ADOT’s Performance Based/Practical Design Decision Process

At the initiation of each project, the Planning/Development Project Manager will develop and clearly document the Project's Objective(s) and Need(s) as part of each project’s Project Definition Document form and scoping document.
The Project Manager shall ensure that the Project's Objective(s) & Need(s) statement clearly describes the performance goal(s) and expected outcome(s) of the project (not a specific solution)

Project Need: Primary Reason a project has been proposed at a location
Project Performance Objectives: Measurable Performance Goals/Outcomes to be achieved by the completion of the project.

The Design and Project Management Team will review the project's Objective(s) and Need(s) prior to initiating every new stage in the project development life cycle to ensure they either:

Have not changed, or
Require updates/revisions to address any changes in the project's priorities, needs or objectives.

Develop & Deliver Design Projects that meet the project’s objective(s) and need(s), resulting in the most optimized performance of the roadway system.

All Design Decisions shall be documented, including alternatives evaluated and approved (ADOT’s Design Decision Documentation Form). Decisions shall be clearly documented to show how the design and project meet the project’s Objective(s) and Need(s).
- Designer/Engineer shall obtain all necessary approvals from ADOT and FHWA for design decisions.
Supporting analyses shall be provided that quantify measurable performances result by project, including:
- Safety Analyses and Operational Analyses
Provide documentation to address the value of every improvement to the corridor and system (how does it maintain or improve the performance of the project, cost and benefits of the improvement, etc.).

PBPD Occurs Throughout ADOT’s Project Delivery Process.

(Click to enlarge infographic)