Activity Descriptions

From Concept Development through Construction
Review Project and Certified Categorical Exclusion (CCE) Criteria (5100)

Compare project scope to the Stewardship Agreement to determine applicability of CCE.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Complete Certified Categorical Exclusion (CCE) Documentation (5105)

(Pipeline 3 Only)

Using the Categorical Exclusion Determination form, complete the appropriate sections and submit to Environmental Program Resources for review and approval.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Environmental Program Resources (EPR) Manager Approves (5110)

(Pipeline 3 Only)

Certify to FHWA that the project meets the criteria outlined in the regulations and MOA. FHWA review and approval is not required, EPR Manager provides quarterly listing of projects processed under this process to FHWA.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources, FHWA

Prepare Multi-discipline Technical Studies (5145, 5165, 5265, 5550)

All NEPA project categories (CE, EA, and EIS) require multi-disciplined analysis of potential environmental impacts, which are shown in seven general activity categories. The scope of these studies will be commensurate with the NEPA classification, regulatory requirements, public involvement, NJDOT Environmental P&N/ FA Statements and the project scope itself.

Cultural Resources Technical Studies

Identification efforts, including background research, interviews and fieldwork are completed for both archaeology and historic resources, which may be on or eligible for the National or State Registers of Historic Places.  Draft report on eligible properties, including an assessment of effect is submitted to the NJDOT Environmental Team for review/ comment prior to submittal for review by the SHPO.  36CFR800

Section 4(f) Technical Study

Publicly owned recreational properties protected under Section 4(f) of the USDOT Act are identified and impacts to these properties are evaluated.  This includes initial consultation with Agency having jurisdiction.  Findings are included in appropriately detailed technical 4(f) document.  27CFR771.135          

Ecology/ Wetlands Technical Study

Evaluate and document potential impacts from each alternative to natural resources, including surface and ground water quality, wetlands, water-bodies including aquatic species and habitats, flood plains and flooding, terrestrial species and habitats, and threatened and endangered species.  Where appropriate, recommend measures to avoid/ minimize or mitigate impacts and ways to enhance environmental quality.  Conduct and document appropriate level consultation described in the NJDOT/ NJDEP Land Use Regulation Memo of Agreement on Early Coordination during SD, and requirements of 23CFR771 involving agencies such as the Army Corps of Engineers, USEPA, US Department of Interior or any other agency with jurisdiction over resources potentially affected.

Social, Environmental Justice, Land Use and Economic Technical Study

Evaluate and document potential project related impacts to communities, effects on community cohesion, quality of life, aesthetics, land-use patterns, business and employment, public mobility and access, use of public facilities, and displacements of residents and businesses.  Potential for disproportionate impacts to minority or low-income populations will also be assessed as per Presidential Executive Order 21898 on Environmental Justice.  Identify opportunities for enhancing quality of life within project area of effect.  This activity may require close consultation with NJDOT Community Relations Unit, Office of Civil Rights and integrate with community involvement activities for the overall project.

Hazardous Waste Technical Study

Evaluate and document project’s potential involvement with known or suspected contaminated sites, underground storage tanks, or other hazardous waste.    Contact local, state and federal sources of information, review NJDEP case files, as appropriate.  Individual site investigations may be initiated, and the degree of involvement with project alternatives will be evaluated.  Need for further investigation and/ or sampling is determined.  Appropriate measures to reduce involvement are recommended.

Noise Technical Study

Evaluate and document potential noise impacts on noise sensitive areas such as residences, businesses, schools, parks, etc.  The scope of this activity can vary significantly in response to project scope.  Consult NJDOT Noise Scope Statement and FHWA regulations.  Noise abatement measures will be considered in accordance with FHWA/ NJDOT Noise Abatement Policy.  If necessary, a task titled “Prepare Noise Barrier Details” will be included.  23CFR772

Air Quality Technical Study

Evaluate and document potential impacts to air quality, which may include a hot spot carbon monoxide (CO) analysis.  If project increases traffic capacity as defined in FHWA/ EPA regulations, include a discussion of conformity with the State Implementation Plan (SIP) and the current Congestion Management System (CMS).   Recommendations are made to improve air quality by reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled, enhanced use of bike/ pedestrian mobility or other measures if and as appropriate.  The scope of this activity can vary significantly in response to project scope.  Consult NJDOT Air Quality Scope Statement and FHWA regulations.

23CFR770, 40CFR51 and 93

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Prepare Categorical Exclusion Document (CED) or CED with Section 4(f) Document (5150)

Complete Categorical Exclusion Document (CED) form provided by NJDOT summarizing technical study results and submit to FHWA.  If Section 4(f) impacts are involved, attach documentation resulting from the Section 4(f) Process Detail string of activities shown on the Environmental Activity Network.  The document will also include documentation resulting from Section 106 Process Detail activities.  The EPR Manger signs the CED and submits to FHWA for review & approval.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources, FHWA

Public Information Center (5155)

Prepare environmental presentation materials, including those required by public involvement elements of 36CFR800 [CITE: 36CFR800] for cultural resources. Address and document environmentally related issues as required.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

FHWA Reviews and Approves CED or CED/ 4(f) (5160)

Review and approval of 23CFR771 [CITE: 23CFR771] requirements.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

FHWA

Prepare Multi-discipline Technical Studies (5165)

See Activity 5145 above.

Prepare EA or EA 4(f) Document (5170)

Prepare the Environmental Assessment document, incorporating results of Technical Studies, Section 4(f) and Section 106 Process Activities and any other requirements outlined by 23CFR771. It includes documentation of project need, alternatives, impacts, mitigation, public involvement, and agency coordination.  EPR sends documents and copies of Technical Environmental Studies to FHWA for review.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

FHWA Reviews EA or Draft EA/ 4(f) (5175)

FHWA completes independent review of document(s) for compliance with requirements of 23CFR771 as applicable.  Comments are provided to EPR Manager.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

FHWA

Revise EA Documents (5180)

EPR revises document, with support from consultant and other DOT units to address FHWA comments.  Additional engineering, environmental, agency coordination or public involvement activities may be required to address comments. EPR Manager resubmits document(s) to FHWA for review and approval.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

FHWA Reviews and Approves (5185)

FHWA will complete an independent review of document(s) and give approval by signing and dating the cover page of the documents.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

FHWA

Circulate Draft Environmental Assessment/ 4(f) Documents (5190)

Distribute documents to public officials, federal, State and local government agencies with jurisdiction/ responsibility/ expertise involving the proposed action as well as special interest groups and members of the public with identified interest in the proposed action.   Transmittal letters request respondents to send comments to the appropriate EPR Supervisor and identify the FHWA contact. If possible, time, date and location of the public hearing should also be identified. The EA should be made available to the public for a minimum of 15 days in advance of the public hearing.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Public Hearing (5195)

The Public Hearing is held no sooner than 15 days after the Environmental Assessment (EA) is distributed. Advanced notice of the hearing is published in local newspapers and the hearing is held in a manner consistent with the Department‘s public involvement process. Comments are received from the public and agencies at the hearing either as testimony or in writing. The EA is available for inspection at the public hearing and at other public locations. Public involvement requirements of 36CFR800 [CITE: 36CFR800] and the Executive Order on Environmental Justice are included as appropriate.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Comment Period (5200)

Required public comment period for an Environmental Assessment (EA) is 30 days and 45 days for a Draft EA/ 4(f). Hearing transcript and comments received are sent to FHWA.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources, FHWA

Address Comments (5205)

Comments are addressed. Project related recommendations are made. Additional environmental, engineering or coordination activities, if required to address comments, are conducted.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Prepare Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) Request Package (5210)

If no significant environmental impacts are identified, Environmental Program Resources submits revised Environmental Assessment, public hearing transcript, copies of comments/ responses and a recommendation for FONSI to FHWA. If FHWA/ NJDOT identifies significant environmental impacts, the process continues at the appropriate Environmental Impact Statement Activity (5245) selected by NJDOT/ FHWA.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

FHWA Review and Issues Finding Of No Significant Impact (FONSI) (5215)

After FHWA independent review and after required 30 day waiting period, which allows public and government response, FHWA issues a FONSI.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources, FHWA

FHWA Legal Sufficiency Review & Approval (5225)

FHWA NJ Division Office reviews document and if technically sound, forwards to FHWA Eastern Resource Center (ERC) for Legal Sufficiency Review. If document complies with legal and processing requirements, ERC and NJ Division FHWA give approvals.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

FONSI Issued and Public Notice (5235)

As required by 23CFR771.212 (b), EPR arranges for public notice regarding FHWA Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).  After waiting the required 45 days for receipt of comments and completion of Legal Sufficiency Review, FHWA issues a FONSI and as required in 23CFR771, EPR arranges appropriate public notice.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Document Purpose & Need (5240)

In close collaboration with PPD, briefly describe proposed action and transportation problem(s) or other needs, which it intends to address. To the extent possible, it should be based on information obtained from precursor Pipeline 1 Planning and FA activities and clearly define the “need” in a manner understandable to the general public.  It will form the basis for the “no action” discussion in the “Alternatives” section of the DEIS. Close coordination with stakeholders is conducted at this stage to build consensus on need

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

FHWA Publishes Notice of Intent in Federal Register (5245)

A Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement is issued in the Federal Register. A Notice of Planned Action Letters are sent to federal, State agencies, which may have interest, jurisdiction or special expertise that would contribute to impact assessment and to local governmental officials.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources, FHWA

Identify Alternatives (5250)

During Feasibility Assessment activities, identify reasonable alternatives, which could meet project purpose and need. Final alternatives selected for detailed study in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement are chosen from this list. The range of alternatives should include: “No Action”, Transportation System Management; Mass Transit; and Build alternatives; including improvement of existing highway(s) and alternatives on new location, as appropriate. Each are briefly described using text and drawings.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources,

Invite Cooperating Agencies (5255)

The FHWA may ask other federal agencies with jurisdiction over the proposed action (such as a permitting agency), or that have expertise valuable to the accurate assessment of impacts, to be cooperating agencies in the preparation of the EIS.  FHWA sends letters of invitation to identified cooperating agencies.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

FHWA

Hold NEPA Scope Meeting (5260)

As outlined in 23CFR771, [CITE: 23CFR771] agencies with regulatory responsibility involving the proposed action are invited to a NEPA Scope Meeting to identify issues, which should be addressed in the Environmental Impact Statement and set the P&N/ FA Statement for impact studies.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Prepare Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or Draft EIS/ 4(f) (5270)

Draft EIS is prepared "in-house" or by a consultant managed by Project Development, in cooperation with Environmental Program Resources (EPR). It incorporates results of Technical Studies, Section 106 Process, Section 4(f), consultation with cooperating agencies, and public involvement. After EPR accepts preliminary Draft EIS, it is sent to FHWA under EPR Manager signature. Preliminary copies of all Technical Studies are also submitted to FHWA at or before this time.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

FHWA Review & Comment (5275)

FHWA conducts independent review of DEIS as set by 23CFR771 and submits comments to EPR Manager.  The preliminary Draft EIS is also sent to Cooperating Agencies by EPR for review and comment.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources, FHWA

Revise Document(s) (5280)

Environmental Program Resources (EPR), in collaboration with in-house units addresses FHWA and Cooperating Agency comments. This may require additional engineering, environmental, public involvement or agency coordination activities. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement and support documents are appropriately revised and resubmitted by the EPR Manager to FHWA for review and approval.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

FHWA Review & DEIS or DEIS/ 4(f) Approval (5285)

After review by NJ Division FHWA, FHWA Eastern Resource Center conducts Legal Sufficiency Review, provides recommendations to FHWA, NJ Division.  If document complies with 23CFR771 and related regulations, FHWA approves DEIS or DEIS/ 4(f) for printing, distribution, and signs/ dates cover page.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources, FHWA

FHWA Review & Approves to Circulate (5290)

FHWA conducts independent review of DEIS for compliance with 23CFR771 and other NEPA related requirements and approves document(s) for print and circulation.  Cooperating agencies provide concurrence with content of DEIS with respect to their area of responsibility.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

FHWA

Federal Register Notice of Availability (5295)

Submit appropriate number of copies of Draft Environmental Impact Statement to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Subsequent to a short administrative review of the document, EPA publishes the Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. Date of publication begins mandated 45-day public comment period.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Circulate Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or Draft EIS/ 4(f) (5300)

Distribute document(s) for comment to public officials, Federal, State and local government agencies with jurisdiction/ responsibility/ expertise involving the proposed action as well as special interest groups and members of the public with identified interest in the proposed action. Transmittal letters request respondents to send comments to EPR and identify the FHWA contact. If possible, time, date and location of the public hearing are also identified. The DEIS should be made available to the public no later than the date of the Notice of Availability.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources, FHWA

Public & Agency Comment Period (5305)

The required public comment period for a Draft Environmental Impact Statement is 45 days. The Environmental Team sends written comments and the public hearing transcript to the FHWA.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Public Hearing (5310)

The public hearing is held no sooner than 15 days after the Notice of Availability is published. Advanced notice of the hearing is published, and the hearing is held, consistent with the Department’s public involvement process. Comments are received from the public at the hearing, either as verbal testimony or in writing. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement is available for inspection at the public hearing, and at other public locations.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Address Comments (5315)

Evaluate written and verbal comments, conduct studies needed to address comments, in consultation with the Project Development and other Department Units. Environmental Program Resources makes appropriate recommendations to lead project unit to modify the project to avoid/ minimize/ mitigate impacts to the environment, and incorporate measures to enhance environmental quality in response to comments received.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Evaluate Alternatives & Select Final Alternative (5320)

Collaborate with Project Development, the PM, and other Department units as appropriate to select a Preferred Alternative for recommendation to the CPC. After approval by the CPC, the preferred alternative is recommended for FHWA approval.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources, FHWA

Prepare Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or Final EIS/ 4(f) (5325)

Prepare preliminary Final EIS which identifies preferred alternative, evaluates reasonable alternatives, addresses substantive comments received on the Draft EIS, and describes mitigation/ enhancement measures that will be incorporated into the proposed action. It includes results of any additional technical studies which address comments to the Draft EIS. The activity is managed by Environmental Program Resources, in coordination with the Project Development, and the PM. This activity cannot be completed until Summary Documentation or the Memorandum Of Agreement (if needed) are concluded. In addition, as needed, the Final 4(f) Determination must be completed as well.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

FHWA Review & Comment (5330)

FHWA conducts independent review of FEIS as prescribed by 23CFR771 and submits comments to EPR Manager. The preliminary Final EIS is also sent to Cooperating Agencies for review and comment.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

FHWA

Address Comments & Revise Document(s) (5335)

Comments received from FHWA and Cooperating Agencies are addressed in collaboration with Project Development, PM, other units and FHWA as appropriate. Environmental Program Resources makes recommendations to avoid, minimize and mitigate environmental impacts and, as appropriate, enhance environmental quality. Document is submitted to FHWA for Review.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

FHWA Review & Concur with Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or Final EIS/ 4(f) (5340)

After review by NJ Division FHWA, FHWA Eastern Resource Center conducts Legal Sufficiency Review, provides recommendations to FHWA, NJ Division.  If document complies with 23CFR771 and related regulations, FHWA approves FEIS or FEIS/ 4(f) for printing, distribution, and signs/ dates cover page. This only occurs if significant changes occur to document.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

FHWA

Publish Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Notice in Federal Register (5350)

Copies of the Final EIS are transmitted to US Environmental Protection Agency by Environmental Program Resources, with a request to publish the availability notice in the Federal Register.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Circulate Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or Final EIS/ 4(f) (5355)

Document(s) sent for comments to public officials, Federal, State and local government agencies with jurisdiction/ responsibility/ expertise involving the proposed action as well as special interest groups and members of the public who made substantive comments on the Draft EIS. Transmittal letters request respondents to send comments to the appropriate EPR Supervisor and identify the FHWA contact. The Final EIS is also available for public review at NJDOT headquarters, and at local government offices and libraries.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources, FHWA

Publish Notice of Availability in Newspaper (5360)

Notice of availability is drafted by Environmental Program Resources and sent to Community Relations for publication in appropriate newspapers in project area.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Public & Agency Comment Period (5365)

FHWA must wait 30 days after publication of the Final EIS notice in the Federal Register, or 90 days after publication of the notice for the Draft EIS, whichever is later, before a Record of Decision (ROD) can be executed.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

FHWA

FHWA & NJDOT Considers Comments (5370)

Address substantive comments on Final Environmental Impact Statement, and coordinates draft responses with the FHWA.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources, FHWA

Consult Agency with Jurisdiction on Impacts & Mitigation (5380)

Consult agency with jurisdiction, including SHPO or Green Acres and others as appropriate, to obtain agreement on unavoidable temporary occupancy of historic or recreational properties, or permanent minor impacts to recreational land or permanent impacts from bikeways. Consultation also occurs on measures to minimize harm and mitigate unavoidable impacts. Prepare and submit appropriate documentation to agency.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Agency Reviews & Provides Documented Agreement (5385)

Agency with jurisdiction over Section 4(f) property reviews the documentation provided by Environmental Program Resources and agrees in writing with the findings involving unavoidable impacts and measures to minimize/ mitigate harm.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Prepare Temporary Occupancy Document (5390)

If impact involves unavoidable temporary occupancy, prepare documentation regarding temporary occupancy, including description of 4(f) resources, project description and temporary impacts on 4(f) property, including copies of coordination letters and submit to FHWA.  It is not considered a use of property when; of short duration, no change in ownership, does not create long-term or indefinite property interests in the land, no temporary or permanent adverse change to the property, involves minor amount of land.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources, FHWA

Prepare Programmatic 4(f) Compliance Documentation (5395)

Programmatic 4(f) documentation for bikeways or minor recreational land taking is prepared according to Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 and includes all coordination letters and location map. Submit to FHWA for review.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

FHWA Review & Approve (5400)

Review and approve the documentation supporting applicability of Programmatic 4(f) approval for minor temporary occupancy, parkland impact or impacts associated with a bikeway project.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

FHWA

Prepare Programmatic 4(f) Compliance Documentation (5410)

Prepare supporting justification for applying Programmatic Section 4(f) approval and submit to FHWA using result of consultation and coordination involving impacts to historic bridge or minor taking from a historic property.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

FHWA Review & Approve (5415)

Review and approve documentation supporting applicability of Programmatic 4(f) approval involving historic bridge or minor taking from a historic property.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources, FHWA

Incorporate in Environmental Document (5420)

Include documentation and results of consultation in the appropriate NEPA document for project.

Documentation on absence of identified resources and consultation results are included in the appropriate environmental document.  As appropriate, include results in material presented to public as part of overall public involvement for project.

Documentation of No Effect and consultation results are included in appropriate environmental document.  As appropriate, include results in material presented to public as part of overall public involvement for project.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Consult Agency with Jurisdiction on Impacts & Mitigation (5425)

Consult agency with jurisdiction over parkland regarding unavoidable impacts from project, which are not covered by programmatic FHWA 4(f) approvals, and therefore subject to full Section 4(f) processing. Measures to mitigate impacts are also considered during consultation, with NJ Department of Environmental Protection - Green Acres and/ or other agencies as appropriate. Approval of land acquisition is subject to NJ State House Commission approval during Right of Way Acquisition Stage.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Agency Reviews & Provides Documented Agreement (5430)

Agency with jurisdiction reviews documentation provided by NJDOT; and agrees in writing with findings made involving unavoidable impacts and mitigation measures.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Prepare Section 4(f) Document (5435)

Draft individual Section 4(f) document is prepared for impacts to parkland or historic property, in accordance with 23CFR771 [CITE: 23CFR771] and related FHWA guidance and submitted to FHWA. During this stage, alternatives to avoid impacts are evaluated and a preferred alternative is selected. For historic properties, consultation and documentation produced during Section 106 Process is used to prepare this Section 4(f) document.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

FHWA Review & Comment (5440)

Review Section 4(f) requirements to determine there are no prudent and feasible alternatives to taking of Section 4(f) property.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

FHWA

Prepare Revised Document (5445)

Revise the Draft Section 4(f) Document to address FHWA comments and resubmit to FHWA.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

FHWA Review & Approve to Print Draft Section 4(f) (5450)

Review and approve the Draft document to meet Section 4(f) requirements. If the project is a Categorical Exclusion, a “self standing” Draft Section 4(f) document is processed separately and, when approved, attached to the Categorical Exclusion Determination.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

FHWA

Print Document (5455)

Print the appropriate numbers of copies, based on the distribution list as prescribed by 23CFR771, [CITE: 23CFR771] agency consultation and public involvement.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Circulate Draft Section 4(f) (5460)

Distribute the Draft Individual Section 4(f) document to the list developed during Activity 5455 and receive comments in accordance with the time frame set by 23CFR771 [CITE: 23CFR771].

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Address Comments (5465)

Comments are addressed. Additional environmental, engineering or public involvement activities are performed, as needed, to address substantive comments.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Prepare Final Section 4(f) Document (5470)

Prepare the final Section 4(f) document, which compiles results of all environmental studies involving Section 4(f) property, engineering, coordination and consultation. Submit document to FHWA NJ Division Office.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

FHWA Legal Sufficiency Review & Approval (5475)

Document reviewed and forwarded to FHWA Eastern Resource Center for Legal Sufficiency Review. If document complies with legal and processing requirements, Eastern Resource Center and NJ Division FHWA give approval.

Note:  Only applies if significant changes to document occur.  Duplicate of Activity 5520

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources, FHWA

Complete Final 4(f) Activities as Part of Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Activities (5480)

If the project requires an EA or EIS, the Section 4(f) documentation is integrated with the EA or EIS and processed together as prescribed by 23CFR771 [CITE: 23CFR771], and shown on the Pipeline 1 Network Diagram.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Initiate Consultation (5485)

Set Area of Potential Effects; identify Consulting/ Interested Parties and initiate consultation with SHPO.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

SHPO Review and Concurrence (5490)

If no resources are identified in the project area of effect, documentation is provided to SHPO by EPR.  SHPO conducts review and indicates concurrence.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Assess Effect and Prepare Documentation (5500)

For resources identified in the Area of Potential Effect (APE) apply Criteria of Effect from 36CFR800 caused by project, clearly present rationale and prepare documentation for approval by EPR.  It is common for assessment of effects and draft recommendations on effects to be included in Cultural Resource Technical Study prepared by consultants. This activity includes EPR review of Technical Report and negotiations with SHPO on findings.  Three outcomes are possible: No Effect, No Adverse Effect, and Adverse Effect. EPR sends SHPO appropriate documentation as required by outcome, for review and comment/ opinion.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

SHPO Review & Concurrence on No Effect (5505)

SHPO will complete their review in 30 days and provide concurrence with No Effect to EPR.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

FHWA Review & Approve Conditions (5515)

Evaluate SHPO suggested conditions, which may include design changes, mitigation or other measures to reduce impact to avoid Adverse Effect Opinion. If conditions conform to FHWA environmental, engineering and funding guidelines, FHWA will approve and notify EPR.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

FHWA

SHPO Review & Concurrence on No Adverse Effect (5520)

Concurrent with FHWA review, SHPO completes review in 30 days and provides concurrence with No Adverse Effect to EPR.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

FHWA Review & Approve NAE (5525)

Concurrently with the SHPO review, FHWA conducts independent review of documentation and approves.  Two outcomes are possible after this Activity:  No Adverse Effect and no land is taken from historic resource, OR; No Adverse Effect but takes land from Historic Site or District and requires Section 4(f) processing.  Network Chart provides appropriate paths .

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

FHWA

FHWA Review & Approve Adverse Effect (5530)

If outcome of Effects Assessment results in initial finding of Adverse Effect by consultant and EPR approves, documentation is sent to FHWA by EPR for review and approval. FHWA conducts review in accordance with 36CFR800 and provides approval to send report to SHPO and consulting/ interested parties.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

FHWA

SHPO and Consulting Party Review (5535)

SHPO and Consulting/ Interested Parties conduct a 30-day review and provide concurrence (SHPO) and comments (Consulting/ Interested Parties) on Adverse Effect finding and as appropriate, recommendations to reduce impact and mitigate harm, to EPR.  Definitions of Consulting and Interested parties are provided in 36CFR800 along with specific responsibilities and roles they have in the Section 106 process.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Prepare Adverse Effect Documentation & Submit to FHWA (5540)

Additional engineering, environmental or public involvement activity may be conducted to address substantial concerns raised.  Documentation supporting the Adverse Effect determination, incorporating results of consultation with SHPO and Consulting/ Interested Parties is prepared and submitted to FHWA.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

FHWA Sends Documentation to ACHP & Offers Opportunity for Consultation (5545)

As required by 36CFR800, FHWA will send Adverse Effect Documentation to the American Council for Historic Preservation (ACHP) and offers the opportunity to participate in consultation to resolve Adverse Effects caused by project.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

FHWA

ACHP Review & Accept or Decline Participation (5550)

American Council for Historic Preservation (ACHP) may decline to participate, or chose to do so along with SHPO and Consulting/ Interested Parties.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Consultation to Resolve Adverse Effects (5555)

Consultation and negotiations take place on ways to avoid/ reduce and mitigate impacts to cultural resources. FHWA has lead responsibility, however coordination and technical work to support the process is conducted by EPR with support from consultant or other DOT units. Additional engineering activity to evaluate design detail alternatives to minimize harm may be conducted as needed.

 If Agreement is reached; proceed to Activity 5620. If Failure to Agree; proceed to conflict resolution process beginning with Activity 5640.  

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Prepare Draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) (5560)

EPR in consultation with FHWA, SHPO, Interested/ Consulting Parties prepares draft MOA.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Circulate Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for Comment (5570)

If NEPA documentation is CED the draft MOA is circulated independently of CED for comment to parties identified by 36CFR800.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Revise Draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) (5575)

EPR will address comments and drafts final MOA for signatures.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Circulate & Evaluate MOA (5580)

FHWA, SHPO, American Council for Historic Preservation (ACHP) (if participating), and others as determined by the Section 106 process execute the document by signing. The results of the consultation process are used to complete the CED. The Executed MOA is attached to and sent to FHWA for final CED approval.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Prepare Finding of Adverse Effect & Submit to FHWA (5585)

Additional engineering, environmental or public involvement activity may be conducted to address substantial concerns raised. Documentation supporting the Adverse Effect determination, incorporating results of consultation with SHPO and Consulting/ Interested Parties is prepared and submitted to FHWA.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

FHWA Review & Send to ACHP (5590)

As required by 36CFR800, FHWA sends Adverse Effect Documentation to American Council for Historic Preservation (ACHP) and offers the opportunity to participate in consultation to resolve Adverse Effects caused by the project.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

ACHP Review & Comment to FHWA (5595)

American Council for Historic Preservation (ACHP) reviews Adverse Effect Documentation and forwards comments back to FHWA.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

FHWA Considers Comments and Makes Decision (5600)

Subject to the outcome of negotiations and conflict resolution steps in 36CFR800, FHWA considers advice and comments received and makes the decision to approve the project, with conditions (if any) as produced by the consultation process.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Conduct Research & Cultural Resources Technical Study (5605)

Using qualified professionals prescribed by USDOI Secretary Standards, conduct appropriate level technical studies to identify presence of Historic Properties which are on or eligible for the State/ Federal Register of Historic Places. The results are documented in an appropriately detailed report, which usually includes recommendations on effects to properties. EPR sends SHPO documentation for review and comment/ opinion.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resource

Early Coordination with NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) (5700)

Coordinate with DEP to determine whether the project is exempt and to set the scope of environmental studies to be conducted.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Prepare Technical Studies (5705)

Prepare multi-disciplined technical environmental studies as outlined in NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) EO 215 Guidelines and make recommendations to NJDOT PM on ways to avoid and minimize environmental damage and measures to mitigate harm. This activity should also include coordination with any DEP unit, which will require permits.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Prepare Draft EO 215 Document (5710)

As required by the technical requirements of EO 215, prepare the appropriate level documentation (Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement) for the project and submit to NJ Department of Environmental Protection for review.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Review & Comment (5715)

DEP conducts review of document and makes recommendations to NJDOT.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Address NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Comments & Prepare Final Document (5720)

If required, conduct additional environmental, engineering or coordination activities as needed to address substantive comments and prepare final documents. Submit to DEP for final review.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Review & Approve EO 215 Document (5725)

DEP reviews and approves EO 215 document.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Green Acres Pre-Application Meeting (5730)

Hold a meeting with representatives from the NJDEP Green Acres Program and the affected municipality and/ or county to present the initial concepts of the proposed Green Acres diversion and to discuss the proposal and application requirements.  N.J.A.C. 7:36-21.2.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Solutions

Green Acres Parcel Negotiations (5735)

Obtain agreement with the owner/ applicant on the compensation for the diverted property.  Compensation could consist of either replacement land or monetary compensation.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Solutions

Prepare Green Acres Pre-Application (5740)

Prepare Green Acres Pre-Application package and submit to the owner/ applicant. The applicant is typically either a municipality or county, unless the diversion land is owned by the State. The Green Acres Program will notify the applicant in writing as to whether the applicant may proceed with the final application. The package requirements are available at www.state.nj.us/dep/greenacres. The final application must be submitted to Green Acres 75 days prior to the meeting of the State House Commission.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Solutions

Owner Submits Green Acres Pre-Application (5745)

The owner/ applicant reviews the pre-application package and submits it to the NJDEP Green Acres Program for review .

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Governing Body Resolution of Pre-Application (5750)

A resolution of support from the governing body must be received as part of the pre-application package .

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

NJDEP Review of Green Acres Pre-Application (5755)

The NJDEP Green Acres program must approve the pre-application package prior to submitting the final application.  The pre-application package should be submitted at least seven days prior to the first Tuesday of the month, in order to be considered for review during that month.  N.J.A.C. 7:36-21.2(d).

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Prepare Green Acres Final Application, Steps 1 – 10 (5760)

Prepare Green Acres Final Application Package, Steps 1 – 10 and submit to the owner/ applicant for review. The Green Acres Program will notify the applicant to proceed in submitting the following final application1 (as applicable) if the proposed diversion meets the requirements of N.J.A.C. 7:36-21.4.  One through ten of this application must be submitted 75 days prior to the meeting of the State House Commission.

For the county’s convenience Attachment I (for diversion of county lands only) details how counties can couple the requirements of N.J.S.A. 40A:12-13.5 et seq. with Green Acres requirements.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Solutions

Owner Submits Green Acres Final Application, Steps 1 – 10 (5765)

The owner/ applicant reviews the final application package, steps 1 – 10 and submits it to the NJDEP Green Acres Program for review.  The Green Acres Program will review the submission and determine if it is complete for the public hearing.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Green Acres Hearing(s) (5770)

Depending on size, location, and type of diverted land (Municipal, County, or State); a public hearing may or may not be required.

In some cases, more than one public hearing may be required.  The number of public hearings required will be determined by the NJDEP Green Acres Program representative.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Solutions

Submit Green Acres Final Application, Step 11 (5775)

After the public hearing, submit proof of public hearing notice, transcript of public hearing minutes, and resolution of support to the NJDEP Green Acres Program to complete the final application.

Green Acres Program will review the submission and determine if the submission is complete for the public hearing.  After the public hearing is held, please submit the following items to complete the application:  

  • Proof of timely Public Hearing Notification and Publication N.J.A.C. 7:36-21.4(a) 10
  • Public Hearing Minutes/ Transcript N.J.A.C. 7:36-21.4(a) 11
  • Governing Body Resolution N.J.A.C. 7:36-21.4(a) 9 (Sample Resolution)

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Solutions

Governing Body Resolution of Final Application (5780)

After the public hearing, a resolution of support from the governing body must be obtained and included in the final application .

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Solutions

NJDEP Review of Green Acres Final Application (5785)

The NJDEP Green Acres Program must approve the final application package prior to recommending it for approval to the State House Commission.  The final application must be submitted to the NJDEP at least 75 days prior to the State House Commission meeting.

Note:  Permission to submit a final application does not constitute approval for the proposed diversion project.  Final approval of an application to divert encumbered parkland may only be granted by the DEP commissioner and the state house commission.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

State House Commission Approval (5790)

Once the NJDEP Green Acres Program approves the final application, it will get placed on the agenda of the State House meeting which only meets quarterly.  The State House Commission usually meets on or about the 15th of March, June, September, and December.  These dates are to be used ONLY as guidelines. Once the State House Commission has granted approval, the next step is ROW Availability in Activity 3030.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Initiation (1010)

The internal and external agencies meet and review the documentation on the project that includes the Purpose & Need Report, Feasibility Assessment Report, Environmental Impact Statement, Tier 2 screening, or other transfer documents as may be available. This activity includes the field visit by both the design and the support units. This activity ensures that the design units and the support units are fully conversant of the different aspects of the project requirements.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Project Manager

Designer Mobilization (1030)

After the consultant/ designer agreement has been executed, or the in-house designer has been given the notice to proceed, this activity provides time for the designer to assign required resources to the project.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Public Involvement Action Plan (1060)

A formal Public Involvement Action Plan is developed considering any recommendations made as a part of Purpose & Need or Feasibility Assessment, and the activities which may include public meetings, focus groups with local officials, council and legislative briefings, public information centers, public hearings, press releases, news letters, etc. This should include a reforestation element, when required, due to proposed project impacts in Activity 2140.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Community Relations, Project Manager, L&UD, Environmental Program Resources, ROW

Initiate Geometrics (1070)

Calculate the roadway horizontal and vertical geometry sufficient to evaluate specific project alternatives or impacts. Using the graphical alternative from the Initial Preferred Alternative as a guide, the geometry is mathematized and tied into the existing base map to produce an accurate depiction of the proposed impacts. The calculated geometry is necessary to determine Right of Way impacts and the need for design exceptions.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, ROW

Analyze Substandard Design Elements (1080)

(Pipelines 1 and 2 only) When conditions warrant, a design exception may be granted for a project design that contains one or more controlling substandard design elements (CSDE). A design exception may be approved when it can be documented that a lesser design value is the best practical alternative.

There are two activities regarding design exceptions. The first one is in the scope development process.  Substandard features are identified, but are not formally approved. Reasonable assurance is given based on information given(full accident analysis is usually not known); also, limits etc could change as the design proceeds.  During PD, the design exception is written, full accident analysis provided; and approved as part of the PDS.

Evaluate each substandard design element for improvement and/ or to meet existing standards. Factors to be considered are project scope statement, accident data, cost of the improvement and all negative environmental, social and economic impacts.

Design exceptions will require FHWA approval on full oversight and interstate projects.

Go see the NJDOT Design Exception Manual for further details.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Analyze and Approve Substandard Design Elements (1085)

(Pipeline 3 only) Submit the design exception request to the Director, Division of Design Services for approval prior to finalizing the horizontal and vertical geometry. Although the design exception submission consists primarily of a series of checklists, the designer shall attach a more specific analysis of the impacts (social, economic and environmental) to the checklist that is submitted for approval.

Go see the NJDOT Design Exception Manual for further details.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Letter No. 1 to Utility Co. (1100)

Send letters to the utility owners, which will establish the necessary initial utility and railroad contacts.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Project Manager

Establish Utility Engineering Funding (1110)

Establish preliminary engineering funding based on Engineering Cost Estimate for all utility owners.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Project Manager, Program Coordination

Plans & Letter No. 2 to Utility Co. & Project Manager (1115)

Prepare a straight line diagram or plans from feasibility study to show the limits of the project so that the utility owner can determine if they have facilities within the project limits.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Utility Owner, Designer, Project Manager

Subsurface Utility Engineering Test Pits (1120)

Where detailed information is required on the utility locations, subsurface test pits are taken to determine the location of underground utilities.

Prior to taking test pits, the proper level of designation must be specified.

  • Level A - Underground utilities are located remotely using metal detectors or other similar devices
  • Level B - Test pits are dug to locate underground utilities
  • Level C - Test Pits are dug to locate underground utilities and linked to physical features in the field by a survey crew. Survey notes must accompany the test pit report.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Prepare Utility Agreement (1130)

Prepare utility agreement and transmit to utility owners for execution (include in the transmittal letter an authorization date for the owners to incur engineering costs).

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Utility Coordinator, Project Manager

Execute Utility Agreement (1135)

Process the Utility Agreements through the utility owners, the Deputy Attorney General (DAG) and NJDOT.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Utility Owner, Project Manager

Utility Base Plan Preparation (1140)

Prepare the Utility Base Plan to show existing facilities. These plans will be the base plans for the Alternatives of Accommodation and the Utility Agreement Plan.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Project Manager

Develop Alternatives of Accommodation (1145)

Develop alternatives of accommodation for each utility owner.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Initiate Access Impacts (1150)

Initiate this activity upon completion of the Activity 1070 (Initiate Geometrics). Initiate the access design process with respect to the proposed geometry of the project; and in compliance with the NJ State Highway Access Management Code. The designer will design all access alterations in accordance with the Access Design Guidelines.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Access Design

Prepare Access Plans (1155)

Initiate this activity upon completion of the Activity 1220 (Horizontal/Vertical geometry completed). The designer shall submit an overall Project Access Plan (PAP) and the Access Impact Summary (AIS) to the OAD for review and acceptance.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer (or ROW Consultant), Access Design, Project Manager

Initiate Right Of Way (ROW) and Prepare Estimate (1160)

Prepare the ROW Report prior to the preparation of the PD ROW Plan; Activity 1270. This report will be used in the ROW Kick-off Meeting and have to be concurred with by the Divisions of ROW and Access Management.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

ROW, Project Manager, Designer

Topographic Survey (1170)

The field survey notes and data collection provide documentation, within specific project limits and offsets, of the site’s existing field conditions, drainage systems, utility lines, right of way, soil borings, control points, and elevations. The field survey may supplement any necessary photogrammetric survey or GIS work.

The field survey data documents:

Existing Field Conditions: The survey crew records (based on the detailed Survey Request) those topographic features that will influence or be influenced by the project design. Cross-sections and profiles can be generated from the survey data in the Geometric Design Unit.

Drainage Systems: The drainage field data collected may include any bodies of water, open channels or pipe systems.

Utilities: The location of visible utilities such as railroads, power lines, communication lines, substations, and mark outs of pipelines, and other utilities facilities

Right of Way Considerations: The survey crew locates existing right of way and all relevant property information, including all buildings, parking lots (including a count), driveways, septic tanks, wells, structures, and any other information that could affect the ROW costs on all properties where ROW acquisitions are anticipated. Additional property boundaries may be needed to be defined based on specific scope and project needs.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Prepare Base Maps (1175)

Upon completion of the topographic survey data collection through field survey or aerial photography and existing right-of-way deed search, base maps are developed which depict in detail the required existing topography along with mainline and secondary road baselines and baseline information. This information is to be provided in Microstation CADD format for the development of two and three-dimensional files, and in accordance with Article 51, Standards and Procedures of the Agreement (Consultants Only).

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Conduct Supplemental Surveys (Preliminary Design) (1180)

Acquire additional topographic data, locating utility test pits, providing layout for soil borings, wetlands, and any other areas not addressed in previous surveys.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Wetlands Delineation (1185)

Survey and delineate the wetland areas. Prepare a delineation map and report from the results.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Environmental Program Resources

Title Search (1190)

Title Search shall be conducted prior to commencement of preparation of Preliminary ROW Plans. The Scope of work will be furnished upon the Project Manager’s request. The Designer will be accountable for hiring, accuracy, and timeliness of the Title Company’s performance. A Title Summary document shall accompany Preliminary and Final ROW Submission.
Title Search may be by either:
• In-house Title Unit
• Consultant Designer

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

ROW, Project Manager

Preliminary Structure Appraisal and Design (1195)

A. Prepare the horizontal/ vertical geometric design of the project.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, ROW

B. After the horizontal/ vertical geometry in Activity 1220 is completed, develop the preliminary structure plans to determine structure type and configuration. Factors to be considered are initial cost, life cycle cost, future maintenance under traffic, etc.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Control Survey & Report (1215)

Conduct a Control Survey and prepare a Survey Report consisting of the initial control survey, which establishes the primary project control to be used for the entire project, topographic survey, data required to establish existing baselines and/ or centerlines, and relationships to existing and proposed ROW lines. The datum and control requirements shall be in conformance with Article 44, Standards and Procedures of the Agreement.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Project Manager

Horizontal/ Vertical Geometry Completed (1220)

Complete all roadway horizontal and vertical geometry calculations.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Preliminary Roadway Plans (1230)

Prepare the roadway plans to be submitted at the Preliminary Design (PD) Submission as required by the PM. Plan content and presentation to conform to the Sample Plans (pdf 13,900 kb) and the Preliminary Design Submission Guidelines. Design decisions shall be documented in the Design Communications Report by the Designer.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Define Utility Impacts & Develop Estimate [Master Agreement] (1235)

Determine if impacted utilities can be accommodated using the Utility Master Agreement process.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Project Manager, Utility Engineering

Write Utility Change Order [Master Agreement] (1245)

Prepare Master Agreement Change Order and submit to Project Management for execution.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Execute Utility Change Order [Master Agreement] (1250)

Assure the Master Agreement Change Order is complete, transmitting the Change Order through the chain of command for approval, and execution and distributing the executed document to the Utility Owner.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager

Update Base Plans & Identify Conflicts (1255)

Using verified utility facility information, determine potential conflicts between existing utility facilities and proposed design.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Develop & Approve Check List (1260)

Complete the Utility Owner Design Authorization Check lists to accommodate the proposed schemes. The final checklists will be approved according to the department accommodation policy.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Project Manager, Utility Owner

Final Utility Accommodations (1265)

Based on the completion of the Utility Owners’ plans and estimates, show the final utility accommodations and betterments on Construction Plans.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Preliminary Design (PD) ROW Plan (1270)

Prepare plans that accurately depict all right of way impacts (acquisitions). The plans shall also indicate the lot and block numbers along with the owners’ name and acquisition area for each parcel.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Project Manager

Stream Hydrologic & Hydraulic Analysis (1275)

Perform hydrologic and hydraulic stream analysis and secure acceptance by the regulatory agency. Generally, complete during the Feasibility Assessment process for all bridge/ culvert projects proposing change to the bridge opening, roadway profile, or any activity within the 100-year floodplain of a stream with a drainage area over 50 acres to the point of interest.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Bridge Scour Analysis (1280)

Perform Scour calculations and incorporating countermeasures, if needed, in the structural design.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Prepare Preliminary Design (PD) Package (1295)

Prepare the PD Submissions Package in accordance with the Preliminary Design Submission Guidelines. Inform Jurisdictional Engineer of any special circumstance, such as decorative lighting and sidewalks, that the County or Municipality has requested and agreed to maintain. Incomplete submissions will be rejected and returned.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager, Designer, FHWA

Gather Pavement and Sub-grade Soil Information (1720)

Collect existing pavement and sub-grade soil information and determine the need for additional information.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Develop Pavement Testing Program (1725)

Collect field data and perform laboratory testing to determine the material properties required for the analysis of existing and proposed pavement structures.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Perform Pavement Life Cycle Cost Analysis (1730)

Evaluate various pavement types and treatments and determining the most cost effective treatment for the analysis period. Language requiring this task is contained in the trust fund renewal act. This information is currently reported to the legislature on an annual basis.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Preliminary Drainage Design (1770)

Determine a system to collect storm water runoff from the roadway surface, right of way, and tributary off site areas, convey it along and through the right of way and discharge it to an adequate receiving area without causing adverse on or off site impacts. The design must strive to maintain compatibility and minimize interference with existing drainage patterns, control flooding of the roadway surface for design flood events, and minimize environmental impacts from highway related storm water runoff. Consideration should be given to avoid deep cuts and utilities whenever possible.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Assess Designer (1795)

Assess the performance and available resources of the Preliminary Design (PD) Designer. A determination will be made whether to retain the PD Designer or to select a new Designer for Final Design.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager

Consultant Final Design Proposal (1800)

Request and prepare the final design proposal through submission of the draft proposal to the Project Manager.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Project Manager

Develop Final Design (FD) Independent Cost Estimate (ICE) (1810)

Develop an independent engineering man-hour cost estimate for consultant design services for projects advancing into FD. It is in conformance with the FHWA’s requirements as outlined in 23 CFR, Chapter 1, and Part 172 – Administration of Engineering [CITE: 23CFR172]. If a new consultant selection is necessary, follow the standard consultant selection process covered in Feasibility Assessment.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager, Systems Operations

Negotiate Consultant Agreement Addendum for Final Design (1820)

Negotiate the final design costs with the consultant. The consultant will resubmit the design proposal in coordination with the PM.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager, Designer

Develop Final Design (FD) Schedule (1830)

The Scheduler with guidance from the PM develops an FD schedule based on the P&N/ FA Statement and history.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager, Scheduling in (PM), Construction Management

Develop Final Design (FD) Budget Estimate (1835)

Develop the engineering man-hour cost estimate for:

  1. In-house support for a Consultant Designed Project or
  2. In-house design and in-house support for a In-House Designed Projects.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager, Systems Operations, Designer, Construction Management

Finalize Final Design (FD) Budget Estimate (1845)

Finalize the FD Budget Estimate documentation that is necessary for both budget approval and the subsequent funding authorization. 

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager, Systems Operations

Approve Final Design Budget (1850)

Obtain an approved Project Baseline Schedule/ Budget Action Form.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager, PM Director (in PM), Systems Operations

Final Design (FD) Authorization (1860)

Request authorization for FD Development.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager

Execute Addendum for Final Design (FD) (1870)

After authorization is received, execute the Consultant Agreement Addendum for FD.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager

Approve Final Design (FD) Schedule (1880)

Contact the scheduler to make any changes as required and submit the FD schedule for approval.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager

Conduct Contamination Site Investigation (SI) Initial Sampling (1900)

Should environmental studies identify potentially contaminated Right of Way, further analyses may be required to confirm the presence and extent of contamination. Such analyses will include the development and implementation of a soil-sampling plan (analyses of sampling by qualified laboratory) at all sites with contamination concerns. The final SI report is provided to the appropriate property owners.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources, Designer

Site Investigation (SI) Report (1910)

Provide the SI report to the NJ DEP for review and comment

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources, Designer

Conduct Remedial Investigation Detailed Sampling (1920)

For certain projects, this activity may be combined with Activity 1900, Conduct Contamination Site Investigation (Initial Sampling). The PM should confer with Environmental Program Resources when developing the draft Preliminary Design Schedule. Detailed sampling may be needed to delineate the extent of contamination and define costs associated with remediation. An evaluation of remedial alternatives is made and a recommended alternative is selected.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Environmental Program Resources

Review of Remedial Investigation Report (1930)

Provide the Remedial Investigation results to NJ DEP for review and comment.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Prepare Property Acquisition Environmental Cost Estimate (PAECE) Report (1940)

Prepare a PAECE report based upon the information obtained in the Initial Sampling and Detailed Sampling. The PAECE report is prepared for each ROW parcel where there are remedial costs.  It defines either one of two costs; those associated with remedial activities conducted by the current owner or those associated with activities conducted by NJDOT. If the estimated remedial costs are less than $100,000, only the NJDOT amount is listed.  For costs of $100,000 or more, estimates for both the property owner and NJDOT are listed.

Send the PAECE report to the appropriate ROW District Office and to the current owner of the parcel. As part of this submittal to ROW, an Environmental Summary Memorandum (EPRM) is prepared, which indicates the appropriate environmental clause to be used in the acquisition agreement. Once the PAECE report and ESM are submitted to ROW, the negotiations with the property owner can begin.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Environmental Program Resources, Project Manager

Prepare Preliminary ROW Documents (2010)

Prepare the Entire Tract Maps, General Property Parcel Maps, descriptions of each parcel and approximately 10% of the Individual Parcel Maps in accordance with Right of Way Individual Parcel Map Supplemental Standards, Right of Way Engineering Manual, (zip 996k) and the Right of Way Non Real Estate Report Format Guidelines.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, ROW

Revise ROW Estimate (2015)

Review the Preliminary Design (PD) plans & documents in order to assess the consistency of plans with current property conditions, and development of an updated cost estimate, which is then submitted directly to PM. ROW district identifies acquisitions involving relocation, and confers with PM as to the possibility of seeking advance authorization to purchase based on PD plans. If early acquisitions are recommended, the Programming Section of Technical Support takes the lead in requesting a partial ROW authorization, establishing a funding source and alerting the ROW district office to begin the scope of activities so authorized.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

ROW

Right of Way Authorization (2020)

The right-of-way authorization request process can commence, upon completion of the Preliminary ROW Plans. Once the FHWA approves the authorization request, right of way activities may proceed based on the availability of final plans. In the event of complicated partial acquisitions, the availability of sufficient construction details will determine the ability to proceed with appraisals and the acquisition process.

Note: Circumstances permitting, there may be situations where early authorization is sought for ROW activities such as entire acquisitions involving relocation. Such authorization requests can be made prior to the receipt of preliminary plans, based on tax map designations.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager, ROW, Capital Program Coordination, FHWA

Review Preliminary ROW Documents (2025)

Preliminary right of way documents are to be reviewed by ROW Engineering and ROW to assure they are in accordance with Right of Way Individual Parcel Map Supplemental Standards, Right of Way Engineering Manual, (zip 996k) and the Right of Way Non Real Estate Report Format Guidelines.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

ROW, Landscape Architecture, ROW Engineering

Complete Final ROW Documents (2030)

Based on the Pre-Final ROW review and comments, all necessary corrections are made and final ROW plans are submitted in accordance with Right of Way Engineering Manual, (zip 996k).

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, ROW

Pre-Final ROW Submission (2035)

Submit the Pre-Final Submission to ROW Engineering Unit approximately two to four weeks before the Final ROW Submission date as established by the PM. The review will insure that all Preliminary ROW Submission comments have been complied with; allow ROW Engineering to review any new or changed parcels/ descriptions and to insure the accuracy of all ROW documents before the extensive printing required for the Final Submission.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, ROW Engineering, Project Manager

Obtain ROW Environmental Re-evaluation (2040)

For those projects where the ROW authorization will occur more than one year after the approval of the environmental document, a ROW Environmental Reevaluation will be required.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources, FHWA

Review Pre-Final ROW Submission (2045)

Approved Preliminary ROW Comment Resolution will be utilized in the PreFinal ROW Review. The purpose of the meeting is to introduce the project to the ROW District’s Acquisition Team and discuss ROW acquisition in detail with appropriate SME’s present. This allows the ROW District’s Acquisition Team a comprehensive understanding of the project’s purpose and needs and impacts of proposed roadway improvements.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

ROW, Project Manager

Final Right of Way Submission Package (2055)

Prepare comment resolutionsafter the preliminary ROW plan review and Pre-Final ROW plan review. The comment resolution is to be approved by the Director of ROW, prior to the next phase of plan preparation.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

ROW

Prepare Access Cut-Outs (2090)

Initiate this activity upon completion of the Activity 1155 (Prepare Access Plans). Prepare Access Cut-outs (ACO) in accordance with the accepted AIS and in accordance with the (most current version of the) Access Design Guidelines. If an AIA report is required, OAD will decide on the need to use the current Designer or a specialist through a ROW Task Order Agreement.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Access Design, Project Manager

Review Access Cut-Outs (2095)

The Access Design (AD) will review the Access Cut-Outs (ACOs) and the AIA reports in accordance with the Access Design Guidelines. Upon resolution of comments, the designer and/or the OAD’s task order specialist will finalize and submit the final ACOs and final AIA reports to the OAD.

This activity is not required for in-house designed project since AD would be both access cutout designer and access cutout reviewer.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Access Design, Designer, Project Manager

Administer Access Alterations (2100)

The OAD will administer all Access alterations (i.e. revocations, modifications, adjustments and change of Access) in compliance with the NJ State Highway Access Management Code and the Access Design Guidelines. Notify the owners of lots whose access will be modified or revoked. Lot owners may request a meeting to discuss the revisions to their access. The owner of the lot whose access is to be modified or revoked has an opportunity for an informal meeting with the Supervisor/Manager of OAD to resolve any differences. For a modification of access, the owner will be advised that if they do not agree with the informal decision, they may submit an appeal to the Director, Design Services. For a revocation of access, the owner will be advised that if they do not agree with the informal decision, they may submit a request for a hearing in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act and the Uniform Administrative Procedures Rules. Lot owners will be notified on an adjustment of Access if NJDOT is not acquiring any real property rights in the property separately from the alteration of access and/or the limit of proposed driveway alteration work is beyond the existing ROW line. All adjustment of access appeals, although not required by the Access Code, will follow the modification of access appeal process.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Access Design

Prepare Soil Erosion & Sediment Control (SESC) Plan (2115)

Prepare the SESC Plan based on engineering/ design need incorporating the controls and features identified in the SESC report in conformance with the NJDOT SESC Manual .

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Soil Erosion & Sediment Control (SESC) Certification (2120)

Certify to the Soil Conservation Districts that NJDOT plans and specifications are in conformity with the NJDOT SESC Manual . NJDOT is a self-certifying agency.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Landscape Architecture

Prepare Reforestation Plan (2125)

Prepare and submit the Reforestation Plan.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Landscape Architecture

Reforestation Plan Review (2130)

The Division of Forestry and the Community Forestry Council has 90 days to review and comment on plan.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Landscape Architecture

Reforestation – Determination of Deforested Areas (2140)

If area is less than ½ acre, then no additional action is required.

If area is equal to or greater than ½ acre but less than 1 acre, then a reforestation plan is required.

If area is 1 acre or larger, then a public forum is required (notification and comment period) in addition to a reforestation plan. When required, the forum shall be held at least 180 calendar days prior to deforestation. The forum shall be held in conjunction with the project’s community information center in Activity 2220.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Landscape Architecture, Community Relations

Prepare Lighting Design (2150)

Prepare the layout of the lighting design. The design should include the ROW needs associated with the proposed lighting design. Plans are to be prepared using CADD Microstation to Traffic Signal and Safety Engineering (TSSE) standards and in accordance with the Preliminary Design Submission Guidelines.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Review Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (SESC) Plan (2155)

Landscape Architecture reviews the plan for conformity with the SESC report, existing and proposed site conditions, and NJDOT SESC Manual .

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Landscape Architecture, Designer

Prepare Traffic Signing, Striping, and Signal Design (2160)

Prepare plans for layout of guide signs, regulatory traffic control devices and signal design. The plans also should identify the ROW needs associated with signing and signal layout. Plans are to be prepared using CADD Microstation to Traffic Signal and Safety Engineering (TSSE) standards and in accordance with the Preliminary Design Submission Guidelines.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Prepare Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) Facilities Design (2165)

Prepare electrical and communications design work for the construction plans (including schematics), special details, special provisions and cost estimate for the proposed ITS facilities. Review the ITS Facilities Layout plans and the ITS Systems Analysis report (Activity 0230) and provide the required documents for the construction and the integration of the proposed facilities into proposed and existing ITS control and communications systems. Identify all outstanding ITS issues and obtain NJDOT approval of his recommendations for resolving these issues in his design.

For pipeline 3 projects, the tasks for Activity 2165 shall be included in Activity 3065.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Prepare Drainage Design (2170)

Perform hydrologic and hydraulic analysis to determine inlet spacing, pipe and channel sizes, inverts, and hydraulic performance of the drainage system. The design process must adhere to the current and acceptable design standards and procedures of the Drainage Design Manual.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Prepare Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (SESC) (2180)

Prepare the SESC report, which shall identify the areas requiring temporary and permanent erosion control and identify the type of controls to be most effective. This work shall be in conformance with the NJDOT SESC Manual and ADU 92040 dated November 30, 1992.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Prepare Roadway Plans (2190)

Prepare the final Roadway Plans accordance with the Sample Plans. Perform a field edit of existing conditions before finalizing the plans to ensure accuracy.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Preliminary Design (PD) Review (2200)

Submit the PD Submission (PDS), in accordance with the Preliminary Design Submission Guidelines. Send the PDS to those units established by the PM and Designer, with the Program Manager’s concurrence, and to Construction Management and Value Solutions for review and comment.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager, Designer, Value Engineering, Value Solutions, Landscape Architecture, ROW Engineering

Prepare Jurisdictional Limit Maps and Agreements (2205)

Prepare the Preliminary Jurisdictional Limit Maps and Agreements according to the Jurisdictional Manual, and submit to Jurisdictional Control Unit.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Jurisdictional Control

Community Relations (2220)

The Project Manager and Community Relations will determine the level of community relations as per the Public Involvement Action Plan. This may include traditional information centers and public meetings, as well as work sessions/ focus groups with local officials. Community Relations will be responsible for scheduling and meeting protocol. Other tasks may include the preparation of mailing lists, data sheets, displays, technical presentations, and meeting follow-up. When applicable, the public forum requirements of the Reforestation Act shall be met as part of this presentation.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Landscape Architecture, Community Relations, Project Manager

Obtain Traffic Loading Data (2225)

Obtain or determine the traffic data necessary to develop the pavement recommendation.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Prepare Pavement Recommendation (2230)

Recommend the pavement structure to accommodate traffic for the intended design period. The pavement recommendation is determined using the current AASHTO Design Guide and should be supplemented with mechanistic design procedures.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Conduct Supplemental Surveys (Final Design) (2240)

Acquire additional topographic data, locating utility test pits, providing layout for soil borings, wetlands, and any other areas not addressed in previous surveys.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Prepare Contamination Clean-up Plan (2270)

Prepare a contamination cleanup plan if the environmental studies conducted in Activity 1900 and Activity 1920 identified contaminated ROW. Such a plan will include a mitigation plan (based upon input with NJ Department of Environmental Protection), and appropriate engineering and specifications for use by a qualified contractor. The above procedures will also address:

Worker Health and Safety Plan (HASP)
Public Safety and Health
Project Costs
Environmental Protection
Equipment Requirements

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Environmental Program Resources

NJDEP Review of Contamination Clean-up Plan (2275)

The NJDEP will review the contamination clean-up plan.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Prepare Wetlands Conceptual Mitigation Plan (2280)

Prepare a conceptual wetlands mitigation plan.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Environmental Program Resources

Mitigate Cultural Resources (2290)

Mitigate or monitor any adverse effects prior to the initiation of any NJDOT activity that will compromise a significant cultural resource (archaeological, architectural, engineering and historical).

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Environmental Program Resources

Prepare Permit Application (2300)

Identify the need for any and all permits and submit to the applicable regulatory agency.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Environmental Program Resources

Review & Submit Permit Application (2305)

Review the permit package and submit to the applicable regulatory agency.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources, Designer

Preliminary Design (PD) Comment Resolution (2330)

Resolve all comments made in the review of the PD Submission.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager, Designer,Value Engineering, Value Solutions, FHWA

Develop Subsurface Exploration Program (2395)

Develop a subsurface exploration program, usually consisting of borings and in-situ testing, and specifications necessary to initiate the subsurface explorations. It may also include geophysical and geologic surveys.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Gather Subsurface Information (2400)

Collect field data required for the geotechnical engineering design of the project, typically consists of borings, rock drilling, and other in-situ testing techniques, and the preliminary foundation type selection.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Conduct Geotechnical Foundation Design (2410)

Develop foundation recommendations and geotechnical assessments required by the structural designer in order to design the structure foundations.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Seismic Retrofit Analysis (2415)

Perform a Seismic Retrofit Analysis to determine a structure’s retrofit eligibility and cost effectiveness in accordance with Section 45 of the NJDOT Design Manual-Bridges and Structures. The final seismic retrofit features will be developed in conjunction with the Subject Matter Expert during Preliminary Design.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Conduct Geotechnical Roadway Design/ Rock Slope (2420)

Develop roadway geotechnical recommendations required for the design of roadway embankments and cuts.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Preliminary Construction Estimate & Schedule (2490)

Prepare Preliminary Construction Estimate and Construction Schedule based on Preliminary Roadway Plans and Preliminary Structure Plans for inclusion in Preliminary Design Package.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, New Technology Products

Prepare Environmental Plans (2510)

Prepare the construction environmental plan sheets.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Prepare Railroad PE Agreement (2580)

Prepare the Railroad PE Agreement.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager

Prepare Riparian License Application (2590)

Coordinate and obtain a Riparian License, if required, from NJDEP.  This includes responses to NJDEP requests for additional information, and continued coordination until receipt of the Riparian License.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Railroad Diagnostic Team Meeting (DTM) (2600)

Conduct a DTM on site with the railroad operator, local officials, engineer, school and emergency services, designer and any NJDOT unit or entity deemed relevant to discuss the grade crossing, gather expert testimony, and develop recommendations for modifications to the grade crossing. A plan identifying the proposed roadway improvements across the grade crossing (traffic, signing, striping, and signal plan) shall be provided to the RRSE for the DTM.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Railroad Engineering & Safety, Designer

Railroad Conceptual Design (2610)

A conceptual railroad design is submitted by Railroad.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Address Railroad Comments (2620)

address Railroad design comments.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Asbestos Survey (3005)

Perform Asbestos Surveys prior to the Final Design Submission on all buildings and structures which are scheduled for demolition in a given project.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager, Construction Management , Designer

Finalize Jurisdictional Limit Maps and Agreements (3015)

Finalize the Jurisdictional Limit Maps and the draft Jurisdictional Agreement as per the Jurisdictional Manual.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Jurisdictional Control, Designer, Project Manager, Regional Maintenance Engineer, DAG

Acquire Right of Way (3025)

Conduct Appraisal, Review and Appraisal Registration of all cases. Also conduct negotiations, reach agreements, and provide ROW Clearance Letter. Other possible activities include relocation and condemnation. This activity will be a minimum of 14 months duration for project with no relocation and a minimum of 18 months duration where relocation is required.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

ROW, Project Manager

Complete Lighting Design (3050)

Based on the Preliminary Design Submission review, incorporate comments into the plans and continue to complete the lighting plans in accordance with Roadway Design Manual and Sample Plans (pdf 13,930 kb).

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Complete Traffic Signing, Striping and Signal Plans (3060)

Based on the Preliminary Design Submission review, incorporate comments into the plans and continue to complete the traffic plans in accordance with Roadway Design Manual and Sample Plans (pdf 13,930 kb).

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Complete Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Facilities Plans (3065)

Based on the Preliminary Design Submission review, complete all electrical and communications design work required to complete the construction plans (including schematics), special details, special provisions and cost estimate for proposed ITS facilities.

For Pipeline 3 projects, the tasks for Activity 3065 shall be included in Activity 2165.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Prepare Landscape Design (3070)

Determine if a landscape design is required for a project at the Project P&N/ FA Development stage. When a landscape design is required, the designer shall supply the Unit with a set of construction plans to be used for field notes.  If available, the grading plans of detention basins, wetland mitigation areas and noise barrier locations should be provided.  A field visit is scheduled in order to perform a site analysis and a concept plan is developed.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Landscape Architecture

Complete Landscape Design (3075)

Furnish a complete set of landscape plans and specifications for the project. Supply CADD compatible base sheet information when landscape design is performed in-house. In addition, the grading plans of wetland mitigation areas and noise barrier locations are needed to complete the landscape plans. Planting plans and/ or urban design plans will be prepared based on the conceptual plan and a field visit is scheduled to verify the validity of the design. Specifications and details are prepared and final quantities and costs of all related items are calculated.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Landscape Architecture

Complete Drainage Design (3080)

Complete the drainage design according to the Drainage Design Manual and the Design Submission Procedures .

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Final Design Submission (3095)

Milestone - The Final Design Package is submitted to the PM.

Final Design (FD) Review (3100)

Review the Final Design Submission documents in accordance with the applicable manuals, and the Design Submission Procedures.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager, Designer, Value Engineering, Value Solutions, Construction Management

Hold Contract Meeting (3105)

Schedule a Contract Meeting approximately 2 weeks following completion of FD. This will provide a reasonable timeframe for the designer to make any required changes to the contract documents. The desired outcome of the meeting is to identify constructability issues that may not have been adequately addressed or overlooked.

The meeting is mandatory for all projects and will be attended by the PM, Designer and at least an SME representative from the following:

  • Value Solutions
  • Construction Management
  • Traffic Operations
  • FHWA (invited to attend if Federal Project)

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager, Designer, Construction Management, ROW Engineering

Final Design (FD) Comment Resolution (3110)

Resolve all comments made in the review of the FD Submission so that the documents can be approved and the project can advance to the PS&E Submission.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager, Designer, Value EngineeringValue Solutions, Construction Management , ROW Engineering

Prepare Pre-PS&E Package (3114)

Submit the Pre-PS&E package to the FHWA, as per the Design Submission Procedures, for review upon completion of the Final Design Comment Resolution (Full Oversight projects only).

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager, Designer

Designer’s PS&E (3115)

Submit the PS&E package as per the Design Submission Procedures upon resolution of the Final Design submission comments, or after the pre-PS&E process is completed.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager, Designer

FHWA Pre-PS&E Review (3116)

The FHWA will review the Pre-PS&E Package. (Full Oversight projects only).

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

FHWA

Pre-PS&E Comment Resolution (3118)

Address any comments made in the review of the Pre-PS&E Package in Activity 3116 so the documents can be approved and the project can advance to the PS&E Submission (Full Oversight projects only).

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager, Designer

FHWA Review (3120)

(Pipelines 1 & 2 Only)

Review the Final Design Package by FHWA (Full Oversight project); and will be performed concurrently with Activity 3100.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager, FHWA

Prepare Advertising Authorization Package (3125)

Process the complete PS&E package.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager, Construction Management , Engineering Documents

PS&E Certified (3130)

Milestone - Submit plans and Alternate Procedures Certification to CAM, PS&E package assembled.

Construction Engineering Consultant Agreement Addendum (CAA) (3135)

Prepare and execute the Consultant Agreement Addendum for Construction Engineering Services (shop drawing review, engineering assistance, preparation of as-built plans, etc.)

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager

Authorization to Advertise (3140)

Process the completed Advertising package for Program Coordination (Federally Funded Projects only), Construction Management, and Construction Services .

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Construction Management , FHWA

Construction Estimate Development (3145)

Develop the construction cost estimate.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, New Technology Products

Specification Development (3150)

Develop input for the Special Provisions.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Construction Schedule Development (3155)

Create construction schedule (bar chart) using Primavera P3e software. The intent is to show that the project can be constructed.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Prepare Noise Barrier Details (3160)

Prepare the design of plans and details for noise walls that are associated with the final approved noise study in accordance with the Quality Control Guidelines.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Environmental Program Resources

Obtain Construction Environmental Reevaluation (3170)

The Environmental Reevaluation reaffirms the approved environmental document and evaluates other environmental considerations. The PM initiates the environmental reevaluation to the Bureau of Environmental Services.  Re-evaluated the following:

Previous environmental document sufficiency with regard to the current project design
Changes in project scope
Changes in land use
New or changed regulations
Current status of community reaction
Status of environmental commitment

If the reevaluation indicates that there has been a significant change with regard to environmental considerations then supplemental documentation may be required.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

PS&E Submission (3175)

Milestone - The PS&E package is submitted by the PM to QAConstruction Management (CM). CMQA will review all documents, circulate the Key Sheet for signature, prepare an AD-12 for Advertisement, and send Final Plans to EDU for distribution.

Prepare Final Design (FD) Package (3185)

Prepare the Final Design Submission package in accordance with the Design Submission Procedures. The package should include:

  • Transmittal Letter indicating the distribution of all Final Design Submission deliverables.
  • Project Summary Information
  • Construction Job Number Form (AC-1643)
  • Quality Checklist
  • Designer’s Certification
  • Design Communications Report (DCR)
  • Environmental Re-evaluation
  • Utility and ROW Clearance Letters
  • Final Plans- prints only, and copies for the appropriate review units.  Mylars are to be held by the Designer so that any necessary revisions can be made as required by the FD Review and PS&E processing activities.
  • Special Provisions - reflecting all revisions or additions required to the current supplementary specification previously provided to the Designer.
  • Construction Cost Estimate - in accordance with current Department guidelines.
  • Multi-Year Funding
  • Construction Schedule - prepared in accordance with Department Procedure as directed by the PM

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager, Designer

Prepare Final Structures Documents (3190)

Finalize the structures documents according to the Design Manual for Bridges and Structures and the Design Submission Procedures .

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Prepare Final Wetlands Mitigation Plan (3200)

Prepare the Plan, including the basic information and data developed during preparation of the Conceptual Wetlands Mitigation Plan, along with any refinements or revisions that result from the regulatory agencies review. It should also include the development of construction quality plans and specifications that contain the grading, landscaping, hydrologic/ hydraulic, and erosion control requirements. Any special conditions, such as seasonal work restrictions, agency notifications, progress reports, or fill disposal locations should be included in the Final Plans and/ or Specifications for the wetland mitigation work. In many cases, the wetland mitigation work will be done as part of the main highway project. However, there are some situations in which the mitigation work will be a separate contract; and the plans and specifications will have to contain all the other appropriate information needed to receive bids.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Environmental Program Resources, ROW

NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Review of Wetland Mitigation Plan (3220)

Submit the Wetland Mitigation Plan to the review agencies. For the NJDEP, there is a 60-calendar day review period. The Federal review agencies do not have a specified review period duration. Includes Designer, Environmental Program Resources, and PM work needed to respond to review agency requests for additional information or for clarification of elements of the Wetland Mitigation Plan.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources, Designer, Project Manager

Prepare Wetlands Monitoring Plan (3230)

Prepare a Task Order Agreement to monitor newly constructed wetlands to determine if they are successful.  The work performed on each project will vary depending on the permit conditions.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources

Secure Permits (3310)

Coordinate with each issuing agency to ensure that any problems can be resolved and that all environmental conditions for the specific project are met.

Note: Environmental Program Resources shall monitor project through construction to ensure that permit remains valid

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Environmental Program Resources, Designer

Complete Environmental Plans (3410)

Incorporate permit conditions into the contract documents.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Designer Prepares Engineering Text and Utility Agreement Plans (3510)

Prepare the railroad specifications and utility agreement plans.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Develop Utility Plans and Estimates (3520)

Prepare the detailed plans and estimates for utilities to be relocated by the State’s contractor or Utility upon receipt of approved checklists and Roadway Plans.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Utility Owner Develop Plans and Estimates (3530)

Prepare the detailed plans and estimates for utility facilities to be relocated or altered upon receipt of approved checklists.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Utility Owner

Obtain Utility Environmental Reevaluation (3540)

Obtain a Utility Environmental Reevaluation for those projects that require an authorization of utility work for advance utility relocations prior to the award of the construction contract.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Prepare Modification Agreements (3550)

Prepare the Modification Agreements to secure funds and modify Utility Agreements

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Project Manager

Authorization of Utility Work (3560)

Issue a utility agreement modification to the Utility Owners upon receipt of authorization for construction of utility facilities.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Program Coordination, Project Manager

Secure Riparian License (3590)

Respond to NJDEP requests for additional information, and continue coordination until receipt of the Riparian License.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

ROW

Revisit Railroad Diagnostic Team (DT) Meeting (3600)

If it is determined by the DT Leader that the design of the roadway has been altered significantly after the DT Meeting was held or strong public opposition/ comments are presented, a reconvening of the DT Meeting may be required to address possible amendment to the Memorandum of Record or Order.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Railroad Engineering & Safety

Railroad 30% Submission (3610)

Submit bridge designs to railroad at the 30% point of design.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Railroad Engineering & Safety

Address Railroad 30% Comments (3615)

Address the comments received from the Railroad 30% submission and make appropriate changes.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Railroad 60% Submission (3620)

Submit bridge designs to Railroad at the 60% point of design.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Address Railroad 60% Comments (3625)

Address the comments received from the Railroad 60% submission and make appropriate changes.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Railroad 90% Review (3630)

Submit bridge designs to Railroad at the 90% point of design.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Address Railroad 90% Comments (3635)

Address the comments received from the Railroad 90% submission and make appropriate changes.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Railroad 100% Submission (3640)

Submit completed bridge designs to Railroad.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Final Railroad Review (3660)

Railroad reviews designs and makes comments.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer, Project Manager

Address Final Railroad Comments (3665)

Address the comments received from the Railroad Final Review and make appropriate changes.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Designer

Request Local Police Traffic Assistance (3700)

Contact the local police department in order to secure funding and hours for local police traffic directors.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager

Execute Police Traffic Agreement (3710)

Circulate and distribute the approved AD-12 for the Police Traffic Agreement.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager

Execute Jurisdictional Maps and Agreements (4015)

Obtain fully executed Jurisdictional Limit Maps and Agreements

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Jurisdictional Control

Authorization Request Date (4200)

Milestone - The date funds are requested for Advertisement.

Advertise (4360)

Milestone - The public announcement, as required by law, invites bids for construction work to be performed.

Preparation of Bids (4600)

Process the necessary revisions to the contract documents resulting from Contractor inquiries or internal needs prior to accepting bids. It commences with the Advertisement of a project in a newspaper and on www.bidx.com and ends with the opening of the Contractor's bids.  See P&P 315 and 809.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Construction Management , Project Manager, Construction Services Procurement, FHWA

Recieve Bids (4700)

Milestone - All bids are received by the Department.

Award Contract (4790)

Perform a bid analysis resulting in a recommendation is made to award or reject the bids in accordance with P&P 310. Then circulate a Department Action form to award or reject the bids.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Construction Management, Construction Services Procurement, Civil Rights, Project Manager

Contract Awarded (4800)

Milestone - The contract has been awarded to the lowest bidder. Even though this is the responsibility of Construction Services Procurement, it is the final activity and a significant milestone which ends the design process. The progress of all design projects is measured against this activity.

Execute Contract (4810)

Execute the contract, including prepare and send Notice to Proceed. See Specification Section 103 for additional requirements.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Construction Services Procurement

Pre-Construction Public Information Meeting (4815)

Conduct a pre-construction Public Information Meeting.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Community Relations, Construction

Start Construction - Notice to Proceed (4820)

Milestone - The point where notice is given to the contractor to start construction.

Permits (Environmental) Notifications (4850)

Notify all required interested parties of the permits obtained.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Construction

Meeting with Non-Selected Contractors (4860)

Meet with the non-selected contractors.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Construction

Working Drawings (4870)

There are two primary types of working drawings, those requiring “APPROVAL” and those requiring “CERTIFICATION”.

Certified WDs

Working drawings that require CERTIFICATION typically apply to the fabrication of items of work. Examples of working drawings which require Certification are erection plans, temporary cofferdams, and other items that would commonly be considered the Contractor’s means and methods for constructing the project, such as stay-in-place forms and rebar coupling devices.

The process for CERTIFICATION of working drawings allows for certification or conditional certification of the working drawings. Conditional certification of working drawings is given when corrections are limited and the drawings fundamentally satisfy the contract. Examples of limited corrections include sporadic, minor dimensional errors and shop notes not fully consistent with the specifications that can be easily corrected on the drawings by the Design Unit, as well as format inconsistencies. This conditional approval allows the Contractor to order materials and perform the work, but the Contractor must submit revised working drawings incorporating the noted comments within thirty calendar days to receive a “CERTIFIED” stamp

Approved WDs

The working drawings that require APPROVAL are for those items of work which are not fabrication related and for items that were presented in the contract documents as “conceptual plans” for which the contractor is required to complete the final design. Examples of working drawings which require Approval are Modular Expansion Joint Assembly and Composite Piles.  An example of a “conceptual plan” is a proprietary wall.

The responsibility of the Contractor shall be according to the Standard Specifications, Section 105.05, including the Submission Category Table 105.05.

The working drawings requiring APPROVAL must be approved in their entirety with no exceptions.

The review and processing of working drawings will be the responsibility of the designated Design Unit. The Design Unit shall be the designer that prepared the contract documents, either a Consultant firm or in-house design unit, with one exception. The exception is that on Consultant designed projects, Traffic Signal & Safety Engineering (TSSE) will be the designated review unit on all working drawings related to electrical work. Therefore, the Contractor shall submit electrical working drawings directly to TSSE on consultant designed projects and to the Engineering Documents (ED) on in-house designed projects. The Project Manager, Resident Engineer and ED shall be copied on all working drawing correspondence.

Contractor Submittal

Submit final working drawings that require approval directly to the unit named in the Contractor Procedure Form letter. The submission shall include working drawings using the appropriate plan sheet format, either Sample A or B, and calculations on the appropriate calculation sheet, either Sample C or D.

Contractor Response

Any working drawing that receives a conditional “CERTIFIED AS NOTED”, shall be revised accordingly and resubmitted to the Design Unit according to the Standard Specifications, Section 105.05.

Correct and approve all working drawings that were stamped “REVISE AND RESUBMIT” due to non- conformity and resubmit them according to the Standard Specifications, Section 105.05.

Distribution

The accepted working drawings shall be distributed as follows:

  • One copy to the Resident Engineer
  • Two copies to the Bureau of Materials
  • One copy to the Design unit’s file (consultant design only)
  • One copy to the Engineering Documents Unit
  • Remaining copies to the Contractor

Addresses

Use the following addresses only when directed by this procedure:

Engineering Documents
Attn: Working Drawing Unit,NJDOT
PO Box 600, 1035 Parkway Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08625-0600

Traffic Signal & Safety Engineering, NJDOT
PO Box 613, 1035 Parkway Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08625-0613

Movable Bridge Engineering
100 Daniels Way,Freehold, NJ 07728

Geotechnical Engineering Unit, NJDOT
PO Box 615, 1035 Parkway Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08625-0615

Bureau of Materials, NJDOT
PO Box 600, 1035 Parkway Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08625-0600

For Fed Ex/ Express Mail use the following address:
Bureau of Materials, NJDOT
Thiokol BLDG # 2, 930 Lower Ferry Road, Trenton, NJ 08628-3501

Landscape and Urban Design, NJDOT
PO Box 600, 1035 Parkway Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08625-0600

Structural Design, NJDOT
PO Box 615, 1035 Parkway Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08625-0600

Geometric Design, NJDOT
PO Box 600, 1035 Parkway Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08625-0600

ITS Engineering and/ or other project specific ITS related unit, NJDOT
PO Box 600, Trenton, NJ 08625-0600

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Construction, Project Manager, Engineering Documents, Designer

Construction (4825)

See Specification Section 105 and P&P 334.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Construction, Engineering Documents, Construction Management

Value Engineering Construction Proposal Requests by Contractor (4880)

Process the value engineering construction proposal requests according to the Standard Specifications, Section 104.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Construction, Value Engineering

Construction Change Requests (4890)

Process construction change requests according to the Standard Specifications, Section 104 and the Change Control Board Procedures.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Construction, Project Manager

Contractor Claims (4900)

Send DC-161 to Construction with copy to PM.

See Specification Section 109.11 and P&P 810, 811

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Construction

Contractor Evaluations (4910)

Evaluate the quality of the Contract’s performance and provide results to Construction Services Procurement. In the future the Consultant Contractor Evaluation Unit will manage an evaluation system.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Construction

Project Review (4920)

For selected projects under construction, the Resident Engineer and the Project Manager shall be interviewed by the Project Management Office (PMO) to gather major issues that resulted in difficulties encountered during construction. The purpose of this procedure is to identify ways to improve the quality and constructability of the plans and specifications, to determine the need for Training and Development, to initiate Process Improvements and to gather lessons learned.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Construction, Project Manager, PMO

Consultant (Agreement) Closeout (4930)

Close out the Consultant Design agreement.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Agreement Accounting

Inspection Consultant Closeout (4940)

Close out the Inspection Consultant agreement.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Agreement Accounting

FHWA Project Agreement Closing & Suspense Analysis (4950)

See P&P 337.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Project Manager, Auditing

Final Acceptance (4835)

Submit the paperwork for project completion and for final acceptance. See Specification Section 109.07 and 109.09 and P&P 343, 813 for additional requirements. Prepare the "As-Built" plans, send, sign, and file. No Payment until the Engineering Documents clear. This includes the approval of all Final Acceptance Inspections (reports and corrective actions), obtaining FHWA approvals (if applicable) and a letter of acceptance as necessary.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Construction, Designer, Engineering Documents, Project Manager

Final Audit (4960)

See Specification Section 109.09.

Unit Tasks for this activity include:

Auditing

Updated:
April 4, 2005
April 24, 2008
Sept 16, 2008
Dec 1, 2010



Last updated date: January 8, 2020 2:03 PM