TxDOT Commission adopted rules that includes context sensitive design concepts to be included as part of project development. TxDOT has made significant revisions to our Project Development Process Manual. Specifically, the department has incorporated Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) principles to help establish the regional, local and neighborhood vision or long term objectives.
CSS Contact:
Barrie Cogburn bcogburn@dot.state.tx.us Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) (512) 416-3086
Though the department does not keep a count, numerous personnel within TxDOT, including engineers, planners, landscape architects and technicians, have attended training and presentations by recognized experts outside of TxDOT. TxDOT's VE studies incorporate CSS concepts in the analysis of the projects and TxDOT's 2004 Design Conference included a session on CSD with presentations from the FHWA and Mr. Tim Neuman of CH2M. Also, FHWA has made available CSS training that various TxDOT design personnel have attended.
CSS Manuals
Significant revisions were made to the Project Development Process Manual (6-09) in order to reflect the department’s goal of incorporating local and regional planning and policy goals into the project development process as early as possible. These revisions also aim to create ongoing local partnership feedback mechanisms to achieve sustainable urban contexts around roadways and transportation networks for appropriate corridors or projects. The manual update includes an overview of the CSS principles with reference to the Context Sensitive Solutions in Design Major Urban Thoroughfares for Walkable Communities, 2005 - The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) and the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU).
