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WFLHD SUPPLEMENT 9.6.5-1 

9.6.5 STANDARD FORMAT FOR PLANS

Prepare project plans in WFLHD using the guidance provided in this section and the PDDM. 

Following this guidance produces plan sheets that are accurate, neat, presentable, and that 

will reproduce legibly. The following sections detail the standard format, drafting standards, 

and organization of the plan sheets of a PS&E package in WFLHD. 

Revise the following sections of PDDM Section 9.6.5: 

9.6.5.1 Format

It is FLH standard practice to prepare all plan sheets using an approved CADD system. 

MicroStation from Bentley Systems, Inc. is the current FLH standard CADD system. Rare 

exceptions (e.g., conceptual drawing, architectural renditions, emergency projects) may be 

necessary to accommodate special needs of internal sections or cooperating agencies. 

When manual drafting becomes necessary, it should be accomplished in a manner that 

duplicates the appearance of CADD drafting to the extent possible. 

The standard size of plan sheets should be approximately 11 in by 17 in [279 mm by 

432 mm]. The standard size plan sheets should provide approximately a 1.4 in [35 mm] 

margin for the binding on the left edge, a 0.3 in [7 mm] margin on the right edge and a 

0.3 in [7 mm] margin on the top and the bottom. This accommodates an effective sheet 

size of approximately 10.4 in by 15.3 in [265 mm by 390 mm]. For plotting purposes, the 

useable sheet dimensions may be slightly reduced (e.g., 10.7 in by 16.7 in [271 mm by 

423 mm] with 1.1 in [27 mm] left margin and 0.2 in [5 mm] margins on the right, top and 

bottom). Margins may be reversed for double-sided (duplex) printing.

When applicable, “book size” plan sheets as small as 8.5 in by 11 in [216 mm by 279 mm] 

may be used provided they give sufficient information to describe and construct the project. 

Consider abbreviated plans for very low complexity projects such as minor emergency relief, 

safety improvements, and RRR. 

See the WFLHD Sample Plans for plan sheets prepared using the guidance in this section.

Shaded boxes show the recommended text styles or fonts (FT), text sizes (TX), line spacing 

(LS), level, line style (LC), weights (WT), and color (CO) to be used in the preparation of the 

plans. 

9.6.5.2 Drafting Standards

The use of applicable drafting standards establishes uniformity and quality in the drafting of 

contract plans. Use care in laying out details and locating text on a plan sheet. Ensure that 

the relationship between the text and graphic elements is clear.

Provide sufficient notes on plan drawings to clarify the drawing and provide necessary 

information for a complete understanding of the work. Make notes clear, concise, 
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descriptive and as brief as possible to convey the message. Do not present duplicate 

information in the contract documents (plans and specifications) to avoid potential conflicts 

and ambiguities, especially if changes are made later to only one of the documents. Do not 

highlight (repeat) requirements of the specifications on the plans, or repeat the 

requirements of the FP within the SCRs. Such highlighting may unintentionally diminish the 

importance of other contract requirements.

Place text with the correct style and at the size specified. Proper spacing between figures, 

symbols and words assures clarity, improves neatness and increases accuracy.

Deviations from these guidelines are acceptable provided basic drafting practices are 

followed and the deviation will improve the drawings. There are situations where the size 

and weights should be adjusted to emphasize or clarify specific information on a plan sheet. 

For example, centerline stationing along the plan alignment may require a heavier weight 

for clarity where culture or other background data tends to clutter the drawing.

9.6.5.2.1 Scales

Set the drawing scale to best display the desired information. Even in case where the scale 

is not needed on the final plan sheet, it is best practice to draw elements at the actual size. 

This allows the plan sheet preparer to make full use of automatic dimensioning. 

The drawing scale is set in the design model using the annotation scale. Several default 

annotation scales are available in MicroStation. Figure A shows typical scales used for plan 

sheets: 

Figure A – Annotation Scales 

Scale Typical Usage

True 

Scale

Metric 

Equivalent

1"=200' Plan sheet, 3000' [700 m]/sheet 1:2400 1:2000

1"=100' Default US Customary sheet

Plan sheet, 1500' [350 m]/sheet 1:1200 1:1000

1"=60'

Plan sheets (less used)

1:720

1"=50' 1:600

1"=40' Plan sheet, 600' [175 m]/sheet 1:480 1:500

1"=10'

Typical sections (scale not shown)

1:120 1:100

1"=5' 1:60 1:50

1/16"=1'-0" Structural drawings 1:192 1:200

1/8"=1'-0" Structural drawings 1:96 1:100

3/16"=1'-0" Structural drawings 1:64

1/4"=1'-0" Structural drawings 1:48 1:50

3/8"=1'-0" Structural drawings 1:32

1/2"=1'-0" Structural drawings 1:24 1:25

3/4"=1'-0" Structural drawings 1:16 1:20

1"=1'-0" Structural drawings 1:12 1:10
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Scale Typical Usage

True 

Scale

Metric 

Equivalent

1 1/2"=1'-0" Structural drawings 1:8

3"=1'-0" Structural drawings 1:4 1:5

6"=1'-0" Structural drawings 1:2 1:2

Full Size 1=1 Default sheets, Structural drawings 1:1 1:1

9.6.5.2.2 Line Work

Use line weights to accent the proposed construction work. Select the correct level, line 

style and weight and use them in the correct relationship to other lines on the plans. Make 

a good, clear delineation of all lines so the proposed work will stand out in contrast to 

existing features. 

Do not draw hidden contours under a structure with the long dash line style (LC=3). Use 

the medium dash line style (LC=2) instead. Show hidden lines of structures with the same 

style.

Do not place lines, hatching, or patterning through words or figures. Place hatching at 

approximately 45-degree angle to the object being hatched.

See FLH CADD Level Library for standard (By-Level) line weights, styles, and colors.

9.6.5.2.3 Lettering

When placing text on plan sheets, do not crowd other information. Carefully choose 

locations for text labels that are as close as possible to the point of application. In general, 

show text labels identifying proposed work one line weight heavier than the text for existing 

features. Place text in a manner such that it is not upside down. Text is to be legible when 

the plan set is oriented either 1) with the binding on the left side of the plan set or 2) with 

the binding on the top of the plan set (rotated 90 degrees clockwise). Text orientation 

should be consistent on individual sheets.

Do not use the letters "I," "O," "N," or "Z" as cross-section indicators. I and O resemble 

symbols shown on drawings and N and Z are the same shape, but oriented 90 degrees. 

When you reach the end of the alphabet, use AA, BB, etc. Place the section letters at the 

end of the section arrow, not on one side.

Use commas to separate thousands and millions (i.e. 99,999 rather than 99999 or 

99 9999).

Use abbreviations on plan sheets only where there is not enough space to spell out the 

word. In instances where the meaning of an abbreviation appears doubtful, the word 

should be spelled out. Do not capitalize abbreviations unless the word or words represented 

are ordinarily capitalized, or unless the abbreviation itself has become established as a 

capital letter, such as N for north. A period usually follows each part of an abbreviation that 

represents a single word. This aids in quick interpretation of an abbreviation, such as 
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"a.m.", not "am". The exception to a period following an abbreviation is with units of 

measure where periods are not used. The abbreviations shown on the “Plan Symbols and

Abbreviations” sheet in Figure I have been adopted for use on plan sheets. Other 

abbreviations may be used as long as they are in common usage (e.g. units of measure, 

misc., i.e., etc. ...) or defined in the contract.

Use the FLH text and dimension styles for typical text. These styles automatically set the 

text properties for text and dimensions commonly used in plan sets. Place text labels with a 

leader line and filled arrowhead by using the built-in “Place Note” function. This increases 

drafting speed and maintains uniformity. See the FLH Text and Dimension Styles for more 

information.

Use a “Footnote” to supplement labels where insufficient space is available at the label 

location. Use a “Note” for general information that is relevant to the entire sheet. Do not 

use the term “General Notes”. When possible, place Notes and Footnotes on the right hand 

side of the sheet with Notes placed above Footnotes. 

9.6.5.2.4 Color

Color may be used to clarify complex plan and profile sheets. Color plan and profile sheets 

should be considered for complex projects. When used, color plan sheets should be 

distributed for plan reviews and construction sets. Color plans will not normally be 

distributed to bidders. Shades of gray may also be used to clarify plan sheets. See 

Figure B for standard colors to be used for colored plan and profile sheets. By default, color 

plotters will plot colors as they appear in the CADD drawing. Special pen tables are 

available that will plot drawings using the standard colors. These pen tables are set to 

“fade” and/or turn “gray” the existing features (levels E_*). 

Figure B – Standard Colors

CADD 

Color

Plotted 

Color Feature

CO = 0 Black Information not listed below

CO = 1 Blue Water (river and streams) (LV = E_HYD_)

CO = 2 Green Trees (LV = E_VEG_)

CO = 3 Red Proposed centerline (LV = P_HAL_), construction cut 

and fill limits (LV = P_RDW_Slope_Stake_Limits), and 

profile grade (LV = P_VAL_)

CO = 79 Purple Proposed ROW (LV = P_RW_)

CO = 0 Gray Existing features (LV = E_, selected)

CO = 137 Brown Major contours (LV = E_GEO_Index_Contours)

CO = 6 Orange Minor contours (LV = E_GEO_Intermediate_Contours)
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9.6.5.2.5 Levels

Specific levels have been set up for various functions and roadway elements as shown in 

below. Place elements on the levels that best describe the element’s purpose. See FLH 

Level Library for a complete listing of all levels. 

Figure C – Level Library Summary

Level Description

D_Details Geometry for general details

D_Dimensions Notes, labels, and dimensions. Dimension elements are 

automatically placed on this level when using the Dimension 

Styles.

D_Tables Tables

D_Sheet Level for sheet borders.

E_ Existing Features

E_CR_ Cultural Resources

E_GEO_ Existing ground features

E_HYD_ Existing hydraulic features

E_MAP_ Existing mapping

E_NR_ Existing wetlands and vegetation

E_PLM_ Existing planimetrics

E_RDW_ Existing roadway edges

E_ROW_ Existing right-of-way and property lines

E_SUR_ Surveying information

E_VEG_ Existing vegetation

E_UT_ Existing utilities

P_BRG_ Proposed bridges

P_EC_ Erosion control

P_EOP_ Proposed roadway edges

P_GPK_ Geopak elements

P_HAL_ Proposed horizontal alignments

P_HYD_ Proposed hydraulics and culverts

P_LA_ Proposed landscaping

P_MISC_ Proposed miscellaneous features

P_NR_ Proposed wet land mitigation

P_RDW_ Proposed roadway appurtenances

P_SMD_

P_STR_ Proposed minor structures

P_TC_ Proposed traffic control
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Level Description

P_UT_ Proposed utilities

P_VAL_ Proposed vertical alignments

X_ GEOPAK criteria levels

AUX_ Auxiliary levels for elements not otherwise categorized

9.6.5.2.6 Stationing

Do not use "Station" or “Sta” as a prefix to station numbers. Any numbering including a 

plus sign (for example 2+959 or 30+00) is understood to be a station number.

9.6.5.2.7 CADD Filenames

Create unique CADD filenames; each containing a reference to the project followed by either 

a roadway design file type or a sheet type designator. Always use the default DGN 

extension for MicroStation design files. 

< unique project designator> + <design or sheet file type> + .dgn

Use the unique project designator found in the Active Project File Prefix Listing as well as 

the utility to generate sample file names. For more information including the current design 

and sheet file type suffixes, refer to the WFLHD File Naming Convention. 

9.6.5.2.8 Cell Libraries

Graphics that are used on a consistent basis such as plan sheet borders, key maps, and 

symbols are located in cell libraries. Cell libraries are located on the WFLHD network and on 

the WFLHD Cell Library pages. 

9.6.5.3 Organization of Plans

Organize plan sheets to show a logical progression of the project work. Group plan sheets 

according to their type and give each section a sequential letter. Fill in the margin block 

containing the designer’s name, checker’s name, filename, and date on each project specific 

plan sheet.

Follow the section order shown in Figure D. On most projects reserve Sections A, B, C, and 

D for the categories shown. Use the remaining sections as necessary to fit the specific 

project requirements. Other sections may be added as necessary. 

Decide on an arrangement within the guidelines that best fits the project needs. For 

instance, on a project that consists only of scattered work sites it may be advantageous to 

use a section for each site. 
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Number plan sheets consecutively within each section. Place tabulation of quantity sheets 

at the beginning of the section that shows the work item except as noted. The following 

discussion describes the content of the major sections. 

Figure D – Plan Sheet Sections in Typical Order 

A. GENERAL INFORMATION

 – Title Sheet including Index to Sheets (All projects)

 – Plan Symbols and Abbreviations (All projects)

– Vicinity Map (as applicable)

B. SUMMARY OF QUANTITIES

– Include on all projects

C. TYPICAL SECTION (Most projects)

 – Place tabulations and typical sections. On small projects these may be on the same sheet

D. PLAN-PROFILE (Most projects)

 – Place tabulations followed by mainline plan/profile sheets

– May be renamed “LINE GRAPH” or other applicable plan sheet type

APPROACH ROADS AND PARKING AREAS (Use next letter for included sections)

 – Place tabulations followed by approach plan sheets (including profiles as appropriate) and/or 

parking area details

 – As appropriate split into multiple sections or include with the Plan-Profile section

SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL

 – Tabulation of Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Quantities

 – Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plans

– FLH Standards, WFLHD Details, and project specific sheets

MATERIALS SOURCES

– Plans and details pertaining to the material sources

DRAINAGE

 – Tabulation of Drainage Quantities

 – Drainage Cross-Sections

– Applicable FLH Standards, WFLHD Details, and other project specific sheets

SAFETY FEATURES

 – Applicable FLH Standards, WFLHD Details, and other project specific sheets

– Normally include quantity tabulations with the section where it is shown on a plan sheet

FENCES, GATES, AND CATTLE GUARDS

 – Applicable FLH Standards, WFLHD Details, and other project specific sheets

 – Normally include quantity tabulations with the section where it is shown on a plan sheet

MISCELLANEOUS

– If needed, drawings that fit nowhere else 

WETLAND MITIGATION

– Tabulation of Wetland Mitigation Quantities followed by plans and details

LANDSCAPING AND REVEGETATION

 – Tabulation of Landscaping Quantities followed by plans and details
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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CONTROL

 – Tabulation of Temporary Traffic Control Quantities

 – Temporary Signing and Detour Plans

– Section 635 FLH Standard Drawings, WFLHD Details, and other project specific sheets

PERMANENT TRAFFIC CONTROL

 – Tabulation of Permanent Traffic Control Quantities

 – Signing and Striping Plans

– Section 633 & 634 FLH Standard Drawings, WFLHD Details, and other project specific sheets

BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

– Drawings obtained from Bridge

9.6.5.3.1 Title Sheet

The Title Sheet serves to identify the location and limits of the project so bidders can find it 

in the field. Descriptive terms appearing on the title sheet should be readily identifiable by 

the topography, culture, or by use of State highway maps. Details that help to clarify the 

limits of the work or provide data needed to conveniently bid the work are encouraged. 

The following items should be included on the title sheet:

● Title and project designation (matching information in scheduling system) 

● Project length

● State, county, city/town, National Forest/Park, etc.

● Key map of the State showing project location

● Index of sheets with all sheet descriptions matching the sheet’s title block. If the 

entire index will not fit on the title sheet provide a section index.

● Design classifications such as the current Average Daily Traffic (ADT), design year 

ADT, directional distribution (D) when available, percent trucks (T) when available, 

design speed (V) and maximum superelevation rate (e)

● Design consultant logo (if applicable). Place logo in lower left corner and ensure that 

the logo is not larger than two-thirds the size of the logo in the sheet heading. Do 

not show an address or phone number on the logo. 

● Consultant PE stamp (if applicable)

● Provisions for dates and signatures of the appropriate approving officials (see 

Supplement 9.6.4.4-1).

● Standard specifications to be used on the project 

● Project Location Map (See below for more details)

● World Heritage Site logo (if applicable, see list). National Parks on the list include 

Glacier, Glacier Bay, Olympic, Wrangell-St Elias, and Yellowstone.

Prepare the project vicinity map using a scale ratio of 1:100,000 or larger. Show the 

project area, the nearest towns appearing on a State highway map, other roads, railroads, 

major streams, etc. In instances where sufficient information cannot be placed on the 

project vicinity map to adequately identify the project work, prepare additional vicinity maps 

on separate sheets. Additional details that help to clarify the limits of the work or provide 

data needed to conveniently bid the work are encouraged. 

In addition to the above information, show the following on the project vicinity map:

● Distance from the project to nearest cities and towns linked to project termini
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● North Arrow

● Location Map scale bar

● Beginning and ending stations or termini

● Schedule boundaries (when applicable)

● Material sources (when applicable)

● Disposal sites, stockpile sites, and storage areas (when applicable)

● Staging Areas (when applicable)

● Water sources (when applicable)

● Offsite Mitigation (when applicable)

9.6.5.3.2 Plan Symbols & Abbreviations

The Plan Symbols & Abbreviations sheet details all of the standard plan symbols and 

abbreviations currently in use by the WFLHD. This sheet is designated as Detail 

(M)W101-1. The symbols sheet was developed using the cells from the WFLHD cell 

libraries. Scale and cell name may be determined using MicroStation’s command “element 

information” on symbols in this sheet.

When a special symbol is required that is not included on this sheet, show it in a legend on 

either the first plan sheet where the symbol appears or on the left side of the first planprofile sheet. Abbreviations not shown may be placed on the plans similar to the way 

symbols are placed or may be added to the contract as a special contract requirement under 

Subsection 101.03 Abbreviations.

The symbols and abbreviations should not be changed on a project-to-project basis. When 

a change is required in the Plan Symbols & Abbreviations sheet to satisfy WFLHD's needs, 

change the master file so all future projects will have the same symbols and abbreviations. 

This prevents the need to check all the data on the sheet for every project. This 

documentation supporting the design exception decision should be prepared at the earliest 

possible point in the design process and must become a part of the PS&E package presented 

to the owner agency.

9.6.5.3.3 Summary of Quantities

The Summary of Quantities tabulates, combines, and summarizes the contract quantities for 

all pay items. This summary informs prospective bidders where to locate work within the 

plan sheets, the allowances if any, and expands on contract bid schedule information. It 

also serves as a helpful checklist to the designer to ensure that all elements of the design 

receive consideration. 

This is generally one of the last plan sheets prepared in final form. The contents of this 

sheet are automatically generated using the Engineer’s Estimate program. All the pay items 

are listed in numerical order and identified by appropriate descriptions. The bid schedule 

quantities duplicate those in the contract. Show any pertinent information by the use of the 

remarks column. Items of work paid for under the contract quantity provision of Section 

109 should be identified when preparing the engineer's estimate.
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In the preparation of the Summary of Quantities Sheet or the Tabulation of Quantities 

Sheets, always spell out the pay unit the way it is shown in the FLH master pay item list. 

Symbols for pay units are expressed without periods (e.g., m [ft], m2 [SQFT], kg [lb], etc). 

Conformity with the information shown on the Plan Symbols and Abbreviations Sheet will 

improve the consistency of a set of plans.

9.6.5.3.4 Typical Sections

The Typical Section shows the shape of the finished cross-section with the construction 

limits, and represents the appearance of the completed project. It must be specific enough 

to describe the proposed work, its location, and material needs. Identify all functional 

elements of the typical section to a relative scale. Show widths in meters [feet] and show 

thickness or depth in millimeters [inches].

Use standard terminology matching the FLH Standard Drawings and the FP for features and 

pay items. Identify the following on the typical section:

● Indicate the location of the “Travel Way” and “Shoulder” on all sections where 

applicable

● Identify the typical section as “Mainline”, the roadway name, or a specific approach 

road, along with the applicable stations (if more than one section), or companion site 

name by including a subtitle with each typical section.

● Use a “bubble” detail to clarify complex pavement structures.

● Use the full bid schedule item name to call out pavement structure features.

● Where an additional section uses the same pavement structure as the mainline, 

reference the mainline typical for surfacing depths (e.g. See Mainline Typical). This 

will reduce errors should the typical sections change during the development of the 

design. 

● Include a curve widening table on the typical section if applicable. No slope ratio 

table is required.

Provide a slope rounding detail separate from the main line typical section. Show details for 

both the cut and fill slope rounding (if used). Separate details eliminate the need to 

duplicate these details on each typical section. Generic typical sections may be used to 

show different pavement structures and/or lane width/shoulder dimensions in one section to 

reduce the number of typical sections. Generic sections should be identified by TYPE (e.g. 

“Type 1" and “Type 2") using a table to describe the approach road station, type, class, 

roadway width, radiuses, etc.

Include the following notes as applicable:

● Superelevate roadway on curves at the rate ‘e’ as indicated on the Plan and Profile 

curve data.

● Construct slopes as shown in the Staking Report (see FAR 52.236-4).

● For cut heights less than the behind slope rounding distance (B), reduce the B 

dimension to the cut height dimension and reduce the front slope rounding distance 

proportionally.

● Apply [half of curve widening equally to both traveled ways] OR [full curve widening 

to inside travel way]. Curve widening is reflected in the field notes. 
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Place the tabulation of pavement structure quantities either on the typical section sheet or 

on the first sheet of this section. Show the estimating values (i.e. t/m3, lb/ft3) in the table 

for each item. (Refer to the Project Development Manual Section 9.4.10 for the appropriate 

significant figures.) See Plan-Profile Tabulation of Plan Quantities section for more 

information on tables.

9.6.5.3.5 Plan-Profile

Under this subject area, the designer may incorporate plan and profile sheets, plan sheets, 

line graphs, or other descriptive sheets that describe the proposed work.

Tabulation of Plan Quantities. Place quantity tabulations for items pertaining to the plan 

sheets (i.e. roadway obliteration, roadway excavation, guardrail, fence, etc.) either on the 

first plan sheet or on a separate tabulation sheet before the plan sheets. These tables aid 

the bidders in precisely locating the work areas and determining the effort required to 

perform the work. 

Tabulation of quantities sheets consist of detailed summaries of work items presented in a 

tabular format. It provides bidders with more detailed information on the location and 

extent of the work required than can be shown on the summary of quantities sheet. 

Tabulations should show how a quantity is developed, not just repeat the quantity shown in 

the Summary of Quantities. Arrange the tables by increasing pay item number. Tables 

may either be drawn using CADD software or created in a spreadsheet made to look like a 

normal plan sheet. The WFLHD cell library (work_dd.cel) includes a table cell called “table3" 

which may be used or referred to as a guide. Sample spreadsheets are also available as 

guides. 

Plan and Profile. Prepare plan and profile sheets at a scale that is adequate to show the 

necessary details as governed by the topography and the complexity of the work. Plans 

usually have a horizontal scale of 1:2000 [1" = 200 ft] when prepared on a standard size 

sheet. Larger or smaller scales may be used depending on the amount of detail to be 

shown. Profiles have the same horizontal scale as the plan, but the vertical scale should 

have an exaggeration of 5 or 10 times the horizontal scale.

When laying out plan and profile sheets, avoid dividing major structures, highway 

intersections, interchanges, or grade separations between sheets. Use supplemental sheets 

as necessary to make these drawings as clear as possible. Leave approximately a third of 

the first plan-profile sheet blank. Leave a similar blank space after the end of project on the 

final plan-profile sheet. Use the blank space on the first plan-profile sheet for project 

specific legends, utility information (name, type, contact and phone number) and other 

miscellaneous information beneficial to the contractor. Except for the first and last sheet 

attempt to place 700 meters [3000 feet] on a sheet, at 1:2000 scale [1"=200 ft], and break 

sheets at even 100 meter station [10 stations] numbers. Increasing stationing runs from 

left to right. 

Plan View. Show the following information on the plan view:

● A prominent North arrow for orientation on each sheet. 
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● All boundary lines, State, county, city, township, and section lines. Where ties are 

shown to section corners that fall off the sheet, break the line and show the corner 

with tie distance. Describe found corners and show their coordinates. Also show 

streams, lakes, swamps, estuaries, etc.

● Include contours on complex projects on an as-needed basis. Fade or fade and color 

contours when plotted.

● When available show control point (CP) coordinates in a Control Point Table. Use a 

CP symbol and symbol number on the plan view.

● Station coordinates and elevation of the beginning of the project and the end of the 

project on the first and final plan-profile sheets, as appropriate.

● Include clear and concise labels and notes in the plan view. Ensure they are short 

and to the point. Utilize special details and special contract requirements to clearly 

define the work to be performed.

● On all sheets show the construction limits, access control lines, easements, and 

right-of-way lines. Within the right-of-way, show all cultural features requiring 

relocation, such as utilities and fences (when not on the right-of-way line). Identify 

all ownerships for right-of-way purposes. Show all drainage structures. Show any 

cultural features adjacent to the right-of-way that may be affected by the project. 

● Curve data consisting of delta angle, radius of curve, tangent length, length of curve, 

and super-elevation should be shown. Curve widening may also be shown at this

location. For spiral transitions, the spiral angle and length of spiral should be shown. 

Identify the station (0+000 or 0+00) at least 5 times per sheet along the centerline. 

Show bearings of all tangents.

● Show the location of borings, test pits, or other sites where subsurface investigations 

have been made on the plan portion of the plan-profile sheet. Do not show actual 

log or test results on the plan-profile. Use separate plan sheets for this data.

● Graphically show the proposed locations of culvert pipe (drawn to approximate 

skew), guardrail, wall, and other proposed work items. Where these items are called 

out in the profile view, no note is necessary in the plan view. Call out proposed work 

items either in the plan or profile view. Show exact station limits of proposed 

features in tables where applicable. 

● Call out removal items and roadway obliterations with a note and show in a table as 

applicable.

● Include contours on complex projects on an as-needed basis. Fade or fade and color 

contours when plotted.

● Include companion site’s (turnouts, parking areas, etc.) mainline stationing, 

centerline, outline, and cut/fill limits. Include approach road symbols. 
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Profile View. On the profile portion of the plan-profile sheets show the profile grade and 

existing ground lines. Show vertical curve information including station, elevation, length, 

and curvature (“k” value). Place a note indicating the profile grade and existing ground 

lines. Show gradients on the profile to four decimal places, grade elevations to two decimal 

places, and natural ground points (if any) to two decimal places. Show vertical and 

horizontal clearances for railroads, highways, and streambeds under proposed and existing 

structures. 

Also show the following information on the profile view:

● Identify locations for items such as underdrain, subexcavation, and special ditches 

within the profile view with a bar graph (preferred) or plan view (acceptable). Show 

exact stations, lengths, elevations, and other information in a summary. 

● Place a note at the approximate locations of pipe culverts listing the size of the pipe 

culvert. It is not necessary to show pipe culvert symbols. Note exact station and 

lengths in drainage summary. Include Q25 and HW/D ratio for 1200 mm [48 inch] 

culverts and larger. 

● Show bridges and major structures to be constructed on the plan and profile in 

outline only, with a note to see the appropriate drawings. 

● Show the approximate location of guardrail on profile by using a bar graph. Use 

circles at end of bars with notation stating terminal end section type. Exact 

stationing is not required on the profile, but should be placed in a summary.

● Include a quantity bar showing unadjusted excavation and embankment quantities. 

Break the earthwork bars at the end of runs (i.e. If no earthwork is generated or 

required over a portion of the project, don’t show the quantity bar in that location).

● Show proposed work items that have not been called out in the plan view.

9.6.5.3.6 Associated Roadways

Plans, profiles, and details for approach roads, parking areas, turnouts, and other 

associated roadways may be placed in a single section or in multiple sections as 

appropriate. It may be appropriate to include approach road plans with the mainline plan 

and profile sheets. The designer should make the plans clear to the intended audience. 

Use unique stationing for designed approach roads and secondary roads. Ensure that the 

stationing is different than stationing found on the mainline (e.g. the first approach road 

begins with 1+000, the second approach road begins with 2+000, etc...). Label matching 

stations where the designed approach road or secondary road intersects the mainline (e.g. 

M.L. 23+59 = Appr. 1+00). Either use the abbreviations “M.L.” and “Appr.” defined on the 

Standard Symbols and Abbreviation sheet, or use the roadway names. 

Provide elevations and coordinates for critical points within parking areas, if centerline and 

staking notes are not provided. Include note stating, “Elevations shown are to finished 

grade unless otherwise noted.” 
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9.6.5.3.7 Soil Erosion and Sediment Control

This section consists of plans, detail drawings and standard drawings that detail the 

measures required to protect resources and to comply with permit stipulations. The plan 

sheet details should reflect Best Management Practices (BMP); comply with Erosion and 

Sediment Control on Highway Construction Projects, FHWA, 23 CFR Part 650, Subpart B.; 

and be in agreement with the stipulations in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination 

System (NPDES) permit. Include erosion and sediment control plans for all applicable 

projects, not just large or complex projects. It is not satisfactory to leave the development 

of erosion and sediment control plans to the contractor or project personnel after project 

award. 

As a minimum, erosion and sediment control plans should identify erosion and sediment 

sensitive areas and provide a mechanism for minimizing any adverse effects. The plan 

sheets should show the contours and proposed erosion control features. For complex 

and/or environmentally sensitive projects also include topsoil, permanent seeding, and 

mulching locations in the erosion control section rather than the plan profile section.

9.6.5.3.8 Materials Sources

When a material source is included, show the following:

● Baseline (Survey Data)

● Contours

● Disturbance limits

● Boundaries of the materials source

● Boundaries of main extraction area

● Maximum final slope ratio

● Rehabilitation Plan

● Geotechnical information

● Stripping notes

● Seeding plan

● Borehole locations

● Typical section for source development including benching requirements

See Section 9.6.5.3.14 of the PDDM for more information regarding Reclamation Plans.

9.6.5.3.9 Drainage

This section consists of the Tabulation of Drainage Quantities, details of large culvert 

installations, headwalls, inlet and outlet treatments, fish passage requirements, energy 

dissipators, catch basins, manholes, and other drainage installations. Drainage standard 

drawings should also be included in this section.

The Tabulation of Drainage Quantities sheet lists all permanent culverts and related 

drainage data. Show the location of the drainage installation under the station heading. 
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Show related data in the row across the sheet under an appropriate column heading. Total 

the figures in the various columns to obtain the quantities to show on the summary of 

quantities sheet for the appropriate culvert item. 

Provide drainage cross-sections for all culverts greater than 1200 mm [48 inches]. Show 

skew angle measured from a line perpendicular to centerline.

9.6.5.3.10 Other Sections

Provide separate sections for safety features (Items 617, 618, etc.), fences and related 

items (Items 619), walls, utilities and other items of work not described in other parts of the 

plans. These sections should contain the standard plans and other details pertaining to the 

work. Individual detail sheets that do not fit well into other sections may be placed in a 

Miscellaneous Details section.

9.6.5.3.11 Environmental Mitigation

Commitments for environmental mitigation features that are contained in the environmental 

documentation should be detailed as necessary and included in the project plans as Special 

Details and/or shown at the appropriate location in the plans.

Plan sheets for wetland replacement or mitigation are special drawings that detail all work 

required to ensure successful mitigation. These may range from simple sketches to 

elaborate contour grading and planting plans that conform to the commitments in the 

environmental document. 

9.6.5.3.12 Landscaping and Revegetation Plans

When applicable, show special grading details, slope treatments, landscaping, salvage of 

vegetation, planting layout, plant installation details, irrigation, and other permanent 

landscaping features on separate plan sheet details for clarity and ease of use. 

9.6.5.3.13 Temporary Traffic Control

Provide details to assure safe passage of traffic through a specific project construction zone. 

Use a table format to list the required traffic control devices and signs. For most low 

volume roads provide standard traffic control layouts that conform to the MUTCD. For areas 

with complex traffic control, graphically portray the striping and traffic control device 

locations. For projects with complex schedules, provide a complete work schedule summary 

showing work restrictions such as road closures and environmental restrictions either in the 

specifications or the plan sheets.
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9.6.5.3.14 Permanent Traffic Control

Provide tables and details showing the permanent pavement marking, sign, object marker, 

and delineator locations. For complex areas provide a graphical plan showing the proposed 

striping and sign locations in addition to the tables. Also show details for unique signs.

9.6.5.3.15 Bridges

The Structural Design unit designs most bridges and other large structures. The designer 

will usually receive a complete set of bridge plans and accompanying draft Special Contract 

Requirements for insertion into the PS&E assembly. The bridge plans and roadway planprofile sheets, and other plan sheets, must be crosschecked for compatibility and to ensure 

that stationing, gradients, elevations and other geometric details are identical. The notes 

on the bridge plans and the draft Special Contract Requirements must be reviewed and 

checked to eliminate any potential conflict with other provisions of the contract. Transfer 

quantities on the bridge plans to the summary sheet and assign item numbers as 

appropriate. Resolve any differences found during the review and number the bridge plans 

for insertion into the final package. 

Structure sheets may be inserted into the plan package anywhere following the plan-profile 

sheets. They are often placed last in the plan package.

9.6.5.3.16 Contiguous Projects

A general plan or layout of contiguous construction projects may be beneficial to potential 

bidders in determining the cost of work on FLH projects. This is particularly true where 

another agency is constructing a project that will affect FLH contractors. It is essential that 

the relationship between the projects be well detailed on the plans.

There are instances where as-constructed plans should be included in the contract plan 

package. If a bridge or other structure is scheduled for salvage, a set of the as-constructed 

plans will greatly assist a contractor in determining the most effective method to 

disassemble the structure.

On occasion, right-of-way plans or utility plans may be too complicated to incorporate on 

the plan and profile sheets. They could be inserted into the plans under this subject area.

9.6.5.4 FLH Standard Drawings, Standard WFLHD Details and 

Special Details

Arrange the FLH Standard Drawings, Division Details and project-specific Special Details in 

the subject section to which the drawing applies.

9.6.5.4.1 FLH Standard Drawings

Refer to PDDM Section 9.6.5.4.1 for information regarding FLH Standard Drawings. 
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9.6.5.4.2 Standard WFLHD Details

In addition to the standard drawings issued by the Federal Lands Highway Office, the 

WFLHD has developed approved details for use on all projects as applicable. WFLHD Details

are intended for details that are used on a repetitive basis. Details from other FLH Divisions 

may also be used as applicable.

Details are organized in a similar fashion to the FLH Standard Drawings. The detail number 

consists of the corresponding three digit section number from the Standard Specifications 

for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Projects (FP), prefixed with a “W”. WFLHD 

Details will be created for both US Customary (W000-0) and Metric (MW000-0) units. For 

example, the “Gabion Basket” details are W253-1 (US Customary) and MW253-1 (Metric).

Special Details that are used on many projects should be nominated to become a WFLHD 

Detail. Coordinate review and approval of new WFLHD Details with the appropriate 

technical specialists, the Specifications Engineer, the Construction Branch, and the Highway 

Standards Engineer. 

9.6.5.4.3 Special Details

Special Details are project specific details necessary to properly describe the work. Special 

Details include plan sheets detailing grade crossings, turnouts, retaining walls, dikes and 

ponds, waste or borrow areas, stage construction plans, permanent striping and signing 

plans, road approaches, material source locations and other work.

When a medication is made to Standard Drawings or Standard WFLHD Details for specific 

projects, they become special details. Remove the typical standard or detail drawing title 

blocks to prevent confusion. Use the normal sheet title blocks for these drawings. 

Standard plans prepared by State DOT’s or other outside agencies that are incorporated into 

the contract should be treated as Special Details for insertion into the plans package. 

Ensure that all references to specifications or other drawings align with the remainder of the 

project package.

A FLH Special Details Database is maintained, which may be helpful for development and 

sharing of project-specific special plan details and the associated specifications and unit 

costs.