Recent Policy Changes in the EPG

EPG 236.4.5.5 Right of Entry 2/19/21: New Right of Entry guidance is available for when and how this agreement (RW21) should be used. EPG 238.2.17 Professional Land Surveyor Review 2/19/21: Guidance was updated to reflect the legal requirement that permanent easements must be signed and sealed by the PLS. EPG 147.3 Job Order Contracting (JOC) 2/18/21: The opening paragraph has been updated because the FHWA has incorporated their Final Rule for ID/IQ projects into 23 CFR 635 Subpart F. JOCs are a procurement means for delivering ID/IQ projects. Statewide Signal/Lighting/Flasher Preventive Maintenance Checklist 2/17/21: This new Highway Safety/Traffic checklist is available at EPG 101 Standard Forms and EPG 902.5.8.4 Record Keeping. EPG 237.13.1 Design Contract Plans 2/17/21: Clarified guidance about how to name contract plan files when typical sections are not included in the plans. EPG 127.1.2.1 Location/Conceptual Plan Stage 2/11/21: Guidance was clarified that NEPA can be approved at location/conceptual plan stage for simple projects but occurs later for more complicated projects. EPG 134.3.2 Fixed Fee Review 2/9/10: Guidance has been clarified (for instance, Facilities Capital Cost of Money Rate is not included in the fixed fee calculation). Open Cell Foam Joint and Preformed Compression Joint 2/8/21: Guidance for open cell foam joint seal and updated preformed compression seal for revised manufacturer data was implemented in EPG 751.13.1.1.12 Expansion Type Selection Table, EPG 751.13.2 Preformed Silicone, EPDM, and Open Cell Foam Joint Seals, EPG 751.13.3 Preformed Compression Seal Expansion Joint System. In EPG 751.50 Standard Detailing Notes, H5. Expansion Joint Systems, preformed compression joint notes were updated and in H5f. Open Cell Foam Joint Seal, new notes for Bridge Standard Drawings were added. EPG 751.22.1.4 Span and Structure Lengths 2/4/21: Guidance has been added that limits span lengths to 105 ft. for Type 6 girders due to stability issues arising from lengths greater than this length. EPG 751.50 Standard Detailing Notes 2/2/21: The coating requirements for Grade 50 W steel sole plate were clarified in the notes associated with Standard Detailing H3.29.1 and H3.49.1 as well as the Standard Detailing Notes H3.29.1 and H2.49.1 themselves. EPG 231.4.2 Pavement Resurfacing and Rehabilitation Projects and EPG 231.4.3 Shoulder Widening Projects 2/1/21: Guidance has been revised to standardize the construction of shoulder widening projects across all the districts. This revision also establishes that Type A2 and Type A3 shoulders are used only in conjunction with the construction of new pavement. EPG 231.4.3 Shoulder Widening Projects replaces the former non-numbered article, EPG Minor Routes Shouldering Project Guidelines. EPG 231.2 Clear Zones 2/1/21: Guidance now incorporates additional Roadside Design Guide (RDG) verbiage, RDG tables, and recommends a safety analysis as a means of documenting decisions for safety strategies. Early Acquisition and Advance Acquisition 1/27/21: New EPG 127.14.3.7 Early and Advanced Acquisition of Right of Way and extensively updated EPG 236.3.4 Right of Way Acquisition Authority and Project Funding (especially EPG 236.3.4.4 Early and Advance Acquisition) now present guidance that match new FHWA requirements. EPG 616.6.2.2 Flags and Advance Warning Rail System on Signs 1/26/21: Guidance about when to use flags on signs has been clarified. QRG, AWP CO Estimate Final 1/22/21: A new QRG, AASHTOWare Final Project Estimate, is available. EPG 751.50 Standard Detailing Notes 1/22/21: A new Standard Detailing Note, I1.71, replaces a detail on Bridge Std. Dwg. REDECK01. EPG 129.3 “Virtual” Public Involvement (VPI) 1/21/21: Additional guidance related to recording and posting virtual events is now available. EPG 751.5.1.1.1 CAD Levels 1/20/21: Two levels used for internal editorial purposes were added to the list of Bridge CADD levels. Also added were some basic instructions for printing editorial content in color on an otherwise black and white print drawing. EPG 107.12 Contractor's Responsibility for Work 1/12/21: Several scenarios have been provided to clarify guidance. EPG 109.12 Change Orders 1/7/21: Guidance has been clarified via a general re-write. EPG 712.1.4.1.3 Shear Connector Welding 1/4/21: Guidance updated to clarify shear connector welding requirements. EPG 231.8 Bridge Width 12/31/20: Guidance now reflects the latest practice of a 24 ft. minimum width. EPG 712.1.5.4 Bolt Testing and Verification 12/31/20: New guidance for bolt testing and verification is now available. EPG 751.50 Standard Detailing Notes, A1.4 Standard Plans 12/30/20: A new Standard Detailing Note A1.4, listing applicable standard plans, is now available. In EPG 751.5.1.5 Order of Plan Sheets, updates to the order of plan sheets were made. In EPG 751.5.2.1.3 Information Blocks, references to standard plans in the title block was removed. EPG 712.1.4.1.4 Acceptable Field Welding Processes 12/23/20: Clarified the field welding procedure that uses flux cored arc welding and shielded metal arc welding.