Recent Policy Changes in the EPG

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. EPG 613.1.2 Class A Partial Depth Pavement Repairs 12/22/20: New guidance for Hot Pour Polymer Modified Resin-Based Material is now available. EPG 751.50 Standard Detailing Notes, J. MSE Wall Notes 12/18/20: Several MSE wall notes were clarified. Pavement Type Selection Process 12/18/20: EPG 235.3.13 Pavement Type Selection was expanded to reflect current pavement type selection policies. New EPG 242 Optional and Alternate Pavement Designs is guidance moved from EPG Other Aspects of Pavement Design and updated to current pavement type selection policies. EPG 147.3.11 Request to Subcontract Work (Form C-220) 12/16/20: Guidance about subcontracting on JOC contracts was clarified. C-220 submittals on JOCs are not to list any items due to the nature of the work. EPG 153.6 Chief Counsel's Office 12/15/20: This new article provides details on each step and other important information needed to properly execute agreements.