, and each element of the system shall be should be summarized on a separate quantity list
assigned a drainage unit designation, e.g., and should not normally be shown on the drainage
Drainage System No. 1 quantity list specified under Section 2-2.11 of this
manual. The quantity list of subsurface drainage
Drainage Unit a , b , etc. items such as edge drains may require separate
A drainage system may consist of a single culvert summary sheets, otherwise they may be listed on
with no appurtenances or may be a complex system the Summary of Quantities sheet.
consisting of several culverts and appurtenances A list of abbreviations and symbols with their
feeding into a main culvert. meanings should be included on the first sheet of
A Drainage System Number shall be assigned the drainage plans. Do not duplicate abbreviations
to each drainage system on the project where work shown on Standard Plan Sheet A10A.
is to be performed. The system numbering and units Each sheet of the Drainage Plans shall have
shall be consecutive throughout the project. System the following note included on them: “This plan
numbering should not start and stop for each accurate for Drainage work only.”
individual sheet of drainage plans.

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2-2.9 Drainage Profiles

Where drainage facilities are to be installed, (e) Drainage System Number and Unit
constructed or removed, drainage profiles shall be Designation (See Section 2-2.8). Drainage system
prepared for inclusion in the plans. number and unit designation must correspond with
drainage plan sheets and quantities summary sheets.
A profile of each proposed drainage system shall
be plotted on the Drainage Profile Sheets. Drainage The length of pipe culvert for each individual
profiles are required so that they will allow the Drainage Unit shown on the drainage profile sheet
quantity of excavation and backfill to be determined should be:
which is needed to install or construct the system or
remove a drainage facility. Excavation and backfill (1) The estimated length of the pipe required
is included in the price paid for each item of work expressed to the nearest 0.1 m for culverts between
to install, construct or remove a drainage facility. successive drainage structures (inlets, junction boxes,
etc.), and
Each Drainage Profile Sheet shall contain the
following data for each drainage system: (2) The estimated length of the pipe required
rounded up to the nearest 0.5 m increment of pipe
(a) Type, size, length, and location of culverts. where the culvert is not between successive drainage
structures (inlets, junction boxes, etc.).
(b) Culvert appurtenances (including, but not
limited to, headwalls, wingwalls, drainage inlets, The length of pipe culvert for each individual
flared end sections, inlet and outlet structures) shall Drainage Unit shown on the drainage quantity sheet
be shown and labeled. shall be the same estimated pipe length shown on
the drainage profile.
(c) Existing groundline profile and finished grade.
(d) All flow line elevations. The slope of the
culvert may also be shown by percentage.

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2-2.10 Drainage Details

The details shown on the Drainage Detail Sheets are Drainage details which are applicable to a specific
unique to a specific project and those for which there are Drainage System should be identified on the Drainage
no Standard Plans. They usually depict special drainage Detail Sheet by the corresponding Drainage System
structures, channel changes, modifications to existing Number and Unit Designation. Drainage system
structures, etc. number and unit designation must correspond with
drainage plan sheets and quantities summary sheets.
Drainage Detail Sheets should not be confused
with Drainage Plan Sheets. Drainage Plan Sheets
show layouts of drainage systems.

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2-2.11 Drainage Quantities below the associated culvert. A space shall be

provided between separate drainage systems.
This sheet consists of a summary of drainage
facilities and appurtenances, which are to be A separate column shall be shown for pipe
constructed, installed, removed, reset, remodeled, culvert joint classification (standard, positive, or
adjusted, relaid, modified, abandoned, reconstructed, downdrain). Where situations dictate watertightness
or salvaged. for joints other than the downdrain type, a note
should be added to the list indicating which joints
Drainage facilities shall be referenced on the
are to be made watertight.
Drainage Quantities Sheet by station and by
Drainage System Number and Unit Designation. A separate column shall be provided on the list
Where sufficient space is available on the sheet the as “Height of Inlet”. This is the ‘H’ dimension of
Drainage System Number and Unit Designation may drainage inlets as depicted on the Standard Plans
appear on both edges of the sheet. Station, Drainage for drainage inlets. The dimension to be included in
System Number and Unit Designation shall be the the “Height of Inlet” column shall be the calculated
last columns on the right edge of the sheet. See the height rounded to the nearest 0.02 m increment.
drainage quantities sample sheet.
A separate column shall be provided on the list
The station reference used for a drainage system as “maximum cover” which indicates the maximum
is the point at which the culvert crosses or intersects cover over each length of circular reinforced
the roadway centerline or profile grade. concrete pipe culvert (or alternative pipe culvert
Appurtenances for these culverts shall be entered where circular reinforced concrete pipe is allowable
under the same station as the culvert regardless of alternative pipe material option). Cover is defined
the skew or distance from centerline. Where culverts as the maximum vertical distance from the top of
are installed in the median or in roadside areas pipe to finished grade. The maximum height of cover
approximately parallel with the roadbed, as a shall be shown to the nearest 0.1 m, since the class
separate system, they shall be referenced to roadway of reinforced concrete pipe to be installed depends
centerline at each end of the culvert or to the on the method of excavation and backfill, and the
associated appurtenance at the end of the culvert, limits of cover as set forth in the Standard Plans.
such as drainage inlets. Downdrains shall be
referenced to the nearest centerline station. Station Columns shall be provided for all drainage
references shall match those shown on the Drainage facilities, which are, pay items. Items of like or related
Plan Sheet and Drainage Profile Sheet. nature are grouped together to facilitate checking and
for ready reference. The column headings for pay
See Section 2-2.8 of this manual for definition items shall read the same as the description for the
and usage of Drainage System Numbers and Unit pay item shown in the Engineer’s Estimate.
Designation. Drainage System Number and Unit
designation must correspond with drainage plan Separate columns shall be provided for each size
sheets and drainage profile sheets. and type of pipe culvert. Circular reinforced concrete
pipe shall be shown by size only, where the method
A description column shall be provided on of excavation and backfill shown on the Standard
the Drainage Quantities Sheet showing name, Plans will apply. In such cases, the contractor will
size, type, or classification of all units of each select the class of circular reinforced concrete pipe.
drainage system. Where circular reinforced concrete pipe is to be
installed by other methods, the size and class of the
Units of the system which require separate
associated length of circular reinforced concrete pipe
calculations for pay quantities, such as headwalls
shall be shown in the column headings. Oval shaped
and drainage inlets, shall be shown on separate lines.
reinforced concrete pipe and reinforced concrete
Culvert appurtenances such as elbows, which do not
pipe arch shall be shown by size and class.
require a calculation, may be shown on the same
Corrugated metal pipe culvert (steel or aluminum)
line as the culvert. Inlet and outlet appurtenances
shall be shown by size of pipe, wall thickness, and
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corrugation type (annular and/or helical). Where When there are two or more sets of allowable
metal pipes require bituminous coating, lining, or pipe materials for alternative pipe of the same
invert paving, show them as such in the column nominal size or hydraulic capacity, the pipe culvert
heading for the pipe culverts involved. shall be designated as alternative pipe culvert (APC)
Type A, Type B, etc. Two such examples of this
The length of pipe culvert for each individual situation are shown in Table 2-2.11:
Drainage Unit shown on the drainage quantities
sheet shall be the same estimated length of the pipe (1) 450 mm APC (Type A), 450 mm APC (Type B).
shown on the drainage profile. and
Where two or more pipe materials meet the (2) 900 mm APC (Type A), 900 mm APC (Type B).
physical standards and hydraulic requirements for When there is only one set of allowable pipe
a culvert, the culvert shall be identified as materials for alternative pipe culvert of the same
alternative pipe culvert. A table of allowable pipe nominal size or hydraulic capacity, the type of
materials for alternative pipe culvert, similar to alternative pipe culvert shall not be designated.
Table 2-2.11 shown herein, designating the type Examples of this situation are shown in Table
of material, size, class (when applicable),
2-2.11 for 600 mm APC.
thickness, and protection shall be shown on the
first sheet of the Drainage Quantities. Refer to
Topic 853.3 of the Highway Design Manual.

TABLE 2-2.11

ALTERNATIVE PIPE CULVERTS

ALLOWABLE PIPE MATERIAL AND PROTECTION
RCP CSP CAP
DESIGNATION Size Size Thick Bitum. Bitum. Size Thick Bitum. Bitum.
(mm) (mm) (mm) Coat Paved (mm) (mm) Coat Paved
Invert Invert

450 mm APC (TYPE A) 450 450* 1.63 NO NO 450* 1.5 NO NO

450 mm APC (TYPE B) 450 600* 1.63 YES NO 600* 1.5 NO NO
600 mm APC 600 750* 2.01 YES YES —- —— —- —-
900 mm APC (TYPE A) 900 1050* 2.77 YES YES 1050* 3.4 NO NO
900 mm APC (TYPE B) 900 900* 2.01 YES NO 900* 2.7 NO NO

Note: 900 mm Alternative Pipe Inlets and 900 mm Alternative Pipe Risers used with the alternative
pipe culverts shown in this table shall be either Precast Concrete Pipe or Corrugated Steel Pipe
(1.63 mm thick).
* Either helical or annular corrugations are allowable.

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Structure excavation, structure backfill, and Cast-in-place reinforced concrete box culverts
culvert beddings required for installation of culverts and any associated headwalls, wingwalls, endwalls,
shall not be shown on the Drainage Quantities Sheet. and warped wingwalls are paid for by the cubic
These items are not paid for separately. They are meter of concrete (usually Class 1 concrete) and by
included in the price paid per meter for the culvert. the kilogram for bar reinforcing steel required for
construction of such facilities.
Structure excavation, structure backfill, and
pervious backfill required for construction of all Precast reinforced concrete box culverts are paid
culvert headwalls, endwalls, and wingwalls shall not for by length (meter).
be shown on the drainage list, since the items are
not paid for separately. The items of structure Headwalls, endwalls, and warped wingwalls
excavation, structure backfill and pervious backfill for pipe culverts 1500 mm and greater in diam-
are included in the price paid per cubic meter for eter are paid for in the same manner as wingwalls
the concrete to construct such facilities. for concrete box culverts.

Pipe inlets and pipe risers shall be shown under Separate columns for Class 1 concrete (structure)
separate columns for the size, type, and thickness and bar reinforcing steel shall be used when box
(where applicable). The dimension shown in the culverts, concrete arch culverts, and headwalls,
entries for the individual pay lengths shall be the endwalls, or warped wingwalls for large diameter pipe
‘H’ dimension expressed to the nearest 0.02 m. culverts are to be constructed. When conditions
Concrete bases for pipe inlets and pipe risers are require isolation of quantities for construction of
usually paid for by the cubic meter as minor concrete specific structures, the column headings and items
(minor structure). The quantities for the concrete of work may be more specialized [for example: Class
bases shall be listed under the column heading of 1 concrete (box culvert) and bar reinforcing steel (box
“Minor Concrete (Minor Structure)”. Quantities of culvert) for box culvert construction].
minor concrete (minor structure) shall be shown to Separate columns shall be used for the various
the nearest 0.01m3. existing drainage facilities, which are to be removed,
Concrete drainage inlets such as those shown on reset, remodeled, adjusted, relaid, modified,
Standard Plans D72 and D73; and pipe headwalls as abandoned, reconstructed, or salvaged. Remodeling,
shown on Standard Plan D89 are usually paid for by adjusting, or modifying existing concrete drainage
the cubic meter as minor concrete (minor structure). inlets may be paid for by the cubic meter of minor
The quantities for such shall be listed under the concrete (minor structure) necessary to perform the
column heading of “Minor Concrete (Minor work involved or may be paid for by the unit (each).
Structure)”. Quantities of minor concrete (minor Separate columns are used for such items as
structure) shall be shown to the nearest 0.01 m3. flared end sections, pipe downdrains, downdrain slip
Frames, grates, and covers for drainage inlets joints, downdrain anchors, entrance tapers, rock
(both concrete and pipe inlets) are normally paid slope protection, and concrete used for slope
for by the kilogram as miscellaneous iron and steel. protection, gutter lining, ditch lining, and channel
A separate column should be used for the item of lining. Such concrete is not be designated by class
miscellaneous iron and steel. The type of grate may or as minor concrete in the Engineer’s Estimate or
be shown in a separate column or may be referred on the plans.
to in the description column. Certain pay items such as “minor concrete (minor
structure)” and “miscellaneous iron and steel” are
usually designated as final pay quantities. Final pay
quantities are to be designated on the Engineer’s
Estimate using (F) or (S-F) as appropriate for the item
involved. Do not identify final pay items on the plans.

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Items of work shown in the columns which are Where the Drainage Quantities consists of one
not a separate pay item, but are included in other sheet, quantity totals for each pay item column shall
items of work, should be indicated with the symbol appear at the bottom of the sheet. Where the
“(N)” in the column heading for such items and by Drainage Quantities consists of more than one sheet,
adding the following note to the sheet: sheet totals shall be shown as subtotal at the bottom
of each individual sheet and the project totals for
(N) = Not a separate pay item, for information only. each pay item column shall appear on the last sheet
of the Drainage Quantities.

Notes

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2-2.12 Sanitary Sewer Plans, Profiles,

Details, and Quantities
Where extensive or complex sewer work is to When final pay items are included in the sanitary
be performed as contract work, separate Sewer Plan sewer quantities, the final pay quantities are to be
Sheets shall be included in the project plans. designated on the Engineer’s Estimate using (F) or
(S-F) as appropriate for the item involved. Do not
Existing sewer facilities shall appear as dropouts identify final pay items on the plans.
in the background. Proposed sewer work shall be
shown as solid lines. Indicate what work is to be Each sheet of the Sewer Plans shall have the
performed on existing facilities such as “Remove,” following note included on them: “This plan
“Relocate,” or “Abandon”. accurate for Sewer work only.”
Clearly define sewer work as to which is to be done When using Standard Drawings from other
by our contractor and which is to be done by others. agencies, enlarge drawings so when reduced to 279
mm x 432 mm (11"x17") size they will be readable.
Where new sewer lines are to be constructed as
contract items, profiles along such lines shall be
included in the plans.
Where a large number of sewer details are to
be included or where a large number of sewer pay
items are involved, separate sheets should be
prepared to show sewer details and sewer
quantities. Do not add sewer details or the sewer
quantity list to the sewer plan (layout) sheet where
such addition would produce sheets that are
cluttered, unreadable, or confusing.

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2-2.13 Utility Plans and Details

Existing utilities are to be clearly and accurately • pavement removal or trenching beneath
depicted on the project plans. Where utilities are to existing pavement where planned excavation
be relocated, existing and final location of the is 300 millimeters or less below the existing
utilities are to be shown on the project plans. Where road surface.
extensive or complex utility systems are to be
shown, separate sheets of utility plans and details Only horizontal alignment is necessary if the high
shall be included in the project plans. risk facility is more than 1.1 m below the lowest
planned work or when the facility is 1.2 m or more
It is responsibility of the project engineer to horizontally from the side of the excavation. If the
provide Right of Way Utility section with appropriate high risk facility is more than 1.1 m below the lowest
prints of geometric plans, profiles, and cross sections planned work, it should be noted on the plan as
as required for the purposes of determining the “Depth exceeds 1.1 m below planned work”.
location, possible utility conflicts, and negotiating
utility agreements. This information should be All projects must conform to the “Policy on High
provided to the utility section when geometric and Low Risk Underground Facilities within
approval is obtained. The utility section will provide Highway Rights of Way”. Submit any deviation
the project engineer with any corrections and from the policy to Chief, Office of Resolutions of
additions to the preliminary utility plan after review Necessity, Encroachments and Resource
by the utility companies. This information shall be Conservation in the Design Program for approval.
included in the final utility plans. Include a copy of the approval with the PS&E
submittal
Exceptions to including utility facilities as part
of the project plans may be made where the nature Existing utilities should be shown dropped out
of the work to be done is such that there is little unless they would not be readable on prints or
likelihood of damage to existing facilities. Examples reductions. If they will not be readable, they should
of such projects are grooving, asphalt concrete be darkened sufficiently to become readable as well
overlays, or landscaping. as distinguishable from the new or relocated
facilities. The utility plans shall show what work is
High risk utilities must be shown in accordance to be performed, such as remove, relocate,
with departmental policy on high and low risk abandoned or new installations. Clearly define utility
underground facilities within the right of way. High work as to which is to be done by our contractor
risk facilities are identified in the “Policy on High and which to be done by others. State-owned
and Low Risk Underground Facilities within facilities shall be shown where they may affect the
Highway Rights of Way” and in Standard Special work. Utilities to be relocated (or removed or
Provision 8.02. If high risk utilities are involved on installed) prior to construction should be labeled on
the project, both elevation and horizontal alignment the plans as “To be relocated (or removed or
of the facilities or only horizontal alignment need installed) by others.”
be shown on the plans. Refer to the “Policy on High
and Low Risk Underground Facilities within Partial cross sections showing the relation of an
Highway Rights of Way”. existing utility to a proposed drainage pipe or bridge
footing should be shown on the plans to avoid conflicts.
Generally, alignment and elevation for high risk This is critical if hazardous pipe lines are involved.
facilities need not be shown for:
Pot holing generally is required prior to
• resurfacing, pavement markers, grinding, advertising where high risk underground facilities
grooving, and curb ramp projects where may be affected.
planned excavation is 150 millimeters or less
below the existing ground level and Each sheet of the Utility Plans shall have the fol-
lowing note included on them: “This plan accurate
for Utility work only.”

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2-2.14 Transportation Management Plans

Plans for project transportation management are Criteria for developing the overall Transportation
to be included in the set of project plans as part of Management Plan for the project is included in the
the project’s overall Transportation Management publication, “ Transportation Management Plan
Plan to minimize activity-related traffic delays and Guidelines”, prepared by Traffic Operations
accidents. The plans should include, but not be Program - Office of Systems Management Operations.
limited to, advance closure signs, closure alerts using
portable changeable message signs, and detour
signing. The project’s overall Transportation
Management Plan has the goal of congestion relief
during project construction activities by managing
traffic flow through and around the project area.

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2-2.15 Stage Construction, Traffic

Handling Plans, and Detours
These plans show the sequence of operation, Traffic Handling Plans should not be confused
work to be performed, materials to be used, and the with Traffic Control System Standard Plans (“T”
traveled way to be used for all movements of traffic Series). Traffic Control System Plans show lane
during each construction sequence. closures or ramp closures, which are for short
periods of time. The traffic control systems shown
Stage Construction and Traffic Handling Plans on the Standard Plans are usually installed and
and Detour Plans shall be included in the project removed on a daily basis.
plans when detours or staging of the work is needed.
Where sufficient information to construct detours The components of the Traffic Handling Plans
cannot be shown on the Stage Construction and consist of such items as channelizers, Class 1
Traffic Handling Plans, separate Detour Plans shall delineators, portable delineators, barricades,
be prepared. construction area signs, flashing yellow beacons,
temporary striping (edgelines, centerlines, lane lines,
Each stage shown on the Stage Construction etc.), temporary pavement markings, temporary
Plan shall show the sequence of construction by pavement markers, etc. The components of the
symbols and corresponding legend. The symbols Traffic Handling Plan are normally paid for as
used shall show the following: separate pay items.
(a) Existing roadbeds and those roadbeds Pay quantities may be summarized with the
completed on previous stage, Traffic Handling Plans or on the summary of
(b) Construction to be performed in the stage quantities sheet.
shown, The Stage Construction and Traffic Handling
(c) Traffic direction and number of lanes Plans shall include temporary drainage, temporary
available in the stage shown. signing, temporary striping, and temporary lighting
requirements. Modification of existing traffic signals
Existing roads or detours that have been replaced or installation of temporary signals may be required
by permanent construction in previous stages shall for stage construction and may be shown on the
not be shown on subsequent stages. Electrical plan sheets provided a cross reference to
the appropriate electrical plan sheet is included on
The Stage Construction Plans should contain
the applicable stage construction plan sheet.
sufficient alignment, profiles, and typical cross
sections to construct temporary roadways in the If utility installation or relocation work by
stage sequence shown. It is not necessary to show others is to be coordinated with the Contractor’s
profiles and typical cross sections on the Stage operations, such work shall be shown on the
Construction Plan Sheets if they are clearly shown Stage Construction and Traffic Handling Plans
elsewhere in the project plans. However, if they and designated as work to be done by others.
are not shown on the Stage Construction Plans, Cross references should be made to the Utility
reference should be made to the Project Plan Plan Sheet that applies.
Sheets that show same.
Each sheet of the Stage Construction Plan,
Traffic Handling Plans show how traffic is to be Traffic Handling Plan, and Detour Plan shall have
routed and maintained within the limits of the a note included on them as applicable to the work
project. These plans are unique for each individual shown: Example: “This plan accurate for Stage
project. The plans show long-term closures of lanes Construction work only.”
and ramps, detours and the number of traffic lanes
available for public traffic. Rerouting or detouring
of traffic may require restriping of roadbeds.

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2-2.16 Construction Area Signs

Temporary Signing
Construction area signs include all temporary Construction area sign quantities shall be
signs required for the direction of public traffic summarized on the Construction Area Sign Plans
through or around the work during construction. and/or on the Traffic Handling Plans in tabular
Construction area signs are to be shown on the format giving the sign code number and size of
Detour Plans, Stage Construction Plans, and/or sign panel. If locations of construction area signs
Traffic Handling Plans. If Detour Plans, Stage can not also be shown graphically on the plans (e.g.
Construction Plans, and/or Traffic Handling plans seal coat projects without layouts sheets), the
are not required for the project, the Construction approximate location of the signs (station or
Area Signs (e.g. “Road Construction Ahead” and kilometer post or other information to describe the
“End Construction” signs) are to be shown on the location) shall be shown in the sign tabulation. A
Construction Area sign plans. Construction area sign detail showing the sign message and message
signs also appear on the Standard Plans for traffic layout on the sign panel shall be included for all
control systems (“T” Series). This Section 2-2.16 special construction area signs. If construction area
does not apply to those temporary signs illustrated signs require stationary mounting, they shall be
on the “T” Series Standard Plans. Construction designated as “stationary mounted” on the plans.
area signs on the “T” Series Standard Plans are If construction area signs are to be stationary
not to be included in the construction area sign mounted, the size and number of posts required
pay item. Utility facilities within the area where shall be shown in the sign tabulation.
stationary mounted construction area signs are to
be installed shall be shown on the plans. Each sheet of the Construction Area Sign Plans
shall have the following note included on them:
“This plan accurate for Construction Area Sign
work only.”

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2-2.17 Pavement Delineation Plans,

Details and Quantities
The plans shall include final traffic lines and A summary of quantities for the items of traffic
pavement markings and pavement markers; and lines, pavement markings, pavement markers,
may include object markers, kilometer post delineators, channelizers, and markers (object and
markers, channelizers and delineators. Lines and kilometer post) shall be included in the project plans.
pavement markings shall include lanelines, The summary of pavement delineation quantities
edgelines, channelizing lines at exit and entrance should accompany the pavement delineation plans.
ramp gores, crosswalks, limit lines (stop line), Entries within the tabular format should be
arrows, and any other appropriate delineation. Lane referenced to a line and station.
widths shall be indicated.
Temporary pavement delineation, if required,
The limits and detail number for each line of should be included in the Stage Construction and/
markings shall be shown on the plans. The detail or Traffic Handling Plans.
numbers are those shown in the Standard Plans.
Where the details shown on the Standard Plans Each sheet of the Pavement Delineation Plans
do not fit a particular situation, special details for shall have the following note included on them: “This
the particular situation shall be shown as part of plan accurate for Pavement Delineation work only.”
the plans.
Details of standard pavement markings are
included in the Standard Plans.

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2-2.18 Summary of Quantities

Quantity summaries shall be included in the The tables for place asphalt concrete (miscellaneous
project plans to aid in determining the location and areas) should include areas which cannot be placed
quantities for pay items which are located throughout with an asphalt concrete spreader such as asphalt
the plans. Quantities must be calculated for items such concrete overside drains, asphalt concrete aprons,
as miscellaneous concrete construction (curbs, asphalt concrete walkways, pipe downdrain flares, and
sidewalks and so on), dikes, guard railing, and island paving.
fencing.
Tables for minor concrete (miscellaneous
Drainage quantities shall be included on the construction) should include curb, valley gutters,
Drainage Quantities Sheet (See Section 2-2.11). driveways, gutter depressions, and sidewalks.
Quantity summaries shall be in tabular format. When tables summarize quantities from other
Entries within the table shall be referenced to a line plan sections [for example, Place Asphalt Concrete
and station for easy location on the plans. Summary (Miscellaneous Area) from drainage quantities] de-
headings shall match description for the pay item scribe their origin by note. (Example: “From Drain-
shown in the Engineer’s Estimate. age Quantities”).
When final pay items are included in the summary If the quantity shown on the summary does
of quantities, the final pay quantities are to be not include all the quantity for an item, describe
designated on the Engineer’s Estimate using (F) or where the additional information can be found.
(S-F) as appropriate for the item involved. Do not (Example: Note: See Structures plans for addi-
identify final pay items on the plans. tional concrete barrier quantities.)
Items of work shown on the summary of A quantity table for a specific pay item should
quantities sheet which are not a separate pay item, include detailed information on the location of the
but are included in other items of work, should be work to be performed. Do not simply repeat the item
indicated with the symbol “(N)” in the column by item listing shown in the Engineer’s Estimate as
heading for such items and by adding the following the summary of quantities.
note to the sheet:
Use the same amount of decimal places on the
(N) = Not a separate pay item, for information only. plan and the quantity summaries (same degree of
accuracy). Do not use commas to group digits,
Earthwork quantities are normally to be shown use a space.
on the Full Profile Sheet or the profile portion of
the plan (layout) sheet. If earthwork quantities are
not shown on the profiles, they shall be summarized
on the summary of quantities sheet. Regardless of
where the earthwork quantities are summarized on
the plans, the total amount of roadway excavation
and embankment shall be shown.

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2-2.19 Sign Plans, Details, and Quantities

Permanent Signing
The sign plans show existing roadside signs and When final pay items are included in the sign
overhead signs that are to be removed, salvaged, quantities, the final pay quantities are to be
relocated, reset, modified, or reconstructed. New designated on the Engineer’s Estimate using (F)
roadside signs and overhead signs, which are to or (S-F) as appropriate for the item involved. Do
be installed or constructed, are also shown on the not identify final pay items on the plans.
sign plans.
Items of work shown in the columns of the
Roadside signs and overhead signs shall be sign quantities which are not a separate pay item,
drawn on the sign plan sheet so that the sign but are included in other items of work, should
message can be read from the bottom of the sheet. be indicated with the symbol “(N)” in the column
The signs shall not be positioned on the sheet in heading for such items and by adding the
the direction of traffic. following note to the sheet:
Each sign or sign structure shall be identified (N) = Not a separate pay item, for information
by an individual sign number that shall correspond only.
to that used on the sign plan, sign details and sign
quantities list. Each sheet of the Sign Plans shall have the
following note included on them: “This sheet
Sign quantities for roadside signs and accurate for Sign work only.”
overhead signs shall be summarized in tabular
formats. The items for furnish and install sign
structures (tubular, truss, lightweight, etc.) are
paid for by the kilogram and usually designated
as final pay quantities.

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2-2.20 Retaining Wall Plans, Details

and Quantities
Standard Plans are available for a variety of earth The elevation and location of existing facilities
retaining systems (retaining walls). Loading to be abandoned or to remain in place during
conditions and foundation requirements are outlined retaining wall construction shall be shown.
in the Standard Plans. For sites with requirements
that are not covered by the Standard Plans, a special Special wall details, as applicable to wall
design earth retaining system is required. Refer to construction, such as sign bases, utility openings,
Topic 210 of the Highway Design Manual. drainage features, fences, and concrete barriers
should be shown on the plan sheet of the wall
A foundation investigation should be made for concerned or included on a separate detail sheet with
all locations at which a retaining wall is being the wall plan sheets.
considered. Foundation investigations are made
either by the district’s materials unit or the Division Where more than one wall is to be constructed
of Engineering Services-Office of Structures Design on the project, a cumulative quantity summary
Foundation. When log of test boring information is identifying quantities for each wall involved, shall
developed, it shall be included with the retaining be included in the plans.
wall plans as log of test boring sheets. When both Structures and District designed
The retaining wall plans should include a plan retaining walls are in a project care should be
view, typical section and quantities. The plan view exercised in combining the quantities and contract
is to show the retaining wall layout line and the items.
varying width of the footing. The elevation view Retaining walls are to be shown on the Typical
should show (and be identified as such): top of wall Cross Sections for relative placement.
and top of footing elevations, gutter, finished grade,
and original groundline at the wall layout line. The Each sheet of the Retaining Wall Plans shall have
elevation view shall also show: the footing elevation, the following note included on them: “This plan
the pile cap elevation if on piles, height of wall or accurate for Retaining Wall work only.”
elevation of the wall, thickness of footing (if on
spread footing), expansion joint locations, and pile
spacing and depth. The original ground, finished
grade and drainage at back of wall is to be shown
on the retaining wall typical section.

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2-2.21 Sound Wall Plans,

Details, and Quantities
Standard drawings for noise barriers (sound walls) Special wall details, as applicable to wall
have been developed by Office of Structures Design construction, such as utility openings, drainage
and insertable sheets are available to the districts. The features, fences, and concrete barriers should be
standard designs include several material options for shown on the plan sheet of the wall concerned or
construction of sound walls. Refer to Section 1100 included on a separate detail sheet with the sound
of the Highway Design Manual. wall plan sheets.
As a minimum, the sound wall plan sheets are to Where more than one sound wall is to be
show the horizontal alignment of the wall, the wall constructed on the project, a cumulative quantity
profile and a typical section. The information summary identifying quantities for each sound wall
required for the construction of sound walls is involved, shall be included in the plans.
similar to that required for the construction of
retaining walls (see Section 2-2.20). The sound wall Each sheet of the Sound Wall Plans shall have
plans shall also include the applicable standard the following note included on them: “This plan
sound wall detail sheets and aesthetic features sheet. accurate for Sound Wall work only.”
For additional design criteria refer to Topic 1102 of
the Highway Design Manual.
A foundation investigation should be made for
all locations at which a sound wall is being
considered. Foundation investigations are made
either by the district’s materials unit or the Division
of Engineering Services - Office of Structures
Design Foundation. When log of test boring
information is developed, it shall be included with
the sound wall plans as log of test boring sheets.

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2-2.22 Planting and Irrigation Plans,

Details and Quantities
These plans show planting and irrigation layouts,
details and quantities.
The manual entitled “Landscape Architecture
Standards Manual” and applicable Standard Plans are
to be utilized in the preparation of Planting and
Irrigation plans. The above-referred manual is
available from Caltrans Publication Distribution Unit.

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2-2.23 Signal, Lighting, and Electrical • FLASHING BEACON

System Plans and Details • RAMP METERING SYSTEM
(1) General • TRAFFIC MONITORING STATION
Signal, Lighting and Electrical System work • INTERCONNECTION SYSTEM
is work that is normally covered under Section • COMMUNICATION CONDUIT
86 of the Standard Specifications and the “ES”
• ELECTRIC SERVICE (IRRIGATION)
series of Standard Plans. The addition of work
not covered in these areas, such as signs cov- Modifiers are not needed unless their use helps
ered elsewhere, should be avoided. If shown, the in understanding the work; and they also are
work should be properly referenced for payment. included in the respective bid item. Modifiers
Structure lighting plans are generally prepared may be used when appropriate.
from dropouts of the General Plan of the struc- Location 1, Temporary, City, Remove, Detour,
ture involved, with non-pertinent details and etc., are examples of modifiers which may be
notes removed. used.
Caltrans symbols and abbreviations as shown Modifiers should be placed in parentheses at
on Standard Plans ES-1A, ES-1B, A10A, and the right or below the main plan name.
A10B are to be used to prepare these plan sheets.
Sheet identification codes are E-1, E-2, etc. The
Because Signal, Lighting, and Electrical only other information to be shown at the lower
System work is usually paid for on a lump sum right corner of the sheet is the modifier, such as,
basis, plan sheet names should match the bid location number of work, if involved, and street
items for the work shown. It is desirable that plan names of intersections at signal installations.
sheets should show the work of only one bid
item. Plan sheets that show the work of more (3) Standard Drawings from Other Agencies.
than one lump sum, unit or combination bid items Standard drawings of other agencies, when
must clearly define the pay items for each portion applicable to the project, shall be included as part
of work, and the plan sheet name will include of the project plans. Reference only to the stan-
each item. Bidders must be able to identify all dard drawing number is not acceptable.
work with its associated bid item.
Standard drawings from other agencies can
(2) Plan Sheet Names normally be incorporated on project plan sheets,
Plan sheet names for Signal, Lighting and and such plan sheets shall have the signature,
Electrical System plans shall conform to, but not date signed and seal of the lowest classification
be limited to, the following: licensed person in responsible charge for
preparation of the plans. Generally, the project
• SIGNAL AND LIGHTING
engineer will sign these sheets. Quality of such
• LIGHTING incorporated standard drawings must be such that
• SIGN ILLUMINATION plans will be legible when reduced.
• LIGHTING AND SIGN ILLUMINATION
• CHANGEABLE MESSAGE
SIGN SYSTEM
• EXTINGUISHABLE MESSAGE
SIGN SYSTEM

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(4) Notes Non-standard legends and abbreviations

Notes should be brief and direct. Detailed word should not be mixed with the project notes, but
descriptions belong in the special provisions. it is desirable that they be on the same plan sheet.

Notes should be located on or before the first Each sheet of the Signal, Lighting and
plan sheets that they apply to. Electrical System Plans shall have the following
note included on them: “This plan accurate for
General notes applicable to the project are Electrical work only.”
either not numbered or, if numbered, they are
not enclosed in a square. Project notes that are
specific for one or more locations shall be
numbered and enclosed with a square to match
the designation shown at the plan work locations;
Example: 1 . Equipment or material designations
are drawn inside circles: Example: A .

Notes

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2-2.24 Structures (Bridge Plans and Details)

The Office of Structures Design has the The structure depth on the Typical Section of the
responsibility of preparing bridge plans. Plans are General Plan should be dimensioned in millimeters.
sent to the Districts for a check on all data pertaining
to horizontal and vertical alignment and for For projects where railroads are involved, pertinent
verification of clearances. dimensions within railroad right of way shall be shown
in dual units with metric units being primary and
In addition to bridge plans, the design and English units in parenthesis. All other dimensioning
aesthetic features of new buildings such as on the plans shall be shown in metric only. Examples
maintenance stations, roadside rest, pumping plants, of pertinent dimensions would be right of way widths,
some sound walls, retaining walls and earth retaining horizontal and vertical clearances, rail elevations and
structures, and additions and modifications to track layout dimensioning.
existing buildings or miscellaneous transportation
facilities, are the responsibility of the Office of As-Built Log of Test Borings Sheets may be used
Structures Design. in the imperial units provided that the metric layout
line be placed on the plan view and tied to the
Standard drawings applicable to building related original boring locations in dual dimensions
work are available from the Transportation (imperial and metric).
Architecture Branch of the Office of Structures
Design. For more guidelines on Strutures (Bridge Plans
and Details), see Caltrans Bridge Design Details
General Plan, Deck Contours, Foundation Plan Manual.
and Log of Test Boring sheets should be dimen-
sioned in meters. This will provide consistency with
the metric stationing and lane widths shown on the
road plans. All other detail sheets are to be dimen-
sioned in millimeters.

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2-2.25 Cross Sections (Roadway)

Cross sections are no longer being considered Where cross sections were prepared to assist in
part of the contract documents for Caltrans contracts. the design of a project, bidders will be notified in
They are considered supplemental information the “Notice to Contractors” that such cross sections
included for the convenience of bidders and the will be available for inspection through the District
Resident Engineer. Office of the district in which the project is located.
Copies of the cross sections will be made available
Where sufficient information is included in the to the bidders at the bidder’s expense through the
plans via typical cross sections, profile gradient District Office.
information, earthwork tabulations, superelevation
diagrams, contour grading plans, pavement
elevations, or combinations thereof, cross sections
will not normally be made available to bidders.

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2-3 AS BUILT PLANS Each sheet of the prints, which are to be used for
“As Builts”, should be clearly identified as such. All
2-3.1 GENERAL sheets upon which changes are made must contain
the name of the Resident Engineer or structures
“As Built” plans are the original project plan representative. Most districts use rubber stamps for
sheets which have been updated showing construction “As Built” identification.
phase changes. “As Built” plans may be used as base
information to prepare proposed project plans and as Field changes shall be made to prints by the
such should reflect all changes made during Resident Engineer, and afterwards transferred to the
construction. Refer to “Metric Plan Dimensioning” original plan sheets in the district office so that they
in Section 2-1.3 of this manual. then become the “As Built” originals.
Except for certain projects that do not have a 2-3.2 Preparation Procedures (Roadway)
State representative on construction, districts will
be responsible for all “As Built” road plans, and the Each sheet of the original project plans must be
Office of Structures Design will be responsible for identified as “As Built” when data is transferred from
all “As Built” structure plans. the prints, and the name of the Resident Engineer or
structures representative included thereon.
Immediately after a contract is awarded,
Headquarters Microfilm Services unit will Changes shall be transferred to the original
microfilm the original project plans and distribute project plan sheets in red ink if manually drafted
the originals and microfilm as follows: and in contrasting (slant or italics) text if computer
drafted. When the electronic file is used to record
1. The original project plan sheet of all road changes during construction, revisions are noted by
plans (full size prints of the electronic bid set of lining out the original information shown on various
roadway plans) will be forwarded to the district for levels and inserting the “As Built” information on
record purposes. Level 62. The electronic signature and seal of the
responsible registered engineer (Resident Engineer
2. The original project plan sheets of all sheets or Construction Engineer) is placed in the file on
with “Structure” signature blocks will be forwarded Level 62. The changes shall be transferred in such
to the Office of Structures Design. manner that they will produce good quality
3. The original microfilm of the plans (in roll microfilm. Original data that is superseded shall be
form) will go to the Department’s security file. lined out and still remain legible. Do not eradicate
original figures or make corrections over them. All
All electronic files in DES-OE for a particular lettering must be clear and legible. Lettering shall
project are deleted immediately after the District conform to Section 1-2.2 of this manual. Extensive
and/or Structures has verified receipt of the changes that cannot be made clearly on the original
complete and correct electronic project files as plan sheet should be made on a new supplemental
advertised from DES-OE. The original electronic sheet. The new sheet shall be signed by the
files may be retained in the District or Structures responsible registered engineer (Resident Engineer
to be used for “As Built” plans. or Construction Engineer) and included with the “As
The district shall maintain the set of original Built” originals. All supplemental sheets shall be
road plan sheets. Prints shall be made of each sheet direct reading and of a quality which will produce
of the original plans and furnished to the Resident good microfilm.
Engineer by the district.

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In order to attain uniformity in final road When a project is completed, the district shall
plans, the following data should be shown on forward a print of the “As Built” file of the road
“As Built” plans: plans to Headquarters Microfilm Services. A
microfilm set of the “As Built” plans is made for
1. Contract order number when the change is Department archives. Forward all sheets, including
made under this procedure. those with no construction changes. The “As Built”
2. Revision in alignment and right of way. plans shall be forwarded as soon as possible after
3. Grade revisions in excess of 30 mm. completion of the contract. The prints from which
the “As Built” changes were made shall become the
4. Changes in length, size, flow line elevations, district’s copy of the plans until such time as the
and station of culverts. When alternate types of microfilm (aperture cards) and the original “As
culverts are permitted, show which alternate was used. Built” plans (if requested by the district) are returned
5. Drainage changes. from Microfilm Services. The prints can then be
6. Location of sewers, conduits, and other features. destroyed.
7. Location of monuments, bench marks, freeway 2-3.3 Preparation Procedures
fences, or gates added or revised during the contract. (Bridges and Structures)
8. Revision of typical sections.
For information concerning these procedures, see
9. Change in pavement lanes, tapers, ramps, Section 3-05-3 of the Construction Manual.
frontage roads, road connections, driveways,
sidewalks, islands, and median openings. 2-3.4 Projects Not On State Highways
10. Curb and gutter changes. For information concerning this topic, see Section
11. Electrical conduits, pull boxes, and service 3-05-4 of the Construction Manual.
points.
12. Revision in location of utility crossings made
during the contract.
Do not show the following on “As Built” plans:
1. Construction quantities.
2. Property fences.
3. Miscellaneous small features, such as guide
posts, which are readily changed by maintenance
forces.

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2-3 AFTER PS&E

The Structures portion of the project
plans will be handled by DES-OE directly
2-3.1 Draft Contract Ready with Structure Office Engineer and the
After PS&E submittal by a district, DES- structures design engineer. For further
OE Project Plans Unit will send the district a instructions on the DCR process, contact
“First Notice,” acknowledging that the plans DES-OE.
portion of the district’s PS&E submittal has
been received. It is recommended that the 2-3.2 As-Awarded
district keep the MicroStation files (.dgn) of After a project has been awarded to the
the Project Plans as submitted to DES-OE. winning bidder, DES-OE will send the
There may be cases where the district District a “Second Notice,” which instructs
submits revised, replacement or additional the District to copy back the As-Awarded
plan sheets after the original PS&E .dgn files. These .dgn files include any
submittal, and will receive another “First addenda that may have occurred during the
Notice.” advertisement of the project. All .dgn files
in DES-OE for a particular project will be
Upon a complete review of the district deleted on the date listed in the “Second
PS&E submittal, DES-OE develops Draft Notice.” It is recommended that the District
Contract Comments (DCC). In reviewing keep a .dgn copy of the As-Awarded project
the DCC, the district has their only plans in case Construction needs any of the
opportunity to respond to any redline change .dgn files during the course of constructing
before the printing of the PS&E package the project.
(Bid Set.) After the district reviews,
discusses and agrees with the DCC, the The As-Awarded plans are to be used
District Responses (DR) are returned to when developing the As-Built plans at the
DES-OE. Note: the project engineer may completion of construction. The As-
request a scanned copy of a particular Awarded project plans are microfilmed and
redline plan sheet from the DES-OE-Spec stored by the HQ Microfilm Unit.
Engineer (SE) only if it is necessary to
convey the redline plan change. Any change 2-3.3 Contract Change Order
or correction after the DCC must be handled
Changes to a contract may be necessary
by addenda.
during the construction of any project. A
change is made with a Contract Change
The Draft Contract Ready (DCR) process
Order (CCO). A CCO is a legally binding
finalizes the contract documents for
document used to make changes to the
advertisement. After the Project Plans Unit
contract.
(PPU) has completed the redline changes to
the plans, the final project plans will be
available to be viewed on the web in TIFF
format. The SE prepares a Quality
Feedback and DCR memo to be sent back to
the district project engineer along with the
final Special Provisions.

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Construction is the lead in handling The Resident Engineer can make the field
CCOs. Depending on the nature of the changes to hard copy prints (afterwards
change, Construction will usually consult transferred to the original As-Awarded
with or get concurrence from the project project CADD files) or directly to the As-
engineer when the change affects the design Awarded project CADD files themselves.
of the project. For a comprehensive look at For the final As-Built plans, revisions are
how the CCO process works, see Chapter 5 noted by lining out the original information
of the Construction Manual. but it must still remain legible. Do not
eradicate original figures or make
If replacement or additional sheets are corrections over them. All lettering must be
generated by the CCO, they must have the legible. The changes shall be made in such
signature and seal of a registered engineer a manner that they will produce good quality
(whether the engineer be from Design or microfilm.
Construction) who is most responsible for
the change. Before the As-Built plans can For instructions on how to complete the
be completed, each replacement or As-Built changes in the As-Awarded project
additional project plan sheet must contain CADD .dgn files, see Chapter 4 of the
the signature and seal of a registered CADD Users Manual. The final As-Built
engineer. changes shall be completed in the original
As-Awarded project CADD .dgn files on
2-3.4 As-Builts (Roadway Plans) Level 62.
As-Built plans are the original project
plan sheets that have been updated showing In order to attain uniformity, the
changes that occurred during construction. following data should be shown on “As
Accurate project plans are needed for Built” plans:
possible litigation involving construction
claims and tort liability suits. As-Built plans • Revision of alignments and right of way.
represent the existing field conditions at the • Grade revisions in excess of 30 mm.
completion of a project, and may be used as • Drainage changes.
reference or base mapping for future • Revisions made to typical sections.
projects. If using As-Built dimensioning or • Change in pavement lanes, sidewalks,
As-Built Log of Test Boring sheets, see islands, and median openings.
Section 2-1.3 of this manual. • Curb and gutter changes.
• Electrical conduits, pull boxes, and
All As-Built plans must be clearly service points.
identified as such. All plan sheets • Revision in the location of utility
containing changes must have the name of crossings and facilities made during
the Resident Engineer, the Construction construction.
Contract Acceptance (CCA) date, and the
contract number. Except for certain projects For further information on data shown on
that do not require a State representative on As-Built plans, see Chapter 5 of the
site during construction, Districts will be Construction Manual.
responsible for all As-Built road plans.

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When the As-Built plans are completed, Caltrans Metric Structural Detailing
the District shall create TIFF files from the Standards or Caltrans U.S Customary Units
.dgn As-Built plans and send them to the Structural Detailing Standards. Contact
Document Retrieval System (DRS) Unit at DES-Structures for further information
HQ CADD. When a .dgn file does not exist, about detailing standards.
then the original hard copy As-Built print
shall be scanned to a TIFF file. The appropriate Design Branch or
consultant (if it was a consultant design
For archiving purposes, As-Built plans project) will finalize the As-Built plan
must be submitted to the DRS Unit within process. The Design Branch or consultant
the allotted time as described in the Project will request the “Second Notice” files to add
Development Procedures Manual (PDPM.) the redline corrections. The responsible
For further guidance on archiving of As- Project Engineer must submit the form DS-
Built plans to the DRS Unit, see Chapter 4 D0144 (Change to Contract Drawings) or
of the CADD Users Manual and Chapter 15- DS-D0144E (Request for Electronic
Section 3 of the PDPM. Contract Drawings) to the Structure Design
Document Unit to obtain hardcopies of the
2-3.5 As-Builts (Structure Plans) “Second Notice” files. The DS-D0144E
After construction is complete, the As- form must also be sent to DES CADD
Built plans redline corrections can be placed Services in order to obtain the “Second
on either a hardcopy set of the As-Awarded Notice” original project CADD files. For
(Second Notice files) plans or a copy of the more information please see Bridge Memo
“Second Notice” project CADD files. For To Designers 1-16.
redline corrections made, the Structure
The Design Branch or consultant must
Representative uses the records of changes
follow the procedures for As-Built redline
made to the structures during construction,
corrections as outlined in the Bridge Design
to redline a set of contract plans. The
Details Manual, pages 1-20.1 through 1-
corrections are shown, in red, to depict what
20.5, and Chapter 5 of the Construction
was actually constructed. The Structure
Manual.
Representative then sends the As-Built plans
redline corrections (either hardcopy or
DES-Structures or consultant shall create
electronic) to DES Structure Construction.
TIFF files from the completed .dgn As-Built
Structure Construction will log the redline
plans and send them to the DRS Unit. When
corrections and forward them to the
a .dgn file does not exist, then the original
appropriate Design Branch (which may be a
hard copy As-Built print shall be scanned to
consultant if it was a consultant design
a TIFF file. TIFF files shall also be placed
project.)
in the Bridge Inspection Retrieval
Information System (BIRIS.)
When making the redline corrections on a
copy of the As-Awarded project CADD
2-3.6 Projects Not on State Highways
files, a MicroStation redline program is used
by the Structure Representative. Changes For information concerning this topic, see
are to be made on Level 62 using Color 62. Chapter 5 of the Construction Manual.
Drafting standards will be maintained using

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE NO.

3-1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... 3-1

3-1.1 General ....................................................................................................................... 3-1
3-1.2 Maps .......................................................................................................................... 3-1
3-1.3 Photogrammetric Maps .............................................................................................. 3-1
3-1.4 Working Drawings ..................................................................................................... 3-2
3-1.5 Plans ........................................................................................................................... 3-2

3-2. MAPS AND EXHIBITS - SPECIFIC DATA ................................................................ 3-2

3-2.1 General ....................................................................................................................... 3-2
3-2.2 Route Adoption Map.................................................................................................. 3-2
3-2.3 Strip Map ................................................................................................................... 3-4
3-2.4 Freeway/Controlled Access Highway Agreement Exhibits ....................................... 3-4
3-2.5 New Public Road Connection Request ...................................................................... 3-5
3-2.6 PUC Exhibit ............................................................................................................... 3-5

3-3. BRIDGE SITE MAPS .................................................................................................... 3-7

FIGURES
Figure 3-1.3A Photogrammetric Map .................................................................................... 3-9
Figure 3-2.2A Route Adoption Freeway .............................................................................. 3-10
Figure 3-2.2B Route Adoption Controlled Access Highway ................................................3-11
Figure 3-2.2C Route Adoption Conventional Highway....................................................... 3-12
Figure 3-2.2D Route Redesignation ..................................................................................... 3-13
Figure 3-2.3A Route Adoption Area of Interest Map ........................................................... 3-14
Figure 3-2.4A Freeway Agreement Geometric .................................................................... 3-15
Figure 3-2.4B Freeway Agreement Symbol ........................................................................ 3-16
Figure 3-2.4C Freeway Agreement Symbol 2 ..................................................................... 3-17
Figure 3-2.5A New Public Road Connection Area of Interest Map .................................... 3-18

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Section 3 - Preliminary Project Development Drawing June 2001
Preliminary
Project Development A map showing primarily the extent of property
ownership, areas, definition of boundaries, and
Drawings corners is a “cadastral map”. In the California
Department of Transportation (Caltrans) such maps
are commonly referred to as right of way maps.
Maps serve as means of locating, recording, and
referring to planimetric, hypsographic, or topographic
features. They are a medium for studying, planning,
and designing improvements or replacements to
existing facilities.

3-1.3 Photogrammetric Maps

On all projects, consideration should be given
3-1 INTRODUCTION to maps produced by photogrammetric methods.
In the California Department of Transportation,
3-1.1 General these maps are used for design, planning, and
This Section deals with various drawings which specialized projects.
are prepared during the development of a project.
Each drawing has a definite use, which dictates its
minimum content. The uses and minimum contents TABLE 3-1
are described and illustrated by examples.
Frequently, the same basic drawing can be used
CONTOUR
PURPOSE SCALE INTERVAL
to meet the needs of several specific drawings
by the addition of appropriate notes, titles, and a 1:200 0.25 m
minimum of delineation. Suggestions along these Design 1:500 0.5 m
lines are included in the discussion of the various 1:1000 1m
preliminary project development drawings
which follow. 1:2000 2m
Planning
1:5000 5m
3-1.2 Maps
A map is a graphic representation to a definite Specialized 1:100 0.25 m
scale of the existing features of the earth’s surface. Projects 1:5000 5m+
These features consist of essentially two things -
relief and planimetry.
Photogrammetric map scales and contours
Relief is normally shown by contours or spot
intervals vary widely. Table 3-1 indicates the most
elevations. A map showing only relief is a “hypso-
commonly used scales and contours intervals
graphic map”.
on maps.
Planimetry is a representation of man made
Photogrammetric map content may also differ
culture and natural features. A map showing only
as indicated in Section 3-1.2. Features, such as
planimetric features (not relief) is a “planimetry
cultural (man made), hypsographic (contours and
map”. A map depicting both relief and planimetry
elevation information), hydrographic (water),
is “topographic map”.
vegetation (trees, brush orchards, etc.), etc., may be
omitted or added depending on the particular map
requirements.

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Photogrammetric maps may be utilized for There are numerous sources of mapping for use
reports, working drawings, project plans, etc. in preparing project development drawings.
Frequently, the same base map can be used to develop
For further information concerning the use several of the drawings described in this Section. This
of photogrammetric maps contact your District requires careful selection of the base map.
Photogrammetry Coordinator or the Office of
Geometronics. Transportation System Information Program
personnel maintain the County Road System
Standard Plan A10B and the Caltrans CADD mapping. These are planimetric maps. Duplicates
Cell Library contain the standard symbols used for of these maps can be used as base mapping for
design mapping by photogrammetric methods. several of the drawings discussed in this Section.
For a sample of a Photogrammetric Map, see
Figure 3-1.3A at the end of this Section. 3-2.2 Route Adoption Map
3-1.4 Working Drawings (1) General
The purpose of the Route Adoption Map is to
A working drawing is a picture or sketch depicting
document the location and designation of a highway
in graphic form the studies, trials, and designs of a
route that has been approved by the California
project. Working drawings are generally produced by
Transportation Commission (CTC). A more in depth
computer automated drafting machines, or by means
discussion of the policies and standards regarding
of instruments and to various degrees of accuracy
Route Adoptions can be found in Chapter 23 of the
according to their intended uses. Generally, a working
Project Development Procedures Manual.
drawing serves as an intermediate process or tool in
arriving at a final product. Examples of working The following map formats are used in the
drawing are geometric approval drawings and bridge selection or designation of highway routes by the
site maps. California CTC:

3-1.5 Plans (a) freeway or a controlled access highway

A plan is a working drawing showing a design (b) conventional highway
in its final form. Project plans are the product of (c) route redesignation
all the preliminary planning and designing which
previously appeared on various maps and drawings. (2) Format
Project plans are discussed in Section 2 of this manual. (a) The form for the title and certificate for the
four example formats are shown in Figures 3-2.2A
through 3-2.2D at the end of this Section. Files of
the examples in dgn format will be available on the
3-2 MAPS AND EXHIBITS - intranet at http://onramp.dot.ca.gov/hq/design/
SPECIFIC DATA prjdevp/index.htm. For freeway adoptions, the
phrase “A FREEWAY” is added to the title block,
3-2.1 General and the wording “and declared a freeway “ is added
Preliminary project development drawings are to the CTC Executive Director’s certification. For
typically developed at a scale of 1:2000 or smaller. controlled access highway adoptions, the phrase “A
They are used extensively to show the relationship CONTROLLED ACCESS HIGHWAY” is added to
of a project to the surrounding road and street sys- the title block, and the phrase “and declared a controlled
tem and to study various alternate geometric designs access highway” is added to the certification.
for a project. For conventional highway adoptions no special
designation need be added to the title block or the
certification.

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Adoption maps of traversable highways are show unincorporated towns or communities by name
with the appropriate designation as discussed above. only or to incorporated city limit lines subject to
change should be avoided. When either end of the
A route redesignation map does not require route adoption limits is identical to a previous
either certification or signature blocks. The title adoption, the description at such coincidental
will reflect the route to be redesignated. The points should be identical when possible.
date the CTC redesignates the route will be
added to the map by the State and Local Project (f) When the adoption covers many kilometers
Development Program. and the map scale approaches 1:60000, consideration
should be given to using two or more map sections.
(b) The original map shall be 279 mm x 762
mm (11" x 30"). Where CADD preparation is not (g) The map drafting style to be used for all
utilized, the map may be prepared on mylar film. route locations include:
Preparation of the base map will follow standard
mapping practice, showing the usual geographical • A heavy solid line showing the location of
features, for example: rivers, lakes, railroads, streets, the proposed State highway and identified
and roads. The major arterials in the corridor and by the phrase “Location of State Highway”.
most streets in proximity to the proposed route • The designation of the termini for the location
should be shown in urban areas. In rural areas all of the highway as “Beginning of Adoption”
existing public roads or streets are to be delineated. and “End of Adoption”.
Private roads are not to be shown in any case. • The identification of the present State
A roadway can be a “public highway” even highway shown by parallel open lines, as
though it is not an official “county road” or “city “existing State highway”.
street”. One of the factors to be considered in deter- • A solid dashed line showing the location of
mining if a roadway is a public highway is whether an adopted, unconstructed freeway and
it is being maintained at public expense; another is labeled with the date of the freeway adoption.
whether it is open for public use, regardless of who
• An open dashed line showing the proposed
pays for maintenance. It is not necessary that the
location for another State highway con-
roadway be paved to be considered a public high-
way. Another test that can be applied is whether the currently being considered for adoption.
roadway serves more than one of the ownership’s (3) Area of Interest Map
not adjacent to the adopted route. District files
should clearly document the facts upon which the This is a 216 mm x 279 mm (8 1/2" x 11")
determination is based. reproducible of a District, county, or city map
showing all State highways and major local roads
(c) Existing freeways, and expressways with when pertinent. In bold, large lettering the note
two or more lanes are shown by three parallel lines. “Project Location” shall be added with a large arrow
A divided, multilane facility may be shown using pointing to the location of the project. The location
four parallel lines. Freeway interchange geometrics of the requested route alignment should be in the
are not drawn unless an existing facility is shown central portion of the map.
for clarity.
For a sample of the “Area of Interest Map”, see
(d) The existing State highway is shown by two Figure 3-2.3A at the end of the section.
or more parallel lines and further identified by an
attendant phrase, “Existing State Highway”. Local (4) Processing
streets may be drawn using a single or a double line, The original map and Area of Interest Map
depending on the scale of the map. should be transmitted in a rigid map tube to avoid
(e) The route adoption limits in the title damage during mail handling. A dgn file should also
should refer to delineated features, for example: be submitted for the CTC Report.
streets, roads, and rivers. Reference to either

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3-2.3 Strip Map 3-2.4 Freeway / Controlled Access Highway

This is one of the most important maps developed Agreement Exhibit
for a project. It graphically shows the basic highway The purpose of the freeway agreement exhibit or
alignment and interchange locations. The following a controlled access highway agreement exhibit is to
data is required: document the agreement between the Department and
a local agency on how and where local streets and
(1) Plan roads will be connected to the controlled access
The map should show the freeway lanes, cross- facility. The exhibit shows the location of interchanges,
roads, separation structures, interchanges including separations, road closures, local roads, local streets,
the complete interchange pattern, and frontage roads. pedestrian crossing structures, and nonmotorized
The local road pattern and prominent geographical facilities (within the right of way). A more in depth
features should be shown. Sufficient local street discussion of the policies and standards regarding
names at the interchanges and adjacent to the free- freeway agreements or controlled access highway
way should be shown to orient the drawings. A north agreements can be found in Chapter 24 of the Project
arrow shall be provided, and shall generally be Development Procedures Manual.
oriented to point to the right or up.
The freeway agreement and controlled access
(2) Profiles highway agreement exhibit are a reproducible map
The freeway profile with its ground line shall be that is 279 mm wide by a length which varies depending
included. If the separate roadways have independent on the limits of the agreement and the scale of the map.
profiles which are substantially different, both shall The scale of the map can vary from approximately
be shown. Profiles of ramps, crossroads, and 1:1000 to 1:10000. The length of the exhibit shall be
frontage roads are not required. sufficient to show at least one adjacent interchange or
intersection on each side of the limits of the agreement
(3) Typical Section or preferably should extend to the limits of the city or
A skeleton geometric typical section of the county, if practical. Thus the length of the exhibit should
freeway only is to be included. The typical section be some multiple of 216 mm and allow the title block
shall show the number of lanes, median and to appear when the exhibit is folded.
shoulder widths. The ability to clearly read information contained
on the map should be the determining factor when
(4) Traffic
selecting the appropriate scale, text size and number
All traffic movements for the design year with of sheets used for the exhibits. A graphic scale should
the AM and PM peaks and ADT shall be shown by be used on all exhibits as they may be in effect for a
means of traffic diagrams. Indicate the design year long period of time. By including a graphic scale
or year of traffic count. this document can be reduced or enlarged without
Map scales should be kept in the 1: 2000 to 1: 7500 the loss of dimensional information. General text
range. The date of preparation and subsequent sizes are found in the CADD Users Manual of
revisions must be shown. Special original drawings Instruction. Traffic data, cross sections and profiles
are not required. The technique discussed in the are not shown on the agreement exhibits.
introduction relating to uses of existing map sources
should be considered and used whenever possible.

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Section 3 - Preliminary Project Development Drawing June 2001

The strip map or other available mapping, such The vicinity and strip maps attached to the request
as described in the introduction of this Section may to the CTC and the wall exhibit map used at the CTC
be used as a base for the exhibit. This can be presentation are prepared by the District. Reproducibles
accomplished by making a duplicate from the original of the drawings required for CTC exhibits should all be of
strip map on photosensitive polyester base film and the same type. In other words, all reproducibles should be
eradicating unnecessary information. An alternate vellum or mylar transparencies, not a mixture of both.
method consists of making a composite drawing using
the “cut and paste technique” on a print of the strip The north arrow shall point either up or to the right.
map and obtaining a duplicate made on mylar film. Sign route shall be shown on all State highways.

For examples of the symbol map used for the Wall maps can be made from enlargements of
Freeway Agreement Exhibit and the geometric map report (PSR or PR) attachments if consideration is
used for the Freeway Agreement Exhibit, see Figures given to the fact that wall maps have to be readable
3-2.4A, 3-2.4B and 3-2.4C at the end of this Sec- from 10 m.
tion. Files of the examples in dgn format will be Base maps selected for exhibits should have a
available on the intranet at http://onramp.dot.ca.gov/ minimum of extraneous notes and details.
hq/design/prjdevp/index.htm.
A large block with the appropriate note, such as
“Location of Requested Connection”, shall appear
3-2.5 New Public Road Connection Request on all maps with an arrow or lead line pointing to
(1) Area of Interest Map the location.
This is a 216 mm x 279 mm (8 1/2" x 11") All maps and exhibits prepared for the CTC shall
reproducible of a District, county, or city map have the date the map was valid indicated thereon.
showing all State highways and major local roads
when pertinent. In bold, large lettering the note Other procedural information may be found in
“Location of Requested Connection” shall be added the Project Development Procedures Manual.
with a large arrow pointing to the location of the
requested connection. The location of the requested 3-2.6 PUC Exhibits
connection should be in the central portion of the (1) General
map.
Certain exhibits are required by the Public
For a sample of a New Public Road Connection Utilities Commission (PUC) whenever new railroad
Area of Interest Map, see Figure 3-2.5A at the end grade crossings are proposed, or an existing grade
of this Section. crossing is to be altered or abandoned. These
exhibits are prepared in the district and forwarded
(2) Strip Map to the Railroad Agreement Branch, MS# 9-2/9G,
A reduced copy that is 216 mm x 279 mm (8 1/2" Division of Engineering Services for preparation
x 11") of the proposed Freeway Agreement Exhibit of a notice or application to the PUC. These draw-
or Controlled Access Highway Agreement is included ings shall clearly show the location and the work
in the CTC Report. affecting the railroad.
(3) Wall Display Detail Map (if requested by Pertinent dimensions within railroad right of
Design Program) way shall be shown in dual units with metric units
being primary (soft conversion) and english units
The data required is a skeleton outline of all road-
in parenthesis. All other dimensioning on the
ways to scale showing the requested connection. The
plans shall be shown in metric only. Examples
line weight and lettering (20 mm minimum height)
of pertinent dimensions would be right of way
shall be such as to be easily read at a distance of 10
widths, horizontal and vertical clearances, rail
m. No traffic figures, profiles, or typical sections
elevations and track layout dimensioning.
are to be shown.

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Section 3 - Preliminary Project Development Drawings June 2001

The exhibits for the PUC application consist of (2) Exhibit B

the following: The first drawing of Exhibit B shall contain the
• Exhibit A - A cover letter giving general following:
information and specific data related to the (a) Location Map - The location map is a small
grade crossing. Exhibit A also includes a scale State map showing the county in which the
listing of other attached exhibits. crossing is located. The county lines are to be out-
• Exhibit B- Two drawings, one of the draw- lined for the county in which the crossing is located.
ings contains a location map and a vicinity A location arrow shall be shown. The location map
map, the other drawing contains a strip map is shown on the same sheet as the vicinity map.
of the proposed project.
(b) Vicinity Map - This map is a small scale
• Exhibit C - A drawing which shows the plan, map showing the crossing in relation to nearby
some topography, profiles and typical sections towns, city, other political subdivisions, and major
of the proposed improvements. If more than cultural features. Usually a letter size map of the
one crossing is involved, one Exhibit B will county showing towns, major land lines, such as
suffice, but a separate Exhibit C must be township or rancho lines, etc. and major highways
prepared for each crossing. will suffice. The crossing location should be shown
• Exhibit D - A narrative of the legal description by means of a large bold arrow. The vicinity map is
of the easements required for the subject crossing. shown on the same sheet as the location map.
For an existing crossing to be abandoned, the The second drawing of Exhibit B shall contain
only drawing exhibit required is Exhibit B. the following:
Exhibits are not required for minor alterations Strip Map - This map is basically a portion of
to existing crossings. the project map or title sheet. The scale should be
about 1: 12 000 or 1: 24 000 and the map should
For all new crossings which are being separated, cover an area within a radius of 1 to 2 km from the
all documents to the Railroad from the District and crossing. The strip map shows the relationship
Structures shall be submitted by Railroad Agreements of the crossing to existing roads, railroads, and
Branch. Each railroad has specific requirements and crossings. The PUC and the US. Department of
Railroad Agreements Branch makes sure that these Transportation crossing numbers for the subject
requirements are met before the submittal. Initially crossing(s) shall be shown. The PUC number of
the submittal package shall include the Structure General the nearest crossing on each side of the new grade
Plan, Strip map, Location and Vicinity Maps. crossing shall be shown. (Not required if this is an
Once the Engineering plans have been approved existing crossing to be altered or abandoned.)
by the Railroad, the sketch of the required easement For new crossings, the strip map shall show the
and a legal description is submitted to the Railroad present traveled way of the State highway now being
by the Railroad Agreements Branch. It should be used by traffic which will later use the new crossing.
noted that all documents to the Railroad should be
submitted through the Division of Engineering For an existing crossing to be abandoned, the
Services, Railroad Agreements Branch. strip map should clearly show the route that traffic
now using the crossing will be required to travel
Reproducibles of the Exhibit B and C drawings after abandonment. The PUC crossing number
should be vellum or mylar transparencies. The sheet should also be shown.
size is to be 216 mm x 279 mm or 279 mm width by
any convenient length so that it can be readily folded
and attached to the application. A 559 mm x 914
mm sheet is acceptable when conditions do not con-
veniently permit preparation of the 279 mm width.

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(3) Exhibit C (b) Existing Crossing to be Altered - The exhibit

(a) New Crossings (at grade crossing or sepa- shall contain:
rated grade crossing) - This exhibit shall contain • Plan - Same plan for new crossing. In addition,
the following: the location of the existing and the proposed
• Plan - Generally at a scale of 1: 200 to 1: 500. protection shall be shown. Also, where addi-
For separated grade crossings, a copy of the tional lanes are to be constructed at the crossing
Structure General Plan would be appropriate site, it is necessary to clearly indicate whether
for use as the plan portion of the exhibit. Plan the additional lanes are to be constructed
coverage for at grade crossings should extend throughout the highway project.
about 120 m each side of the crossing on the • Profile - Same as profile for new crossing,
railroad and 60 m on the highway. For at grade as applicable.
crossings, the proposed crossing protection • Typical Section. Same as typical section for
devices are to be shown. new crossing.
• Profiles - A separate profile for the railroad • PUC Crossing Number - Should be shown
and for the highway. The railroad profile either in the title or on the plan.
should show the railroad stationing, assumed
if necessary, datum elevation, existing top • Existing and Proposed Easements - Existing
of rail grades and rates, proposed rail grades, and proposed easements should be superim-
proposed PI’s and VC’s and the centerline posed on the Structure General Plan portion
of the highway crossing with station and of the exhibit for a separated grade crossing.
elevation. The highway profile should show For at grade crossings, the existing and pro-
stationing, datum elevation, ground line, posed easement should be shown on the plan
grade line with rates, PI’s, and VC’s, each view of the exhibit.
rail by symbol with its elevation, and the sta- (c) Existing Crossing to be Abandoned - An
tion of each rail or track centerline. exhibit C is not required.
• Typical Section - The geometric section of the
highway at the crossing. Structural elements 3-3 BRIDGE SITE MAPS
need not be shown. The typical section may
be normal to the highway or the railroad. The This Section 3-3 is under revision and will be
statement that “Construction will be PUC updated at a later date.
Standard No. 3, of PUC General Order 72A,
or equal” shall be added.
• Proposed Easements - The proposed ease-
ment should be superimposed on the Structure
General Plan portion of the exhibit for a separated
grade crossing. For at grade crossings, the pro-
posed easement should be shown on the plan
view of the exhibit.

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Figure 3-1.3A
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Figure 3-2.2C
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Figure 3-2.2D
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Figure 3-2.3A
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Figure 3-2.5A
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Section 4
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Section 4 - Right of Way Engineering Mapping June 2001
Right of Way
Engineering Mapping

This Section 4 is under revision

and will be updated at a later date.

The update to Section 4

can be found at the following website
location under Technical Publications.

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/esc/geometronics/index.htm

Copy and paste the above referenced

address to your browser.

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Section 5 - Ergonomics June 2001

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE NO.

5-1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... 5-1

5-2. CHAIR AND WORKSTATION GUIDELINES .......................................................... 5-1

5-2.1 Adjusting Your Chair ................................................................................................. 5-1
5-2.2 Adjusting Your Workstation ...................................................................................... 5-2
5-2.3 Proper Body Posture .................................................................................................. 5-2
5-2.4 Work Materials .......................................................................................................... 5-2

5-3. LIGHTING ...................................................................................................................... 5-2

5-4. VISION CARE ................................................................................................................ 5-3

5-5. WORK HABITS .............................................................................................................. 5-3

5-6. CUMULATIVE TRAUMA DISORDERS .................................................................... 5-4

5-7. CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME SYMPTOMS ......................................................... 5-4

5-8. WHEN IT HURTS .......................................................................................................... 5-4

5-8.1 Reporting Injuries / Illnesses ..................................................................................... 5-5

5-9. GENERAL BENEFITS OF EXERCISE AND GOOD NUTRITION ........................ 5-5

5-9.1 Eye Exercises ............................................................................................................. 5-5
5-9.2 Stretching Exercises................................................................................................... 5-6

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Section 5 - Ergonomics June 2001
Ergonomics
The types of chairs and workstations adjustments
vary considerably. Become familiar with how your
chair and workstation adjust. You may need assistance.
The following are recommendations.
5-2.1 Adjusting Your Chair
1 Adjust your chair to a comfortable position
with your feet on the floor or on a foot rest.
2 Adjust your backrest height to a comfortable
5-1 INTRODUCTION position for your spine by adjusting the lumbar
(lower back) support.
Ergonomics? What is it? 3 Adjust your backrest to tilt in or out to support
Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between your body in an approximately upright position
humans and machines. It is utilized as an applied science (readjust for different tasks such as keying, reading,
of designing and arranging things people use so that people or writing.)
and things interact most efficiently and safely. This Sec-
tion will assist you in setting up your workstation and 4 Set your seat pan angle slightly tilted down to
work habits ergonomically correct to prevent pain and avoid pressure on the backs of your knees or thighs.
injury, in particular injuries associated with the computer. 5 Adjust the armrests to support your arms in a
These injuries are called cumulative trauma disorder in- relaxed position.
juries (CTDs) or repetitive motion injuries (RMIs).
There are many contributing factors to getting
CTDs. Improper hand position and lack of exercise
are two of the more common ones. There are several
tips in this Section to correct the hand positions and
various other offenders that can cause you pain. Your
comfort and preventing CTDs is the focus of this
Section. Work with your supervisors, coworkers, and
Health and Safety Coordinators to get you and your
workstation in good ergonomic shape.

5-2 CHAIR AND WORKSTATION

GUIDELINES
There are health benefits to keeping your chair
and workstation adjusted to the type of work you are
doing. All of the adjustments help place the body in a
neutral and comfortable position while working. This
simply adds up to good posture and work habits that
keep you from developing painful cumulative trauma
disorders.

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5-2.2 Adjusting Your Workstation 5-2.4 Work Materials

1. Position the monitor at an appropriate reading A well organized and properly arranged work-
distance for eye comfort. This is usually with your station can help prevent muscle strain while improving
eyes at or just below the top of the screen. Bifocals - your efficiency.
adjust the screen to read through the upper or lower
1. If you frequently use a telephone while at
part of your glasses keeping a comfortable position.
your workstation, ask about a headset. Cradling a
2. Place documents at about the same distance receiver on the shoulder contributes to muscle strain
and height as your monitor. and nerve damage.
3. Adjust your work surface to elbow level for 2. Source documents should be at the same height,
keying. (Other work surfaces adjusted to read or angle, and distance from eyes as the computer screen
write without slumping forward. to avoid repeated head turning and frequent refocusing.
A document holder can be attached to the side of the
4. Adjust your workstation height and depth to monitor to keep documents next to the screen and free
make adequate room for your legs. desk space.
5. Place your mouse at elbow height keeping 3. Keep frequently used materials and equipment
your wrist relatively straight. It should be close in easy reach, within 14 to 18 inches.
enough to use without reaching or stretching.
4. Stand up to reach items above shoulder reach or
6. Position your keyboard to a height and angle behind you.
where you are comfortable and your wrists are in a
neutral (approximately straight) position. 5. Maintain adequate leg clearance and good
posture.
7. Move your hands and arms freely while keying.
Rest on a wrist only between keying.

5-2.3 Proper Body Posture

5-3 LIGHTING
1. Keep your head balanced over your shoulders Simple lighting adjustments can help you mini-
and hips. mize glare and reduce eyestrain and headaches.
Glare can come from a light source, such as a lighting
2. Relax your fingers in curved position while fixture or the sun, or from a bright surface, such as a
keying. Padded wrist rests should only be used to mirror, light-colored work surfaces, or light-colored
rest your hands between keying. clothing (e.g., white clothes). It is any uncomfortably
3. Float your hand and arm freely over the keys bright light within a person’s normal field of vision.
to keep a neutral hand and wrist position.
1. Lower the total (ambient) light levels when-
4. Your hand and arm should move freely over ever possible to reduce glare on your computer screen,
the keyboard with your wrists in a relatively straight i.e. remove or turn off some overhead lighting.
position.
2. Avoid placing your monitor directly under
5. Support your feet comfortably on the floor or cabinet task lights.
on a foot rest in front of the knees.
3. Position your screen at a right angle to the
6. Position your knees at the same level or window producing glare. Also avoid lighting coming
slightly lower than your hips. over your shoulder directly above or behind you.
7. Place your elbows comfortably at your sides 4. Close your shades, curtains, or blinds as outside
with your forearms horizontal. light levels change during the day.
8. Support your spine in a slightly arched posi- 5. Tilt your computer screen slightly down so that
tion with the back of the chair. light does not reflect back into your eyes.

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6. Position your equipment to have ceiling lights 5. Regularly clean your monitor screen.
off to the side.
6. Frequently change focus from your work to an
7. Position task lights directly on your documents. object at least 20 feet away.
8. Adjust your monitor display contrast and 7. Have your eyes examined regularly by a licensed
brightness to improve viewing comfort. optometrist or ophthalmologist. It is recommended yearly.
9. Clean your screen periodically to maximize 8. You should do the exercises below frequently
clarity. Characters on your screen should be clear and slowly at your workstation.
and free from noticeable flicker.
Eye Exercises:
10. Use a hood if necessary to shelter the screen
from undesirable lighting. 1. Blinking - Blink frequently to moisten and
relax your eyes.
11. In some situations, nothing else can be done
except to use a glare screen. Polarized glass is the 2. Eye and Temple Massage - Using your fingertips,
best and most costly, polarized film is the next best, gently massage the bony area around each eye using
and mesh screens are the least desirable because they short circular motions. Do the same for the area around
reduce image quality. your temples.

5-4 VISION CARE 5-5 WORK HABITS

Even the best posture and the most ergonomically
Sustained focus on computer monitor may cause correct workstation won’t prevent muscular stress and
visual and other discomfort. Be alert for the follow- fatigue if you sit for several hours in one position.
ing symptoms: eye fatigue, dry itchy eyes, blurred Breaks from computer work can help keep your eyes,
vision, and/or headaches. mind and body refreshed and energized.
Possible Causes: 1. The National Institute for Occupational Safety
1. Overhead lights and bright windows may and Health (NIOSH) recommends taking a short
produce glare. break every couple hours of uninterrupted work.
(Check with your supervisor for your break schedule).
2. Monitor screen is too close or too far from eyes.
2. Experts also suggest brief, frequent “microbreaks.”
3. Poor display quality, i.e., brightness and con- These breaks are defined as time spent doing some-
trast need adjustment. thing other than work on a computer. They don’t have to
4. Focusing on the monitor for extended periods involve leaving your workstation. Suggestions include
of time without a break. moving around, stretching, doing non-computer tasks,
and refocusing your eyes.
Prevention Tips:
The timing of such microbreaks is more impor-
1. The top of your screen should be adjusted to tant than the length. To be the most effective, a break
eye level to slightly below eye level. should be taken before the onset of fatigue, rather
2. Place your screen at the appropriate reading than recuperating from it.
distance for your eyes. See pages 5-5 thru 5-9 for examples of exercises
3. A document holder should be used to place for intermittent breaks from computer work.
the documents at approximately the same height as
the monitor.
4. High contrast and low brightness is the best
setting on your monitor for visual clarity.

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5-6 CUMULATIVE TRAUMA 5-7 CARPAL TUNNEL

DISORDERS SYNDROME SYMPTOMS
Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) are caused 1. Swollen feeling of the fingers, yet no physical
by repeated motions, excessive force, vibration, exposure evidence of swelling.
to cold, awkward positions and over exertion. The arms 2. Numbness in the thumb or hand.
and hands are especially vulnerable. The disorders can
involve nerves, blood vessels or tendons, which 3. Tingling in the thumb or hand.
connect muscles to bones. The following are examples 4. Pain in the fingers or hand.
of CTDs:
5. General arm and hand weakness.
Carpal Tunnel syndrome: A nerve disorder re-
sulting from pressure on the median nerve where it 6. Burning sensation in the hand and arm.
passes from the forearm through the carpal tunnel 7. Loss of muscle strength at the base of the thumb.
in the wrist and into the hand. When irritated, the
sheaths that surround the tendons in the narrow tunnel 8. Dry, shiny palms and clumsiness of the
can swell and press against the nerve. Symptoms affected hand.
include pain, numbness and tingling in the first three 9. Changes in sensation and power to squeeze things.
fingers and the base of the thumb. The symptoms
often are worst at night. Surgery may be necessary but, If you are experiencing any of these symptoms,
only as the last option. your workstation should be evaluated by you and a
person trained in office ergonomics. Ask your supervi-
Tendinitis: Inflammation of a tendon from repeated sor and/or department’s Health and Safety Coordinator
tensing. With further exertion, some fibers that make for assistance.
up the tendon can fray or tear, and at the tendon may
become thick and bumpy. Without rest and sufficient
time for healing, the tendon may be permanently weakened. 5-8 WHEN IT HURTS
Tenosynovitis: Swelling of the sheath surrounding
Quick fixes for you workstation. Sometimes we have
a tendon, which contains a lubricant called synovial
muscle stress or pain in specific areas. The following are
fluid. Repeated motions may stimulate the sheath to
quick solutions.
produce excess fluid, which accumulates and causes
pain in the sheath. Neck: Is your computer monitor too low? Raise it
using a monitor stand, the CPU, telephone books or
Thoracic outlet syndrome: Compression of the other stable objects so that your eyes are level with or
nerves and blood vessels between the neck and shoulder. slightly below the top of the screen. Do you wear bifo-
Symptoms include numbness in the fingers and tingling cals? Lower your screen so that the screen is visible in
in the arm. the reading part of your glasses and you are not slouch-
Ulnar neuritis: A nerve inflammation that results ing. Are you working with your neck bent forward?
from pressure on the ulnar nerve over time, including Consider a slant board for reading and writing. Do you
leaning on the elbow on hard or sharp surfaces for use a telephone frequently? Use a headset.
long periods. Symptoms include tingling and numbness Shoulders: Is your work surface too high? Raise
in the small finger and ring finger. your chair height and use a foot rest if your feet
don’t touch the floor. Your keyboard should be a
little lower than your elbows when your arms are
relaxed at your side. Do you reach out a lot? Bring
objects closer to your body (within 18 inches), or
move forward or stand up to reach. You can move
your chair under your keyboard or use a keyboard
tray. If you use a mouse, bring it close to your body.

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Elbow: Do you have a forceful grip when using your 5-9 GENERAL BENEFITS OF
mouse or other tools? Relax your hand over your mouse
and gently click. Use a pen sleeve, gripper or foam from
EXERCISE AND GOOD
a soft plastic hair curler to extend the grip on your pen NUTRITION
or pencil.
Exercise should be an integral part of every ergo-
Wrist/Hand: Avoid forceful gripping. Keep wrists nomics program especially general exercise, such as
straight for typing or tool use, i.e., not bent forward, walking, running, bicycling or swimming. Stretch and
backward or sideways. Do your work lightly and strengthen exercises are also critical to preventing
gently, don’t pound. Rest your hands between keying ergonomic injuries. This doesn’t minimize the need for
or writing. ergonomically correct workstations. The combination of
Thumb: Use pen sleeves and grips. Use electric sta- good ergonomics, exercise and good nutrition is a very
plers and avoid pinch type staple removers (also see successful combination in preventing cumulative
instructions for elbow problems.) trauma injuries.

Upper Back: Avoid long reaches (see instructions Benefits:

for shoulder problems.) Avoid slouching and make sure • Increased circulation
you have good lumbar support. Recheck your upright • Improved general health
posture every 20-30 minutes after standing and stretch- • Increased alertness and concentration
ing. If your chair has armrests that are too low or too far • Improved posture by increasing body awareness
away from your body, wrap foam or a cervical collar • Improved potential to prevent and/or eliminate
(available at drug stores) around them to widen and raise muscle and join pain
the armrest. • Improved potential to prevent cumulative
trauma disorders
Lower Back: Sit with knees at or slightly below hip
level with feet supported. (You may need a small pillow 5-9.1 Eye Exercises
at your belt line or lower back.) Stand and stretch every
20-30 minutes. If you’re standing while working, get a Cup Them
block of wood or a small stool and put one foot on the 1. Cup your hands and place them lightly
stool, then alternate with the other foot. Rocking side to over your closed eyes.
side also decreases low back pain.
2. Hold for a minute, while breathing deeply
Eye Strain: Position the computer screen so that in and out.
the least light falls directly on it. If fluorescent lights are
3. Slowly uncover your eyes.
causing the glare and you can’t reposition the screen,
have every other bulb removed or even whole banks Roll Them
that are direct offenders. A glare screen or a screen hood
can be used. Temporary hoods can be made from card- 1. Close your eyes and slowly roll your eyeballs
board to eliminate the glare. Use mini blinds or other clockwise all the way around. Repeat three times.
adjustable window coverings to control the amount of 2. Now slowly roll them all the way around
daylight entering your office at various times of the day. counterclockwise. Repeat three times.
5-8.1 Reporting Injuries / Illnesses Look Away
Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD) symptoms or 1. Every 1/2 hour, look away from the com-
any other illness or injury you think is work related puter screen.
should be reported to your supervisor. Early reporting
2. Focus on an object at least 20 feet away.
results in more successful treatment of these symp-
toms with nonsurgical interventions. 3. Look back at the screen, then look away
and focus again.
4. Repeat three times.

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5-9.2 Stretching Exercises Shoulders

Be sure you have enough room before stretch- While sitting or standing:
ing and always stretch gently using controlled move-
ments. If you experience discomfort or pain, dis- 1. Push elbows back.
continue and consult a health care professional. If 2. Hold for five seconds.
under care, check with your health care professional
prior to doing these exercises. 3. Repeat three times.
Hand, Elbow and Shoulder
While sitting or standing:
1. Gently push elbows back with arms par-
allel to the floor.
2. Push palms forward while extending
arms.
3. Spread fingers apart.
4. Repeat three times.

Shoulders
While sitting or standing:
1. Relax shoulders.
2. Roll them forward five times.
3. Roll them backward five times.
4. Repeat as needed.

Be sure you have enough room before stretching.

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Shoulders Legs
1. Stand and stretch arms out. 1. With back supported by the chair, ex-
tend leg.
2. Do small gentle arm circles.
2. Flex and point foot.
3. Repeat five times.
3. Repeat with other leg.
4. Advance to larger arm circles.
4. Repeat as needed.

Legs
Triceps
1. With back supported by the chair and
While sitting or standing: one foot on the ground, use both hands to
gently pull knee forward to chest.
1. Bring one arm in front and bend elbow
while placing hand over opposite shoulder. 2. Hold for five seconds.
2. Gently push elbow toward chest about 3. Alternate legs.
twenty seconds.
4. Repeat three times.
3. Repeat with the other arm.
4. Repeat as needed.

Be sure you have enough room before stretching.

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Neck Lower Back

1. Place right hand on the head. 1. Push chair a full arm stretch from desk.
2. Let neck gently stretch toward the shoulder. 2. Lean forward and touch the floor.
3. Hold stretch for about twenty seconds. 3. Return to sitting position.
4. Repeat three times 4. Repeat as needed.

Lower Back
Neck 1. Stand with hands supporting the low back.
1. Turn head and look over your shoulder 2. Gently arch your back.
slowly and gently.
3. Hold for five seconds.
2. Hold for five seconds.
4. Repeat as needed.
3. Repeat three times.

Be sure you have enough room before stretching.

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Upper Back and Shoulders Upper Back and Shoulders

1. Move one arm overhead and then the 1. With right elbow up and bent, circle
other in a climbing motion. shoulder forward and then backward.
2. Repeat five times. 2. Repeat five times.
3. Repeat with left side.

Be sure you have enough room before stretching.

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