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Plans Preparation Manual (PPM)

Plans Preparation Manual - U.S. Customary Units (English)

The Plans Preparation Manual (PPM) establishes uniform standards and procedures to be used when preparing right of way maps, preliminary exhibits, and the development of project plans.  The PPM states and illustrates how Caltrans presents a project for bidding and construction. The PPM text portion describes what should be contained on each type of project plan sheet and explains the how and why of presenting this information.

The PPM Examples illustrate the design presentation standards on each type of project plan sheet and contain valuable informational/explanatory notes.

This manual and examples are only available on the Caltrans internet website and will be incrementally updated by section as needed to reflect current design presentation standards for all advertised projects on the State Highway System (SHS). Future updates to any section will supersede any section with an earlier date. All previous changes to the PPM are summarized in the PPM Errata.

MicroStation Is the Standard Drafting Software at Caltrans

The following 2014 Caltrans Memorandum mandates the use of MicroStation as the Caltrans standard drafting software:

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Click Below to View the Plans Preparation Manual's Chapters & Examples

All PPM Chapters - Complete Download Version (Updated 4/14/23) (PDF)

All PPM Examples (HTML)

Plans Preparation Manual (Chapters/Sections) Last Updated
PPM Foreword (PDF) 10/18/2019
Chapter 1: Introduction (PDF)
  • 1-1.1 Purpose
  • 1-1.2 Application of Plan Preparation Standards
  • 1-1.3 General Drawing Criteria
  • 1-1.4 Preparing Drawings
  • 1-1.5 Types of Engineering Drawings
  • 1-1.6 Use of Computer Aided Drafting and Design
  • 1-1.7 Electronic Data and Project Delivery Process
  • 1-1.8 Content and Development of Electronic Files
 3/19/2018
Chapter 2: Project Plans
Section 2-1: Policies and Procedures for Preparing Project Plans (PDF)
  • 2-1.0 Application of Plan Preparation Standards
  • 2-1.1 Composition of Project Plans and General Preparation Procedures
    • Right of Way
    • Railroad Involvement
  • 2-1.2 Drafting Standards
  • 2-1.3 U.S. Customary Unit Standards
  • 2-1.4 Use of Standard Plans
  • 2-1.5 Plan Sheet Borders
  • 2-1.6 Electronically-Generated Plan Sheet Signatures and Project Development Names
  • 2-1.7 Project Identification Blocks and County Abbreviations
  • 2-1.8 Sheet Identification Codes, Sheet Names and Plan Order
  • 2-1.9 Project Plan Submittals
  • 2-1.10 Project Plan File Formats
 9/10/2018
Section 2-2: Project Plan Sheet Specific Data and Examples
 		6/5/2020
6/16/2020
12/8/2016
6/30/2020
8/30/2017
9/10/2018
9/14/2016
9/10/2018
9/9/2022
9/10/2018
9/10/2018
11/16/2016
8/6/2020
9/10/2018
9/10/2018
9/10/2018
9/10/2018
9/10/2018
9/10/2018
9/10/2018
5/22/2020
  • 2-2.23 Electrical Systems (PDF)
    • Checklist for Electrical Plan View Sheets
    • Checklist for Electrical Detail Plan Sheets
    • Checklist for Electrical Quantity Sheets
 4/14/2023
1/1/2008

Section 2-3: Processing Plans After PS&E Submittal (PDF)

  • 2-3.1 Draft Contract Ready
  • 2-3.2 Project Ready-to-List (RTL) Certification
  • 2-3.3 As-Awarded
  • 2-3.4 Contract Change Order
  • 2-3.5 As-Builts (Roadway Plans)
  • 2-3.6 As-Builts (Structure Plans)
  • 2-3.7 Projects Not on State Highway
 9/10/2018

Chapter 3: Preliminary Project Development Drawings

Section 3-1: Introduction (PDF)

  • 3-1.1 General
  • 3-1.2 Maps
  • 3-1.3 Photogrammetric Maps

Section 3-2: Maps and Exhibits - Specific Data (PDF)

  • 3-2.1 General
  • 3-2.2 Strip Map
  • 3-2.3 Route Adoption Map
  • 3-2.4 Freeway/Controlled Access Highway Agreement Exhibit
  • 3-2.5 New Public Road Connection Location Map
  • 3-2.6 PUC Exhibits
 7/31/2015

Chapter 4: Right Of Way Engineering Mapping

  • Section 4-1: General (PDF)
  • Section 4-2: Cost Estimate Mapping (PDF)
  • Section 4-3: Right of Way Hardship Map (PDF)
  • Section 4-4: Right of Way Protection Map (PDF)
  • Section 4-5: Right of Way Appraisal Map (PDF)
  • Section 4-6: Federal Lands Application Map (PDF)
  • Section 4-7: Map Application for State Sovereign Lands (PDF)
  • Section 4-8: Resolution of Necessity Map (PDF)
  • Section 4-9: Court Exhibit Map (PDF)
  • Section 4-10: Director's Deed Maps (PDF)
  • Section 4-11: Transfer of Jurisdiction Map (PDF)
  • Section 4-12: Right of Way Record Map (PDF)
  • Section 4-13: Relinquishment Maps (PDF)
  • Section 4-14: Vacation Map (PDF)
  • Section 4-15: Freeway Lease Area Map (PDF)
  • Section 4-16: Right of Way Map Files (PDF)
 1/31/2008

Appendix:

Appendix 4A: Right of Way Engineering Mapping Abbreviations (PDF)

 1/31/2008