Location and Design Division

VDOT GOVERNANCE DOCUMENT
Location and Design Division
Issued January 2005 - July 2023

Road Design Manual

The most recent version of the Road Design Manual is presented. This version supersedes all previous versions and incorporates all previous revisions. All future revisions will be incorporated into this online version and detailed in the “Revisions” folder. Much of the information in this new edition has been shifted between chapters to reflect the concurrent engineering process. There is also some shifting in page numbering. For example, page 2D-15 in the previous edition is now 2D-14.

The information provided in this electronic version of the Road Design Manual is a product of, and copyrighted by, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and is intended to be used for informational purposes only and is not to be sold or otherwise distributed for profit. Although this data has been tested by the Virginia Department of Transportation, no expressed or implied warranties are made by VDOT concerning, the accuracy, completeness, reliability and usability of this information. The Virginia Department of Transportation assumes no responsibility for any incorrect outcomes or damage resulting from the use of this information. All users shall expressly hold the Virginia Department of Transportation harmless from any liability or loss due to a virus or any other computer or software generated problem associated with these files.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTERS	DESCRIPTION
Chapter 1A	Organization
Chapter 1B	Nomenclature
Chapter 1C	Geographic Locations
Chapter 1D	Concurrent Engineering Process
Chapter 1E	Quality Control
Chapter 2A	Project Development
Chapter 2B	Initial Roadway Investigation & Preliminary Field Inspection
Chapter 2C	Preliminary Design
Chapter 2D	Plan Design
Chapter 2E	Field Inspection
Chapter 2F	Right of Way Plan Development
Chapter 2G	Construction Plans
Chapter 2H	Sample Plan Sheets

APPENDIXES

APPENDIX	TITLE
Appendix A1	Geometric Design Standards
Appendix A2	Clear Zone - Lateral Offset Guidelines
Appendix A3	Innovative Intersection & Interchange Design Guidelines
Appendix A4	Guidelines for RRR Projects
Appendix A5	Bicycle and Pedestrian Guidelines
Appendix A6	Airport Clearance Requirements
Appendix A7	No Plans & Minimum Plan Projects
Appendix A8	Sequence of Construction Transportation Management Plans
Appendix A(1)	VDOT Complete Streets: Bicycle & Pedestrian Facility Guidelines, Bus Stop Design & Parking Guidelines
Appendix B	Subdivision Street Design Guide (SSR) (After July 1, 2009 Used Only For Grandfathered Developments)
Appendix B(1)	Subdivision Street Design Guide (SSAR) (Effective July 1, 2009)
Appendix B(2)	Multimodal Design Standards For Mixed-Use Urban Centers
Appendix C	Design Data
Appendix D	Quantity Tables
Appendix E	Concurrent Engineering Constructability Review Guidelines
Appendix F	Access Management Design Standards For Entrances and Intersections
Appendix G	Reserved: See Appendix F For The Access Management Standards
Appendix H	VDOT Design-Build Preliminary Engineering Guide
Appendix I	Traffic Barrier Installation Criteria
Appendix J	Traffic Barrier Installation Criteria (MASH)
PREFACE	MEANINGS OF “SHALL” OR “WILL”, “SHOULD” AND “MAY”
INDEX

Revisions | Read Me File

This manual is no longer available for purchase.
Note: Reference to all Metric Units have been removed.

Page last modified: July 19, 2023