Quality Management Assessment Process

General:

Caltrans protects the public's investment in the State Highway System (SHS) and must review all projects proposed on the SHS. All projects, not just those that are called "encroachment permit projects," require an encroachment permit whenever the project sponsor, its consultants, or its contractors work within the existing State highway right of way (RW).

In the early planning stages of any project within the SHS, it is highly recommended that local agencies or private groups consult with licensed professionals who have experience working within Caltrans' RW.

This can help:

• Determine if the project is feasible and aligns with Caltrans policies and standards.
• Clarify the necessary procedures.
• Develop a realistic schedule for project deliverables.

Background:

Current Caltrans review process for encroachment projects - Established in 2020

In June 2020, Caltrans, in consultation with local agencies and transportation partners, developed criteria to determine the required approval documents and the appropriate process for encroachment projects funded by others (Local Agencies or developers) on the SHS.

According to the Project Development Procedure Manual (PDPM: Chapter 9, Article 8), all projects that require an encroachment permit will be processed through one of the two processes:

Process determining factors:

Complexity of the Environmental Document
Number of Alternatives
Need for CTC action
ROW conveyances
Need for approval by the FHWA
Structure work on the State Highway System

 

 

1. Encroachment permits office process (EPOP):

   The EPOP requires a permit application review.

2. Quality management assessment process (QMAP):

   Within QMAP, there are following two processes:

   1. Design Engineering Evaluation Report (DEER) QMAP:

      This process requires a DEER which documents both project initiation and project approval eliminating the need for separate processing of a Project Initiation Document (PID). The process is intended to streamline the processing of projects-funded-by-others by reducing the steps in the project development process. This is not intended to relieve the project sponsor from meeting all other Caltrans policies, standards, and practices.

   2. Standard QMAP:

      This process requires a Project Study Report-Project Development Support (PSR-PDS) as PID. Once the PSR-PDS is complete, the project will follow standard project development procedures with Project Approval & Environmental Document (PA&ED) and Plans Specifications & Estimate (PS&E) phase.