Chapter 1 - Introduction

1.1. Purpose

The GDOT Design Policy Manual was created by committee with representatives from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the consultant community, and is intended to be a general reference of design policies required for the preparation of roadway construction plans for the GDOT.   

The GDOT Design Policy Manual contains the primary design policy for the Georgia Department of Transportation. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) policies are the basis for the criteria provided in this Manual.  This Manual supplements AASHTO policies and in some cases specifies more conservative criteria than AASHTO.

The GDOT Design Policy Manual was written primarily for the benefit of GDOT personnel as well as private consultants who provide professional services to GDOT.  It may also benefit counties, cities, towns, or other local governmental agencies on issues related to the design of roadways within their respective jurisdictions.  Every effort has been made to make this Manual as complete and error free as possible.