bridge planning seminar 2008

AT FPS Bridge Planning Expectations1

Bridge Planning Seminar 2008


Overview of Current Bridge Planning for Functional

Planning Studies

• The definition, purpose, scope and use of Functional Planning Study has changed considerably since AT restructuring in 1995.

• In general the level of detail currently provided in FP studies with respect to bridge planning issues has increased significantly

• The amount of bridge planning effort in many FP studies exceeds what is required to adequately address bridge issues

• Most FPS studies should not require an intensive bridge structural engineering effort


Types of FPSThe following types of types of planning studies and/or hybrid studies

are commonly currently sourced by AT as Functional Planning Studies:

• FPS driven by access management or land development issues• FPS for network corridor planning and protection of future right of

way• FPS review studies just before design/preliminary engineering• FPS for alternative delivery models• FPS requiring paralleling process with design • FPS including conceptual design and/or DD preparation• FPS studies dealing with traffic management issues or minor

functional deficiencies ( likely inappropriate for FPS )• FPS driven by spot improvements ( more applicable to location

studies )


Determination of the Level of Bridge Planning Required

• Request clarification of TOR from project sponsor• Projects not constrained by pending construction/design

schedules/horizons or site constraints generally should have higher level big picture (less detail ) bridge planning.

• Amount of detailed information likely to be available for the study will also provide a guide as to the level of detail to be provided with respect to bridge planning

• All recommended bridge planning outcomes should be supported by sufficient effort and confirmatory investigations to validate their viability where critical to the ultimate plan and staging options


General Bridge Planning Requirements

• Summary section within report highlighting bridge and/or related river engineering issues for proposed alternates

• Justification from a bridge planning and overall project life cycle cost perspective for the recommended bridge plan

• A-Estimate level costs where and when required• Appropriate documentation and confirmation of design

standards, best practices, planning level hydrotechnical parameters and analysis matrix used to derive the recommended bridge plan

• Where existing structures influence viability or options appropriate “planning level” bridge assessments should also be included


Bridge Planning Sketches/Drawings

• Functional planning level bridge drawings or sketches are generally required for most FPS including:– Cross sections over and under structure– Plan view of proposed crossing including

geometry and relevant site information– Relevant clearances, estimated bridge

opening parameters and big picture staging details

– vertical alignment profiles


Typical Drawing/Sketch Details

bridge planning seminar 2008

Documents