Advance planning in highway project development processes : key variable identification & categorization

In order to preserve public and environmental interests during the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) right-of-way acquisition process, a succession of planning activities and legal constraints exists. Many of these restrictions set precedence in the sequence of activities that TxDOT must follow when undertaking its project development process (PDP). This research study investigates a potential method to promote early identification of design elements and related requirements necessary for the authorization of right-of way release. As part of this study, a detailed literature review and multiple interviews with TxDOT district and division employees help identify current planning practices, tools, and techniques utilized by TxDOT. Using this data, the research team goes on to synthesize a list of key planning variables that effect right-of-way development.