Design
The Division of Design provides policies, procedures, guidance, technical assistance, training and equipment needed to develop and maintain a safe, sustainable, integrated and efficient transportation system.
The Design Program innovates design solutions by:
- Ensuring the adoption of “Best Practices” and design information to promote safety, statewide consistency, efficiency and quality.
- Assisting in the application of design standards and practices to facilitate the resolution of project development issues.
- Providing technical support and design expertise on highway design issues related to motor vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
- Establishing flexibility in Caltrans highway design standards and procedures, especially in the context of urban environments and multi-modal design.
- Providing technical support, training and guidance to District personnel for CADD roadway design software, drafting software, and engineering GIS applications.
- Providing Capital Outlay Support staff with computers, laptops, monitors, printers, plotters and other necessary tools.
- Providing and maintaining information technology servers and data storage to meet the needs of the Districts.
Broadband Facility Program
- Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative
- Incorporating Broadband Facilities on the State Highway Right of Way
Clean California Beautification Program
Complete Streets Program
This policy establishes a requirement for all transportation projects funded or overseen by Caltrans— in locations with current and/or future pedestrian, bicycle, or transit needs—to provide comfortable, convenient, and connected complete streets facilities for people walking, biking, and taking transit or passenger rail.
Construction Contract Standards
Innovative Design & Delivery Methods
Landscape Architecture
- An Introduction to Landscape Architecture
- Erosion Control Design (Includes the Erosion Control Toolbox)
- Landscape Architecture and Community Livability
- Plan or Design a State Highway Roadside Project
- Program a State Highway Roadside Project
- Roadside Management Toolbox
- Seed Plant Calculator (TransPlant)
- Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) for Projects on State Highway System (Includes the VIA Preparation Questionnaire Tool)
Manuals & Guidance
- Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) Users Manual
- CADD Consultant Resource Files and Guidance
- Design Information Bulletins (DIBs)
- Design Memoranda
- Fish Passage Design for Roadway Crossings Guidance
- Highway Design Manual (HDM)
- Plans Preparation Manual (PPM)
- Project Development Procedures Manual (PDPM)
- Project Planning and Design Guide (PPDG)
Project Support
- Cost Estimating Resources
- Encroachments and Utilities
- Freeway Agreements and Route Matters
- Hydraulics and Stormwater
- Resolutions of Necessity