PDDM MODIFICATION APPROVAL 

Discipline: Project Management and Highway Design 

Section / Subsection(s): Chapter 1, Subsection 1.1.3 Federal Lands Management of Risk, 1.1.5 Revisions and 

Updates, and various references and corrections throughout. 

Reason for modification: Chapter 1 modifications includes updated risk guidance for R09 and R10, SHRP2, 

modification and approval process, and abbreviations and definitions related to 3D modeling. 

Expected consequences: The updated Chapter will provide current and consistent guidance to all FLH staff. 

Modification Text: 

See PDDM Chapter 1 attached. 

Completed Coordination: 

☒

☒

☐

☐

☒

☐

☐

☐

Technical Services Branch Chiefs ☒

☒

☒

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

Construction Branch Chiefs 

Project Development Branch Chiefs Project Management Branch Chiefs 

Design Discipline Champion Construction Discipline Champion 

Bridge Discipline Champion Hydraulics Discipline Champion 

Project Management Discipline Champion Geotechnical Discipline Champion 

Hydraulics Discipline Champion Environmental Discipline Champion 

Safety Discipline Champion Materials Discipline Champion 

Pavements Discipline Champion Planning Discipline Champion 

Certification: I certify the following: 

● Above coordination was completed and all comments / concerns have been addressed and resolved in a manner 

satisfactory to all applicable parties. Comments and resolutions are on file with the FLH Discipline Champion. 

● All research and development documentation needed to support the above modification(s) is on file with the 

certifying FLH Discipline Champion. 

ALAN T TEIKARI Digitally signed by ALAN T TEIKARI 

DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government, ou=FHWA FHWASterlingVA, 

ou=DOT FHWASterlingVA, cn=ALAN T TEIKARI 

Date: 2017.11.16 15:02:38 -05'00' 11/16/2017 

FLH Discipline Champion Date 
Approval: The above described modification(s) is approved for immediate implementation: 

cn=LAURIN R LINEMAN 

Digitally signed by LAURIN R LINEMAN 

DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government, ou=FHWA LAURIN R LINEMAN FHWASterlingVA, ou=DOT FHWASterlingVA,

Date: 2018.02.08 14:52:32 -05'00' Click to enter date. 

Director, EFL Office of Project Delivery Date 

CURTIS R SCOTT Digitally signed by CURTIS R SCOTT 

DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government, ou=DOT FHWALakewoodCO, 

ou=FHWA FHWALakewoodCO, cn=CURTIS R SCOTT 02/06/2018 Date: 2018.02.06 10:31:22 -07'00' Click to enter date. 

Director, CFL Office of Project Delivery Date 

Digitally signed by EDWARD S HAMMONTREE 

DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government, ou=FHWA 

FHWALakewoodCO, ou=DOT FHWALakewoodCO, 

cn=EDWARD S HAMMONTREE 

EDWARD S 

HAMMONTREE Date: 2018.02.06 09:12:23 -08'00' Click to enter date. 

Director, WFL Office of Project Delivery Date 

Digitally signed by SCOTT T JOHNSON 

DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government, ou=FHWAHQ, ou=DOT 

Headquarters, cn=SCOTT T JOHNSON 

Date: 2018.02.08 15:09:04 -05'00' Click to enter date. 

Director, Office of Program Development Date 
 

 

 

 

 ______________________________________________ ________________ 

PDDM MODIFICATION APPROVAL 

Discipline: Design (Survey)

Section / Subsection(s): Chapter 5, Section 5.4.6

Reason for modification: 

Added new Section 5.4.6 to describe the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) on FLH projects. Minor link 

updates made to rest of chapter.

Expected consequences: 

The new section provides policy guidance for the use of UAS preparing FLH to take advantage of new 

technology.

Modification Text: 

See attached 

Completed Coordination:

✔

✔

✔

Technical Services Branch Chiefs Construction Branch Chiefs

 Highway Design/Project Dev. Branch Chiefs Project Management Branch Chiefs 

 Design Discipline Champion Construction Discipline Champion 

 Bridge Discipline Champion Hydraulics Discipline Champion 

Project Management Discipline Champion Geotechnical Discipline Champion

 Hydraulics Discipline Champion Environmental Discipline Champion 

 Safety Discipline Champion Materials Discipline Champion

 Pavements Discipline Champion Planning Discipline Champion 

Certification: I certify the following: 

● Above coordination was completed and all comments / concerns have been addressed and resolved in 

a manner satisfactory to all applicable parties. Comments and resolutions are on file with the FLH 

Discipline Champion. 

● All research and development documentation needed to support the above modification(s) is on file with 

the certifying FLH Discipline Champion. 

CHAPMAN

STEPHEN C Digitally signed by STEPHEN C

CHAPMAN Date: 2018.06.20 12:39:06 -07'00' 6/20/2018

FLH Discipline Champion Date 
 

 

 

 

Approval: The above described modification(s) is approved for immediate implementation: 

Digitally signed by LAURIN R LINEMAN 

DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government, ou=FHWA FHWASterlingVA, LAURIN R LINEMAN ou=DOT FHWASterlingVA, cn=LAURIN R LINEMAN 

Date: 2018.07.19 13:22:44 -04'00' 7/19/2018

Chief of Engineering, Eastern Federal Lands Date 

BRIAN M. KOZY Digitally signed by BRIAN M. KOZY 

Date: 2018.07.19 11:11:50 -06'00' 

Chief of Engineering, Central Federal Lands 

7/19/2018

Date 

EDWARD S 

HAMMONTREE 

Digitally signed by EDWARD S 

HAMMONTREE 

Date: 2018.07.19 10:05:07 -07'00' 7/19/2018

Chief of Engineering, Western Federal Lands Date 

Digitally signed by SCOTT T

SCOTT T JOHNSON JOHNSON 

Date: 2018.07.19 14:09:37 -04'00' 

Director, Office of Program Development Date 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

PDDM MODIFICATION APPROVAL 

Discipline: Design 

Section / Subsection(s): Chapter 12 – Right-of-Way and Utilities 

Reason for modification: Chapter 12 has been updated to amend new program requirements; update 

technical references for regulations, manuals, websites, etc.; revise process flow charts; correct and clarify 

grammar and other miscellaneous revisions. 

Expected consequences: The updated Chapter will provide current and consistent guidance to all Survey, Mapping 

Right-of-Way, Utilities and Highway Design staff. 

Modification Text: 

See PDDM Chapter 12, attached. 

Completed Coordination: 

☒ Technical Services Branch Chiefs ☒ Construction Branch Chiefs 

☒ Project Development Branch Chiefs ☐ Project Management Branch Chiefs 

☒ Design Discipline Champion ☒ Construction Discipline Champion 

☐ Bridge Discipline Champion ☐ Hydraulics Discipline Champion 

☐ Project Management Discipline Champion ☐ Geotechnical Discipline Champion 

☐ Hydraulics Discipline Champion ☐ Environmental Discipline Champion 

☐ Safety Discipline Champion ☐ Materials Discipline Champion 

☐ Pavements Discipline Champion ☐ Planning Discipline Champion_________ 

Certification: I certify the following: 

● Above coordination was completed and all comments / concerns have been addressed and resolved in a manner 

satisfactory to all applicable parties. Comments and resolutions are on file with the FLH Discipline Champion. 

● All research and development documentation needed to support the above modification(s) is on file with the 

certifying FLH Discipline Champion. 

ALAN T TEIKARI Digitally signed by ALAN T TEIKARI 

DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government, ou=FHWA FHWASterlingVA, 

ou=DOT FHWASterlingVA, cn=ALAN T TEIKARI 

Date: 2017.11.17 13:16:43 -05'00' 11/17/2017

 FLH Discipline Champion Date 
 

 

 

 

 

Approval: The above described modification(s) is approved for immediate implementation: 

Digitally signed by LAURIN R LINEMAN 

DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government, ou=FHWA LAURIN R LINEMAN FHWASterlingVA, ou=DOT FHWASterlingVA, cn=LAURIN R

LINEMAN 

Date: 2018.02.23 10:38:12 -05'00' Click to enter date. 

Chief of Engineering, Eastern Federal Lands Date 

Digitally signed by CURTIS R SCOTT CURTIS R DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government, ou=DOT 

FHWALakewoodCO, ou=FHWA 

FHWALakewoodCO, cn=CURTIS R SCOTT SCOTT Date: 2018.02.26 07:57:08 -07'00'

Click to enter date. 

Chief of Engineering, Central Federal Lands Date 

Digitally signed by EDWARD S HAMMONTREE 

DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government, ou=FHWA 

FHWALakewoodCO, ou=DOT FHWALakewoodCO, 

cn=EDWARD S HAMMONTREE 

EDWARD S 

HAMMONTREE Date: 2018.02.23 07:57:00 -08'00' Click to enter date. 

Chief of Engineering, Western Federal Lands Date 

Digitally signed by SCOTT T JOHNSON 

DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government, ou=FHWAHQ, 

ou=DOT Headquarters, cn=SCOTT T JOHNSON 

Date: 2018.02.26 08:48:22 -05'00' 

Click to enter date. 

Director, Office of Program Development Date 
Memorandum

Subject: INFORMATION: Transmittal 16, Revision to the FLH

Project Development and Design Manual (PDDM)

Date: December 29, 2014

From: Joyce A. Curtis

Associate Administrator for

Office of Federal Lands Highway

In Reply Refer To:

HFPD-1

To: Federal Lands Highway Division Directors TRANSMITTAL No. 16

This memorandum transmits the revised PDDM.

The updated PDDM with these chapter changes can be accessed at the FLH website located at 

http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/manuals/pddm/. 

If there are any questions, please contact Mr. Richard Seabrook, Design Champion, Office of 

Program Development at (202) 366-9490.

cc: FLH Directors, FLH Discipline Champions

DELETE ADD

DESCRIPTION

Page(s) Dated Page(s) Dated

Chapter 10 3/2008 Chapter 10 12/2014 Minor updates throughout, added 

Section 10.3.8 on Non-Destructive 

Evaluation.
Memorandum

Subject: ACTION: Transmittal 15, Revision to the 

Federal Lands Highway (FLH)

Project Development and Design Manual

(PDDM)

Date: January 23, 2014

From: Terry K. Haussler

Director, Office of Program Development

In Reply Refer To:

HFPD-3

To: Federal Lands Highway Division Engineers

This memorandum transmits revisions to the PDDM.

These changes have been added to the web site copy of the PDDM located at 

http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/manuals/pddm/. 

If you have any question, please contact Mr. John Seabrook P.E., Design and Project 

Delivery Engineer at (202) 366-9490.

cc: FLH Directors, FLH Discipline Champions

DELETE ADD

DESCRIPTION

Page(s) Dated Page(s) Dated

Chapter 1 3/2008 Chapter 1 7/2012 Revised Sections 1.1.4, 

1.1.5, 1.2.5, and 1.4.1.

Chapters 3 & 6

Chapter 5

Chapter 12

3/2008 Chapters 3 & 6

Chapter 5

Chapter 12

7/2012

9/2012

12/2012

Changed or removed links 

to obsolete resources

Chapter 4 3/2008 Chapter 4 7/2012 Modified text of Sections 

4.3 and 4.6 to 4.9

Chapter 7 3/2008 Chapter 7 12/2012 Modified text of Sections 

7.1 and 7.3 to 7.5

Chapter 9 3/2008 Chapter 9 8/2012 Updated entire chapter
Memorandum

Subject: INFORMATION: Transmittal 14, Revision to the 

Federal Lands Highway (FLH) Project Development and 

Design Manual (PDDM) 

Date: February 8, 2008 

From: John R. Baxter, P.E. 

Associate Administrator for 

Office of Federal Lands Highway 

In Reply Refer To: HFPD-3 

To: Federal Lands Highway Division Engineers TRANSMITTAL No. 14 

This memorandum transmits the revised PDDM. 

DELETE ADD 

Page(s) Dated Page(s) Dated 

DESCRIPTION 

Chapters 1 to 11 5/2005 Chapters 1 to 13 3/2008 Complete content revision to all 

chapters, new chapters on 

Pavements (Chapter 11) and Rightof-way (Chapter 12). 

The WFLHD is adding this change to their web site copy of the PDDM located at 

http://www.wfl.fhwa.dot.gov/design/manual/. 

The PDDM is approved for the FLH use through the Federal Lands Highway Office of Program 

Development. The PDDM has gone through a rigorous review and update by the Functional 

Discipline Leaders (FDL) and associated cross divisional teams. 
2 

The PDDM has been reviewed by the Divisions, certified by the FDLs, assured as valid by the 

FDL's respective supervising directors and recommended for approval by the Board of Directors. 

The PDDM documents the FLH best practices and standards for project development and design 

to be followed both internally and by our A/E consultants. 

The FLH has developed the 2008 PDDM to provide current policies and guidance for the 

interdisciplinary project development and design related activities performed by FLH Divisions 

and their consultants. It also serves as a guide for administrators, public officials and others, both 

within and outside FLH, who are responsible for advancing projects through the project 

development process. 

Begin to explore and follow the manual at http://www.wfl.fhwa.dot.gov/design/manual/. 

Western Federal Lands is charged with maintaining the official link for the PDDM, however a 

link is provided through any of the Division's internet or intranet sites. 

Directors and Branch Chiefs should discuss the PDDM with their staff and reinforce the manual 

as FLH's policy and guidance for project development and design. 

If you have any question, please contact Mr. John Seabrook P.E., PMP, Design and Construction 

Operation Engineer at (202) 366-9490. 

cc: FLH Directors, FLH Functional Discipline Leaders 
 

U.S. Department 

of Transportation 

Federal Highway 

Administration 

Memorandum

Date: 

Reply to 

 Attn. of: HFPD-1

Subject: INFORMATION: Transmittal 13, Revision to the FLH 

Project Development and Design Manual (PDDM) 

 From: J.B. Wlaschin 

Director, Office of Program Development 

 To: Federal Lands Highway Division Engineers TRANSMITTAL No. 13 

This memorandum transmits the revised PDDM and updates to the FLH Standard Drawings. 

DELETE ADD 

Page(s) Dated Page(s) Dated 

DESCRIPTION 

Chapters 1 

to 11 

- Chapters 1 

to 11 

6/10/2005 Minor corrections to all chapters, 

updated in dual units, re-formatted 

style for electronic publishing, 

hyperlinked, and 508 compliant. 

Chapter 9, 

Exhibit 9.38 

12/4/1998 Chapter 9, 

Exhibit 9.38 

6/10/2005 New and revised standard drawings. 

(Revised List of Approved Standard 

Drawings and Description of 

Revisions to Standard Drawings.) 

The WFLHD is adding this change to their web site copy of the PDDM located at 

http://www.wfl.fhwa.dot.gov/design/manual/. Standard drawings may be viewed at 

http://www.wfl.fhwa.dot.gov/design/standard/. 

Attachments 

cc: FLH Directors, FLH Functional Discipline Leaders 
 

U.S. Department 

of Transportation 

Federal Highway 

Administration 

 

Subject: INFORMATION: Transmittal 12, Revision to the FLH 

Project Development and Design Manual (PDDM) 

This memorandum transmits the revised Chapter 7 and a minor correction to Chapter 9. 

DELETE ADD DESCRIPTION 

Page(s) Dated Page(s) Dated 

Chapter 7 6/13/1996 Chapter 7 11/10/2000 Revises all of Chapter 7 including 

the index and exhibits 

Chapter 9, 6/13/1996 Chapter 9, 11/10/2000 Corrects dimensions of letter sized 

page 129 page 129 sheet 

 

 

The WFLHD is adding this change to their web site copy of the PDDM. The address of this site 

is http://www.wfl.fhwa.dot.gov/projects/pddm/pddm.pdf. 

Attachments 

cc: Jose Ramirez 

Date: 

Reply to 

 From: J.B. Wlaschin Attn. of: 

Director, Office of Program Development 

 To: Federal Lands Highway Division Engineers TRANSMITTAL No. 12 

HFPD-1
 

U.S. Department 

of Transportation 

Federal Highway 

Administration 

 

Subject: INFORMATION: Transmittal 11, Revision to the FLH Date: 

Project Development and Design Manual (PDDM) 

Reply to 

 From: Chief, Engineering and Operations Division Attn. of: HFL-21

 To: Federal Lands Highway Division Engineers TRANSMITTAL No. 11 

This memorandum transmits the revised Chapter 8 and approves one new and several revised 

standard drawings for inclusion in the PDDM. The electronic copies of the revised standard 

drawings have been forward directly from the WFLHD. 

DELETE ADD DESCRIPTION 

Page(s) Dated Page(s) Dated 

Chapter 8 6/3/1996 Chapter 8 12/4/1998 Revises all of Chapter 8 including the 

index and exhibits. 

Chapter 9, 1/15/1998 Chapter 9, 12/4/1998 New and revised standard drawings. 

Exhibit 9.38 Exhibit 9.38 (Revised List of Approved Standard 

Drawings and Description of Revisions 

to Standard Drawings.) 

 

A summary of the resolution of the comments, which includes each Division’s incoming 

comments from the September 21 draft distribution of Chapter 8, is also attached. The WFLHD 

is adding this change to their website copy of the PDDM as well as the CD-ROM Library version 

they are currently producing. 

J.B. Wlaschin 

3 Attachments 
 

U.S. Department 

of Transportation 

Federal Highway 

Administration 

 

Subject: INFORMATION: Transmittal 10, Revision to the FLH Date: January 9, 1998 Project Development and Design Manual 

Reply to 

Attn. of: From: Chief, Engineering and Operations Division HFL-21

Federal Lands Highway Office 

 To: Federal Lands Highway Division Engineers TRANSMITTAL No. 10 

This transmittal documents the approval of standard drawings for inclusion in the Project 

Development and Design Manual (PDDM). The electronic files and hard copies of the revised 

drawings are being forwarded directly from the WFLHD. 

DELETE ADD DESCRIPTION 

Page(s) Dated Page(s) Dated 

Index for 9/8/1997 Index for 1/9/1998 Revise Exhibit 9.38 Index to reflect 

Exhibit 9.38 Exhibit 9.38 new and updated standard drawings 

Pages 1-4 Pages 1-4 

 

The attached Index for Exhibit 9.38 includes the original approval date and latest revision date 

for each approved standard drawing. A summary is also attached that briefly describes the 

reasons for the current revisions. 

J.B. Wlaschin 

2 Attachments 
 

U.S. Department 

of Transportation 

Federal Highway 

Administration 

 

Subject: INFORMATION: Transmittal 9, Revision to the FLH Date: September 10, 1997 Project Development and Design Manual 

Reply to 

Chief, Engineering and Operations Division Attn. of: From: HFL-21

Federal Lands Highway Office 

 To: Federal Lands Highway Division Engineers TRANSMITTAL No. 9 

This transmittal documents the approval of 29 revised standard drawings for inclusion in the 

Project Development and Design Manual (PDDM). The electronic files (on CD ROM) and hard 

copies of the revised drawings are being forwarded directly from WFLHD. They are also 

available on the WFLHD’s Web file server (Internet address ftp:/198.145.188.2). 

Most of the drawing changes were required due to the decision by the Concrete Reinforcing Steel 

Institute not to stock hard converted reinforcing steel sizes. The drawings reflect the comments 

received from the drafts that were forwarded for comments on January 9. 

DELETE ADD DESCRIPTION 

Page(s) Dated Page(s) Dated 

Index for 6/3/1996 Index for 9/8/1997 Revise Exhibit 9.38 Index to reflect 

Exhibit 9.38 Exhibit 9.38 revisions to standard drawings (sent 

Pages 1-4 Pages 1-4 separately) 

 

Besides the revised Index for Exhibit 9.38, a table briefly describing the changes is also attached. 

J.B. Wlaschin 

2 Attachments 
 

U.S. Department 

of Transportation 

Federal Highway 

Administration 

 

Subject: INFORMATION: Transmittal 8, Revision to the FLH Date: May 30, 1997

Project Development and Design Manual (PDDM) 

Reply to 

 From: Chief, Engineering and Operations Division Attn. of: HFL-21

Federal Lands Highway Office 

 To: Federal Lands Highway Division Engineers TRANSMITTAL No. 8 

Several revisions to the PDDM are underway, including the rewrite of several chapters. The 

current revision is the first since the electronic version was transmitted in June 1996. The 

WFLHD will include the revisions in the electronic version on their Web Page. The WFLHD is 

also continuing efforts to update the standard drawings for the reinforcing steel changes and will 

make the standard drawings and other exhibits in the PDDM available on CD ROM in the near 

future. 

DELETE ADD DESCRIPTION 

Page(s) Dated Page(s) Dated 

Exhibit 8.3 6/3/1996 Exhibit 8.3 5/28/1997 Revise Exhibit 8.3 to reflect correct 

Pages 1-3 Pages 1-3 NCHRP Report number. 

 

This change is needed to prevent users outside FLH from mistakenly believing that the aesthetic 

barrier systems noted have been tested under NCHRP 350. Currently, FLH has no plans to retest 

those systems under NCHRP 350. As new systems are developed, they will be tested under the 

criteria approved by FHWA at the time of testing. 

J.B. Wlaschin 

Attachment 
 U.S. Department 

of Transportation 

Federal Highway 

 

Administration 

Subject: INFORMATION: Electronic Metric Version Date: June 3, 1996

Project Development and Design Manual 

Reply to 

From: Chief, Engineering and Operations Division Attn. of: HFL-20

Federal Lands Highway Office 

To: Federal Lands Highway Division Engineers TRANSMITTAL No. 7 

The metric version of the Federal Lands Highway Project Development and Design Manual 

(PDDM) is attached on floppy disks. Comments received from users of the August 1995 

“Working Draft” have been incorporated. This metric version is intended to be kept only 

electronically. Information on extracting the compressed files is included on the attached 

Supplemental Information sheet. 

DELETE ADD DESCRIPTION 

Page(s) Dated Page(s) Dated 

All Chapter 1 6/3/1996 Metric Revision of Entire 

(Chapter 1 10/21/1988 through PDDM 

through to Chapter 11 

Chapter 11) 6/29/1994 

 

Several chapters have comprehensive revisions underway or planned, and some exhibits are not 

included on the disks. The supplemental Information sheet also has the status of the revisions 

and exhibits. 

Hugh B. Jones 

3 Attachments