Chapter 2 - Design Policies and Standards

2.1. General Design Policy Information

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Design Policy Manual establishes uniform policies and procedures for GDOT roadway design functions. This document is intended to serve as a basic design reference for GDOT designers and consultants under contract with GDOT, and it documents the various design policies, practices, and other guidelines specific to GDOT in a single location. This Manual is primarily written to provide design guidance for projects involving the new construction or major reconstruction of roadways.

Guidelines, design policies, and practices discussed in Chapter 11, Other Project Types specifically address the following types of other projects:

• roadway resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation (3R) projects
• preventative maintenance (PM) projects
• bridge fencing and bridge jacking projects
• intelligent transportation system (ITS) projects
• signing and pavement marking projects
• traffic signal projects
• noise barrier projects
• guardrail and/or other barrier projects

Guidelines, design policies and practices discussed in this Manual in Chapter 14, Lighting specifically address roadway or area lighting in a stand-alone lighting project or within another GDOT project. 

Unless stated otherwise, the policies in this manual apply to permanent construction of Georgia roads and highways. Different controls and criteria may be applicable to temporary facilities.