1. Context Sensitive Solutions
And Design Flexibility
Moderator: Joe J. Sanchez, PE. NMDOT
Chris Baca, P.E. PB
Carlos Padilla, P.E., LBG

2. NMDOT CSS Status
• Context Sensitive Solutions
– Transportation Solutions +
Community
• Integrated Transportation
Services
– Value Engineering
– Professional Services Contracting
– Environmental and Urban Design

3. What Makes NM a CSS DOT?
• FHWA CSS CRITERIA Level 4
– Level 4: Meets CSS/CSD Criteria
– (from the 2/27/2003 CSS/CSD Game Plan)
Criteria A - there is a written commitment or policy.
Criteria B - technical staff is trained in CSS approach,
both in field and central offices and across disciplines
(planning, environment, design, right-of-way,
operations, maintenance).
Criteria C - most projects are being implemented using
CSS approach, tools, and methodologies.
Criteria D - there is early, continuing, and iterative public
involvement throughout the project development
process.
Criteria E - interdisciplinary teams are involved in the

4. Measurement Framework for CSS
Multi-disciplinary teams
Community engagement
Agreement on project problems &
needs
Alternatives analysis
Construction
Training
Manuals
Policies
Motivation
Timeframe and Budget
Stakeholder satisfaction
Achievement of Project Vision & Goals
Stakeholder satisfaction
Quality Assurance Review

5. Integrating CSS into the
Location Study Procedures
Location Study Procedures
Phase One C
Formal NEPA
Document and
Decision Document
Phase One B
Detailed Evalaution
of
Alternatives
Phase One A
Initial Evalaution
of
Alternatives
CSD/CSS Model
Traffic and
Engineering
Issues and
Constraints
Environmental
Issues and
Concerns
Evaluate
Alternatives,
Select and
Document
Develop
Alternatives

6. We all remember this chart
Arterials ( Rural/Urban)
higher mobility
low degree of access
Collectors (Rural/Urban)
balance between mobility
and access
Locals (Rural/Urban)
lower mobility
high degree of access

7. What’s that Chart got to do with
Me?
• Characterize the Roadway and Land Use
– Cars
– Cars & Trucks
– Cars/Trucks/People
– Cars/Trucks/People/Farms &
Ranches/Industry/Zoning
– Cars/Trucks/People/City Life/Industry/Zoning

9. Designing for the Facility
• Identify Design Controls
– Functional Classification
– Terrain
– Location ( Rural/Urban-mixed)
– Traffic Volume
– LOS
– Design Driver and Vehicle
• Speed
• Project Type
– New Construction
– Reconstruction of Existing
– 3R ( Resurfacing, Restoration, & Rehabilitation

10. Role of the Design Professional
• Develop safe, effective, creative alternatives
• Communicate Stakeholder concerns & issues for
Decision Makers
• Participate in the Project Decision Process
• Incorporate Public Input w/Env. Doc’s
• Document Project Decision’s
• Assure Community Issues are addressed
through the construction phase

11. Applying CSS in Terms of Design
And Flexibility
• Sustainability
– Adapt to Facility
– Resources ( Public/Agency)
– Community Traditions and Roles

12. Are we to smart for our own good?
• The Engineers Trap.
– We really want to help!
– We think we can solve everything!
– We think we can design a solution right away!
• Do our stakeholders really what us to help that
much?
– Stakeholders want to be heard!
– Stakeholders want to understand why we design the
way we do!
– This doesn’t mean giving up responsible engineering
charge!

13. Which brings us to the Question:
When is the right time for choosing
Higher or Lower Design Standards?
Chris, would
you like to fill
us in?