The purpose of this Manual is to provide guidance on preparing and processing documents that comply with NEPA and other applicable state and federal environmental laws affecting transportation projects in Colorado. This Manual provides references and links to related federal and state laws, executive orders, regulations, and policies. It also provides "best practice" examples for various compliance processes where appropriate. It is intended that CDOT staff, local agency representatives, and consultants use this Manual to implement NEPA in an effective manner, producing more consistent, improved environmental documents that decision-makers may use to make well-informed transportation decisions.
Positive protection is defined by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) as "devices that contain and/or redirect vehicles and meet the crash worthiness evaluation criteria contained in NCHRP Report 350." By this definition, positive protection devices should prevent intrusion into the work area. These guidelines address the use of positive protection devices in work zones.
The advent of solar energy utilization in highway infrastructure around the country has been increasing in recent years. Right of Ways (ROWs) have several advantages for energy development such as the existing electrical infrastructure aligned with the major highways, a secured boundary, and easy maintenance access. To understand the potential impacts on driver safety, environmental resources, and maintenance operations, case studies are presented from national and international projects. Factors associated risk impacts are analyzed qualitatively as well as quantitatively. Mitigation measures are recommended to minimize the undesirable impacts in the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of solar array.
The main purpose of the CDOT Project Development Manual is to provide a quick, easy-to-use overview of situations or dilemmas that might be encountered in the course of developing a project. The manual is intended to assist new engineers, designers and consultants.
