Project Phases

The TIP identifies project costs and schedules by phase.  These phases are:

Scoping: This phase involves meetings with project developers and designers, local government representatives, and other involved parties. Decisions are made about the specific elements that will be included in the project and the range of design alternatives that will be investigated.
Preliminary Design:  This phase included basic engineering work on each alternative, traffic studies, environmental analyses, and other work specific to the project.  Public outreach in accordance with state and federal requirements is used to gain community input on the project.  A preferred alternative is selected to advance the project.
Detailed Design:  This phase included detailed engineering work on the preferred alternative.  This phase results in the plans and specifications that the construction contractor will work from.
Right-of-way Incidentals:  Preparation work done prior to the acquisition of the right-of-way.
Right-of-Way Acquisition:  This phase includes the acquisition of right-of-way (property) necessary to complete the project.  Acquisition can be achieved through the purchase of property or an easement.
Construction:  This encompasses all work necessary to build the project.
Construction Inspection:  This phase includes ongoing inspection to ensure construction is performed properly and conforms to specifications.  This work is often contracted out.
Operation:  This designates funds that are used for the Traffic Operations Center, bridge inspection etc.
Other:  This phase is usually associated with public transportation projects and involves the purchase and acquisition of vehicles and associated preventive maintenance, though in some cases, such as for station, parking, and maintenance/storage facilities, the construction of permanent facilities is undertaken.