Design Engineering
Overview
The Design Section is responsible for the design of earthquake and storm damage projects, bridge and culvert replacement projects and transportation improvement projects, including the State Transportation Improvement Program and the Highway Safety Improvement Program, as well as other design projects for Roads and Natural Resources. The section is responsible for obtaining funding for various projects including submitting project proposals, studies and funding requests.
The Design Section is responsible for the preparation of bid documents for construction projects including the contract plans, specifications and engineering estimate. Once the Board of Supervisors approves the solicitation for bids, the Engineering Section responds to contractor questions and issues addendums. The Engineering Section is responsible for bid openings, and will tabulate and post the bid results.
Design Process and Information
Current Engineering Design projects include only those projects that are programmed and funded through various Federal, State, and Local programs.
Most projects are divided into three or more phases: Preliminary Design and Environmental Review; Right of Way Acquisition; and the Construction Phase. Each phase may require separate funding requests and authorizations to advance the project design.
Most projects require some form of environmental review which, depending on the complexity, location, or anticipated impacts, may take years to complete. Simple projects, such as routine maintenance, can be “categorically exempt” from detailed review. However, all environmental reviews permit some level of community involvement and oversight.
Right of Way (ROW) phase: During the Right of Way phase, the Engineering Design team will work with real property agents and surveyors from the county Land Use Division to identify right of way conflicts and obtain easements or land acquisition from landowners affected by the project. If the proposed activity takes place entirely within the existing county road right of way, the ROW phase may be expedited. However, if the proposed construction involves some form of ROW acquisition, then formal procedures and regulations exist which impact the cost and timing of project completion.
Contracting procedures follow federal, state regulations, and County guidelines, depending on the funding sources. Projects are designed by the county Engineering Design Section with support from other design consultants. In most cases, plans and specifications are based on Caltrans Standard Specifications and Standard Plans which can be found on the Caltrans Design webpage.
Specific projects currently in design and construction can be found on the county's project page. If you have questions about a specific project, please contact us.