Category:128 Conceptual Studies

A conceptual study is used to coordinate MoDOT thinking on the improvements to be included in a project and to obtain approval of them as required. A conceptual study report is prepared for relatively small projects that provide specific improvements. The approved study is then used as the basis for further design. The format of the study is dependent on the proposed improvements.

A conceptual study consists of a written report that is presented in one of three formats. The basic format is used for projects containing geometric improvements. There are also two specialized report formats for projects that primarily consist of improvements to the driving surface and shoulders, with limited geometric improvements. These reports are the 3R conceptual study report (for resurfacing, restoration or rehabilitation of non-freeway roadways) and the 4R conceptual study report (for resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation or reconstruction of interstate or freeway roadways).

As each project is developed, a conceptual study or a location/environmental study is required to document the direction that the core team is taking to address the identified transportation need. A conceptual study will provide sufficient documentation for the types of projects described below. However, more complex projects or those with a potential for greater environmental impacts will require the preparation of a location/environmental study. All projects are required to have a safety assessment review through all phases of the project development process. The SAFER tool was developed to facilitate these discussions within the project development teams. The details for preparing a Location Study and Alternative Analysis are available. In any case, each project that is developed requires the preparation of one of these types of report.